Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
Introduction
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To be sure your vehicle is ready to operate, conduct a pre-trip inspection
at the beginning of each work period. Follow the steps listed in this
section to ensure a proper vehicle inspection procedure. The pages in
this section may be produced locally and used on a regular basis.
VEHICLE INSPECTION INFORMATION
Note:Always make sure the parking brake is applied before starting the
engine.
Engine compartment (with engine stopped)
Engine oilUse the dipstick to verify the oil level is in the
proper operating range.
Engine coolantLook through the plastic reservoir or the clear
sight glass on the reservoir (depending upon
vehicle equipment) and verify the coolant level is
within the proper operating range as marked on
the reservoir.Do not remove pressure cap
until the coolant has cooled.
Power steering
fluidVerify that the fluid level is in the proper
operating range. Refer toPower steering fluidin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Brake fluidRemove the master cylinder caps and inspect the
fluid level. The full mark is at the bottom of the
opening of the fluid ports.
Hydraulic clutch
fluidRemove the cap and inspect the fluid level. The
full mark is at the step of the reservoir.
Belts (fan,
alternator, water
pump and A/C
compressor)Inspect for glazing, fraying or cracking. There
should be no more than 5-7 cracks per rib, per
inch (2.5 cm).
Fluid leaksInspect for signs of fluid puddles, dripping fluid
on the ground under the engine or the underside
of the engine.
HVAC air inletInspect for debris that may have collected on the
HVAC air inlet grille or inside the exterior module
as this may cause reduced system performance.
Vehicle Inspection Guide
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Front brakes
HosesInspect for cracked, worn or frayed hoses; verify
all couplings are secured.
ChambersVerify brake chambers are not cracked or dented
and that they are securely mounted.
Slack adjustersInspect for broken, loose or missing parts. The
angle between the push rod and adjuster arm
should be approximately 90° when the brakes
are applied. When pulled by hand, the push rod
should not move more than approximately 1 inch
(2.5 cm).
DrumsVerify there are no cracks, dents or holes and no
loose or missing bolts and that brake linings are
not worn, dangerously thin or contaminated by
lubricant.
Front wheels
RimsInspect for damaged or bent rims; they should
not have welding repairs and no rust trails that
indicate it is loose on the wheel.
Lug nutsVerify all lug nuts are present and not loose (look
for rust trails around the lug nuts); there should
be no cracks radiating from the lug bolt holes or
distortion of the bolt holes.
Hub oil sealsInspect wheel hub oil seal for leaks and, if sight
glass if present, verify the oil level is adequate.
Oil-lubricated
front wheel
bearingsInspect for proper lubrication level if the hubcap
has a transparent window. If the hubcap does not
have a transparent window, remove the rubber
fill-plug and inspect for proper level.
WARNING:If a wheel must be changed, obtain expert tire
service help. Mounting and un-mounting of tires should only be
performed by a qualified technician using necessary safety procedures
and equipment, otherwise the result could be property damage,
personal injury or death.
Vehicle Inspection Guide
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Diesel particulate filter (diesel
engine only):Illuminates when the
soot level in the DPF has reached a
point where it requires operator
assistance. Refer toDiesel
particulate filterin the
Maintenance and Specifications
chapter and your engine operator’s
manual, for more details.
Do not shift (Allison automatic
transmission only):Illuminates
while driving if a problem has been
detected and shifting may be
restricted. Depending upon the
severity of the problem, the
read-out digit on the shifter display
may be blank. Operation may
continue in order to reach service assistance. The ECU may not respond
to shift selector requests, since operating limitations are being placed on
the transmission, i.e. upshifts and downshifts may be restricted.
Direction changes do not occur.
Refer to your transmission operator’s manual for more information.
Electronic locking differential
(if equipped):Displays when using
the electronic locking differential.
Engine oil pressure (gasoline
engine only):Illuminates when
engine oil pressure is low.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high-beam headlamps are turned on.
