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The differential can be locked or unlocked when the vehicle is moving at
a constant speed of under 25 mph (40 km/h) and while the wheels are
not slipping. The differential must not be locked when the vehicle is
traveling down steep grades and traction is minimal.
The differential lock and differential lock light automatically disengage at
speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h). The differential lock remains off until
either the vehicle is restarted or the differential lock switch is turned off
then back on.
Turn the engine off and raise all drive wheels of the locker differential
axle in order to prevent the vehicle from moving when servicing the
wheels, tires or brakes. Axles equipped with a NoSPIN Detroit Locker
differential deliver power to both wheels even when only one wheel is on
the ground.
WARNING:Failure to raise all drive wheels with this type of
differential could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly,
resulting in property damage, personal injury or death.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when both drive
wheels are on a slippery surface.
WARNING:Sudden accelerations on slippery surfaces could
cause the wheels to spin, the vehicle to turn sideways on a
crowned road surface or in a turn, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control and personal injury.
Fluid Temperature
Axle operating temperatures normally do not exceed 100°F (38°C).
If the operating temperature exceeds 230°F (110°C), the rate of axle
lubrication oxidation increases and shortens the life of the lubricant and
seals, requiring axle lubrication changes to become more frequent to
preserve the axle. Extreme Pressure (EP) lubricants should not be run
consistently above 230°F (110°C).
Axle Conversions
WARNING:When operating a loaded vehicle, the driver must
keep all adjustable axles on the ground at all times, supporting
their share of the vehicle’s load. Failure to do so can overload other
axles, tires, wheels, springs, steering components, brakes and frames,
resulting in early component failure, loss of vehicle control, possible
property damage and personal injury.
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It is not recommended, or approved, for axle conversions to be
performed. However, it is understood that, on occasion, aftermarket
add-on axles are installed by others on the truck chassis which allow
operator control for weight transfer from other axles (i.e., air lift axles).
TWO-SPEED REAR AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Never shift a two-speed axle when descending a
steep grade as this may cause loss of vehicle control and result in
personal injury.
Note:Do not shift between ranges when the speed control is on.
A two-speed rear axle allows the
driver to select a low range for
greater pulling power and a high
range for greater road speed and
fuel economy. These ranges can also
be used to provide additional steps
between transmission shifts when
driving on steep grades or fuel
economy may be factors.
Axle Shifting with a Manual Transmission
To downshift, select the next lower gear, release and press the
accelerator pedal rapidly, or while holding the accelerator pedal down,
release and engage the clutch rapidly.Note:The clutch method is
recommended when driving at slower speeds.
To upshift, keep the accelerator pedal down, select the next higher gear,
release the accelerator and pause until the axle upshifts.Note:
De-clutch for smoother axle upshifts when driving at slower speeds.
Axle Shifting with an Automatic Transmission
Note:You cannot split-shift with an automatic transmission. Also,
downshifting above 40 mph (64 km/h) may result in transmission or axle
damage.
Note:Do not shift the axle to LOW with the vehicle in motion.
Use LOW when you drive a fully-loaded vehicle on a severe grade or in
congested traffic. Press the upper portion of the switch.
Use HIGH for all normal driving conditions with a lightly-loaded or
partially-loaded vehicle. Press the lower portion of the switch.
2SPD
LOW
HIGH
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To shift the axle from LOW to HIGH with the vehicle stopped, place the
transmission in positionN,then press the lower part of the switch.
To shift the axle from LOW to HIGH with the vehicle moving, accelerate
to approximately 35 mph (56 km/h), press the lower part of the switch
while the transmission is in positionN,then release and apply the
accelerator.
To shift the axle from HIGH to LOW with the vehicle stopped, place the
transmission in positionN,then press the upper part of the switch.
Split-shifting (Combined Axle and Transmission Shift)
(Manual Transmission Only)
To downshift the axle to a slower ratio and shift the transmission, shift
the transmission and move the switch to the lower ratio before the
clutch is re-engaged.
To upshift the axle and shift the transmission, move the switch to a
faster ratio and make the transmission shift in the usual manner.
Split-shift Sequence
Ratio combination1234567891011
Transmission gear 1st 1st
2nd 2nd3rd 3rd 4th 4th 5th 6th 6th
Axle range LO HI LO HI LO HI LO HI LO LO HI
Ratio Extender Use
Low end:A two-speed axle can be used as a ratio-extender when
split-shifting is not necessary. For low end use, just shift the axle into
LOW to start out, and shift to HIGH when the extra torque is no longer
needed.
Transmission (5-speed) 1st 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Two-speed axle Axle low Axle high
High end:To use the two-speed axle as a high end ratio-extender, stay
in the LOW range for normal upshifts and only shift the axle to HIGH on
the freeway for greater road speed.
Transmission (5-speed) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Two-speed axle Low for gradeability Axle high
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GENERAL 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.
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous
grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be
worn out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
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.
WARNING:Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. This results in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear and increased stopping distances.
Before descending a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and avoid
continuous application of the brakes. Normally, choose the same gear to
descend the hill that you use to ascend the hill.
WARNING:Continuous application of the brakes causes the
brakes to overheat, resulting in a temporary loss of braking.
See theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well
•If you have been driving through deep water, gently apply the brakes
several times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
•Let the brakes cool if you have been using them excessively, as in
mountain driving or after several fast, high-speed stops.
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check brake linings for excessive wear.
•Check system air pressure on vehicles equipped with air brakes.
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Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The ABS lamp momentarily illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start-up,
remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need
to be serviced.
If the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates, have your brake system
serviced immediately.
If a PLC trailer is connected when the ignition is switched on,
the trailer ABS light also illuminates. If the light fails to
illuminate, remains on after the vehicle is started or continues
to flash, have the system serviced immediately.
FULL POWER BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING:If the red BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument
cluster remains illuminated after engine start up, this indicates a
system failure in the Full Power Brake System. Stop the vehicle safely
as soon as possible and seek service immediately.
This system incorporates standard braking, an anti-lock braking system
(ABS) and optional Power Park Brake into one fully-integrated hydraulic
brake system. With the Full Power Brake System, braking energy is
stored, similar to an air brake system, resulting in faster response times
and shorter stopping distances. This is accomplished using motor and
pump assemblies that pressurize the system by pumping brake fluid into
accumulators. This is similar to the air compressor of an air brake system
pressurizing the air tanks. The system includes a master cylinder that
provides the normal pedal feel and transfers the pedal force, via brake
fluid, to the main components of the system.
Note:The motor and pumps run momentarily with the ignition switch in
the on or run position, or in the off position with the brake pedal
pressed.
Note:During normal driving, the pump and motors may be heard
replenishing the accumulators. This is a normal function of the system.
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AIR BRAKES
After starting the engine, give the air compressor time to build up the air
pressure to 60 psi (414 kPa) before moving the vehicle.
WARNING:Do not drive or continue to drive if the low air
pressure buzzer is sounding or the brake warning light is lit.
These warnings indicate that air pressure is not to normal operating
level. Continued use of the vehicle could result in loss of braking ability.
WARNING:Avoid repeated light application of the brake pedal.
This depletes air pressure faster and could result in loss of
braking capability.
Periodically check the air pressure
gauge while driving. Pressure should
range between approximately
100–125 psi (690–862 kPa). The air
compressor governor cut-in and
cut-out pressure settings are set at
the factory and are not adjustable.
When air pressure is insufficient (below 60 psi [414 kPa]), a
warning light illuminates and a buzzer sounds when the ignition
is in the on position.
This condition may be caused by excessive brake applications depleting
the system air pressure. If this condition occurs, stop driving the vehicle
until the compressor has fully recharged the air system.
WARNING:Do not move the vehicle when the air pressure is
insufficient because the brake system may be inoperative.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehicle before descending grades.
Supplement with brakes as required to safely slow the vehicle and avoid
overspeeding the engine.
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Air Chamber Stroke Indication
Air chamber push rods have orange stroke indicator markers that warn
when the braking system requires adjustment or repair. The orange
stripe is painted on the air chamber push rod at the slack adjuster stroke
dimension which requires service when visible during brake application.
Air brake inspection and adjustment or repairs should be performed by a
qualified service technician in accordance with the instructions in the
service manual.
Cam Brakes - Automatic Slack Adjusters
WARNING:Do not manually adjust the automatic slack adjusters
to correct excessive push rod stroke as it may result in reduced
brake effectiveness and a vehicle crash. Excessive push rod stroke
indicates that a problem exists with the automatic adjuster, with the
installation of the adjuster, or with foundation brake components that
manual adjustment does not remedy. Seek service from a qualified
facility for excessive push rod stroke.
Standard air brakes (cam) are
equipped with automatic brake
adjusters. Automatic adjustment
occurs during brake applications.
Inspect brakes for proper
adjustment at the intervals listed in
theScheduled Maintenance
chapter.
Emergency Air Brake
WARNING:Do not continue to operate the vehicle with a failure
of one of the brake systems. Take the vehicle to your dealer for
service immediately.
All vehicles are equipped with a dual brake system. In the unlikely event
of a failure of one system, the second system functions for emergency
stopping. These systems are all controlled by the brake pedal in the
same manner as for normal stops.
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HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal pulses and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The ABS does not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
EXHAUST BRAKE (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The exhaust brake is not recommended for use on
slippery or low traction road surfaces. Under these conditions a
loss of vehicle control could occur.
Note:Installing an exhaust or auxiliary brake does not necessarily
protect the engine from exceeding maximum governed speed. The
primary brakes should be used to make sure the engine never exceeds
maximum governed speed under any conditions.
Note:Before starting the engine, make sure that the exhaust brake
switch is pushed down to the off position. Do not turn the exhaust brake
on until the engine has reached normal operating temperature.
Note:Maximum exhaust brake performance is related to the type of
transmission your vehicle is equipped with.
Note:Engine speed has a major influence of retarding performance.
When engine speed is maintained at the maximum allowable level, the
exhaust brake operates at peak performance.
Note:Manual transmissions should be downshifted to the lowest gear
possible, without exceeding the maximum RPM limit of the engine.
This maximizes the exhaust brake’s retarding effect.
Note:Exhaust brakes operate effectively with automatic transmissions,
but performance varies with engine speed and the gear selected by the
transmission.
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