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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Hot Weather
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from overheating.
•Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent
condensation in the fuel system.
•Keep external surfaces of the engine, radiator, charge air cooler, A/C
condenser and accessories clean to avoid dirt build-up.
•Above normal coolant temperatures could be experienced while
driving in a transmission gear ratio which lugs the engine. To correct
this problem, engine speed should be increased by downshifting into
the next lower gear.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver’s effort in steering the vehicle.
To help prevent damage to the power steering pump:
•Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme
left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the ADD mark on the MAX. COLD side of the power steering
reservoir dipstick.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive,
check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service
by your authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power
steering pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid
level before seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the FULL mark
on the MAX. HOT side of the power steering reservoir dipstick, as
this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•uneven vehicle loading
•high crown in center of road
•high crosswinds
•wheels out of alignment
•loose or worn suspension components.
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2013 F-650/750(f67)
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Towing the Vehicle with the Rear Wheels Suspended
Note:To avoid damage to the cab roof or air deflector when towing the
vehicle backward (rear wheels suspended), the air deflector must be
removed.
Whenever possible, it is preferable to tow a disabled vehicle from the
rear by raising the rear of the chassis. When towing a vehicle with the
rear of the chassis suspended, the front wheels must be locked in the
straight-ahead position.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission must have at least 1.0 pint
(0.5 liter) of transmission fluid drained from the case. This prevents the
transmission fluid from entering the clutch housing and saturating the
clutch discs. Make sure that the transmission fluid is replaced before the
vehicle is returned to service.
Towing Vehicles Equipped with a Driver-controlled Differential
Lock
Note:If the vehicle must be towed to a service facility with the drive
axle wheels on the ground, it is necessary to remove the axle shafts
before the vehicle is towed.
A. Side gear
B. Differential (plain) case half
C. Shift collar in the locked position
D. Actuator assembly and shift fork
E. Axle shaft
F. Interference between the shift
collar and housing
G. Shift collar in the unlocked
position
H. Outer splines: axle shaft to collar
I. Shift collar and differential case
splines
J. Inner splines: axle shaft to side
gear
E
D
CB
A
J
IH
G
F
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USA(fus)
TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Allison Automatic Transmissions
See yourAllison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manualfor
scheduled transmission fluid checks and change intervals. Your
transmission does not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 kilometers]). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within the normal range.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in positionNorPand leave the engine
running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
If you must add transmission fluid, see yourAllison Automatic
Transmission Operator’s Manualfor the correct fluid type.Use of a
non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure. An
overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift or engagement
concerns or possible damage.
TorqShift® Automatic Transmission
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
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Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 kilometers]). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within the normal range.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in positionPand leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low Fluid Level
Do not drive the vehicle if there is
no indication of fluid on the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct Fluid Level
The fluid should be checked at
normal operating temperature
196°F-216°F (91°C-102°C) on a
level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers)
of driving.
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2013 F-650/750(f67)
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USA(fus)
High Fluid Level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift or engagement
concerns and possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick handle and also in the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
If necessary, add fluid in
1 2pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Note:An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift or
engagement concerns or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Manual Transmissions
Note:Use of a non-approved transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes.
Your manual transmission may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid
which allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler
plug identifies the use of the synthetic fluid.
Only use fluid that meets manufacturer specifications. SeeTechnical
specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
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Checking Fluid Level
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake, shift into first gear and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level. The fluid level
should be at the bottom of the filler plug opening.
5. Add fluid, if necessary, through the filler plug opening.
6. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Changing Fluid
Drain and refill your transmission fluid while it is warm.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake, shift into first gear and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler and drain plugs.
4. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the fluid into a suitable
container. Dispose of all used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner following your local authorized standards.
5. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
6. Add fluid through the filler plug opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
DRIVESHAFT
Check the universal joints for any evidence of wear or looseness at the
regular lubrication interval. Stop the vehicle immediately, should
driveshaft vibrations occur, to avoid possible hazardous consequences or
damage to other components.
REAR AXLE FLUID
Your rear axle may be filled with an optional synthetic lubricant which
allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler plug
identifies the use of the synthetic lubricant.
Only use a lubricant that meets manufacturer specifications. See the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.Use of a non-approved rear
axle lubricant may cause internal axle component damage.
226Maintenance
2013 F-650/750(f67)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, March 2013
USA(fus)
Checking the Fluid Level
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter for rear axle lubricant level
check intervals.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into positionNorP(automatic
transmission), or first gear (manual transmission). Turn the engine
off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the lubricant level. It should be at
the bottom of the filler plug opening.
5. Add lubricant, if necessary, through the filler plug opening.
6. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Changing the Fluid
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter for rear axle lubricant change
intervals.
1. Drain the rear axle while the lubricant is warm.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into positionNorP(automatic
transmission), or first gear (manual transmission). Turn the engine
off.
4. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs. Drain the lubricant into a suitable
container. Dispose of all used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner following your local authorized standards.
6. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
7. Add lubricant through the filler plug opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
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