Instrument Cluster
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GAUGES
Base instrument cluster for diesel engine with standard measure
shown; metric similar
1.Tachometer:Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale
may damage the engine.
2.Engine oil pressure gauge:Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal operating range (between L and H). If
the needle falls below the normal range, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked at your authorized dealer.
3.Engine coolant temperature gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle is in the
normal range (between H and C).If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4.Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) gauge:Indicates fluid level in DEF tank.
Instrument Cluster
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5.Fuel gauge:Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank (when the ignition is in the on position). The fuel gauge reading
may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade. Refer to
Filling the tankin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
more information.
6.Speedometer:Indicates the current vehicle speed.
Odometer and trip odometer:The odometer is displayed on the lower
line in the message center and registers the total accumulated distance
the vehicle has traveled. For trip odometer information, refer toMessage
centerin this chapter.
Base instrument cluster for gasoline engine with standard
measure shown; metric similar
1.Engine oil pressure gauge:Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal operating range (between L and H). If
the needle falls below the normal range, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked at your authorized dealer.
2.Engine coolant temperature gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the
normal range (between H and C).If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
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Instrument Cluster
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Starting a diesel engine with the vehicle on a steep grade
When starting a diesel engine when the loaded vehicle is on a grade, the
engine RPM starts to fall slightly when the clutch is engaged; do not
disengage the clutch and try to increase engine RPM as this may damage
driveline components. The engine recovers as the vehicle begins moving.
Cold weather operation
WARNING:Do not use volatile starting aids such as ether,
propane or gasoline in the engine air intake system. Glow plugs
may ignite vapors which can cause engine damage or personal injury.
For best engine operation in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower:
•Make sure the batteries are the correct type and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to make sure they’re in optimum
condition.
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from freezing.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a water-fuel separator, drain it daily.
Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent condensation
in the fuel system.
•Use the proper engine oil and maintain it at its proper level.
•
At temperatures of –4°F (–20°C) or below, it is recommended that you
use a crankcase-mounted coolant heater to improve cold engine starting.
•If operating in arctic temperatures of –20°F (–29°C) or lower, consult
your truck dealer for information about special cold weather
equipment and precautions.
Note:Idling in cold weather does not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
a build-up of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick which, in turn, can cause valvetrain damage.
The use of winter fronts, or other air-restrictive devices mounted in front
of the radiator on vehicles with chassis-mounted charge air coolers, are
not recommended unless extremely cold weather conditions exist. Air
flow restriction can cause high exhaust temperatures, power loss,
excessive fan usage and a reduction in fuel economy. If you must use a
winter front, the device should have a permanent opening of at least 120
sq in. (774 sq. cm) directly in line with the fan hub.
Driving
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may be limited and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine, drive axles or the
transmission (through the breather ports).
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
ENGINE AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN WARNING LIGHT OR CHIME
(IF EQUIPPED)
This feature illuminates a light in the instrument cluster and/or sounds a
chime indicating that the engine is being shut down in the event of high
coolant temperature, low engine oil pressure, high diesel particulate filter
soot loading or low engine coolant level. In the event any of these
conditions exist, the engine automatically shuts down.
If the engine shuts down, it can be restarted and operated for
30 seconds at a time or until the problem is corrected. Do not attempt to
use this restarting feature to drive the vehicle very far as serious engine
damage could result.
WARNING:In the event of engine shutdown, make sure the
vehicle is safely off the road and the problem is remedied prior
to returning to the road. Failure to remove the vehicle from the road
could result in an accident, causing serious injury or death.
GENERAL BRAKE INFORMATION
All standard equipment brakes are designed to be self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment, when required, occurs whenever the brakes are
applied and released during forward or reverse operation. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance
concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive
brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises
when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first
few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any
time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions
such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,”
“continuous grinding” or “continuous squeal” sound is present while
braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
Know the required stopping distances for all driving conditions that may
be encountered. For longer brake lining life, take full advantage of engine
braking power when coming to a stop.
Driving
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