VEHICLE INSPECTION INFORMATION
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.
WARNING:Exercise great caution when working on a vehicle
equipped with an automatic fan clutch. The fan starts in motion
only after the engine coolant reaches a predetermined temperature or
the refrigerant pressure (if equipped with air conditioning) reaches a
predetermined setting. The fan starts at this point with no advance
warning. Never reach near, or permit objects to protrude into, the fan
blade radius while the engine is running as this could result in vehicle
damage, personal injury or death.
WARNING:Do not operate the vehicle if any suspension
conditions listed in the following charts are evident. Loss of
steering or suspension could result in property damage, personal injury
or death.
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.
Note:Always make sure the parking brake is applied before starting the
engine.
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Engine Compartment (with Engine Stopped)
Engine OilUse the dipstick to verify the oil level is in the
proper operating range. SeeEngine oil checkin
theMaintenancechapter.
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.Do not
remove the pressure cap until the coolant
has cooled.SeeEngine coolant checkin the
Maintenancechapter.
Power Steering
FluidVerify that the fluid level is in the proper
operating range. SeePower steering fluid check
in theMaintenancechapter.
Brake FluidRemove the master cylinder caps and inspect the
fluid level. SeeBrake fluid checkin the
Maintenancechapter.
Clutch FluidRemove the cap and inspect the fluid level. See
Clutch fluid and linkagein theMaintenance
chapter.
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 or 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 reduce system performance.
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Engine Starting (Parking Brake Applied)
Safety and
Emergency
Equipment•Before entering the cab, verify that the vehicle
is equipped with spare electrical fuses (if used),
three red reflective triangles, a properly charged
and rated fire extinguisher and wheel chocks.
•Walk around the vehicle and verify all steps
and grab handles, inside and out (as well as
behind), are tight and clean. Use extreme caution
and a three-point stance at all times.
•Inspect door latches for proper closing,
latching and locking.
Starting the
EngineSet the parking brake. If starting a vehicle with a
manual transmission, press the clutch and verify
the transmission is in neutral. If starting a vehicle
with an automatic transmission, make sure the
gearshift lever is in positionNorP(if equipped
with a park position).
Diesel engine:Turn the key to the on position.
Turn the key to start when the wait to start
indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off.
Gasoline engine:Turn the key to start, then
release it as soon as the engine starts.
Engine Oil
PressureVerify pressure builds to normal operating range.
Air Chime (If
Equipped with an
Air Compressor)The low air pressure warning chime should sound
immediately after the engine starts but before the
compressor has built-up pressure. The chime
should stop when the air pressure reaches 70 psi
(483 kPa) (or more). Let the air pressure build
to governed cut-out pressure, which should occur
between 115–130 psi (793–896 kPa).
AcceleratorPress the accelerator and verify that it operates
smoothly, without any binding or irregular feel.
Release the pedal and verify the engine returns
to idle speed immediately.
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Note:Do not increase engine speed until the oil pressure gauge
indicates normal pressure. This should be indicated on the gauge within
15 seconds after starting.
Note:Idle the engine for three to five minutes before operating with a
full load.
Note:Try to limit engine idle to 10 minutes. Excessive idling reduces
fuel economy.
Vehicles with a Manual Transmission
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the clutch pedal.
2. Start the engine.
Vehicles with an Automatic Transmission
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Select positionN,orP(if equipped with a Park position).
2. Fully press the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine.
Starting the 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.
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
WARNING:The normal operating temperature of the exhaust
system is very high. Never work around, or attempt to repair, any
part of the exhaust system until it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the diesel particulate filter. The DPF heats up to a high
temperature after only a short period of engine operation, and can
remain hot even after the engine is turned off. Failure to follow these
instructions may result in serious personal injury.
Your vehicle is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), as part of
the after-treatment exhaust system, to trap soot and other large particles
produced by the engine combustion process. The soot that accumulates
in the filter must be periodically reduced to ash to prevent excessive
exhaust restriction. The soot reduction process, also known as “filter
regeneration,” is generally performed automatically by your engine and
after-treatment system.
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Instrument cluster lamp(s) illuminates or flashes when operator
assistance is required. In addition, engine performance becomes
increasingly limited above Level 1.
At Levels 1 and 2, two courses of action may be taken by the operator to
facilitate filter regeneration:
1. The vehicle may be driven on the highway at highway speeds.
2. The operator may perform a parked regeneration by following the
steps inParked regeneration.
At Level 3, performing a parked regeneration is the only available course
of action (short of professional servicing) available to the operator for
regenerating the filter. At Level 4, professional servicing is the only way
to regenerate the filter.
Parked Regeneration
WARNING:When performing the parked regeneration
procedure, make certain the vehicle is safely off the roadway, and
the exhaust system is away from people, or any flammable materials,
vapors, or structures. Engine speed may increase during parked
regeneration.
Note:Parked regeneration is only available when the DPF lamp on the
instrument cluster is illuminated (solid or flashing).
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground and safely off
the road with the exhaust system away from people, flammable
materials, vapors or structures. Ford recommends that you perform a
walk-around before beginning a parked regeneration.
2. If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and a
steering column shift lever, place the transmission in positionP.
Otherwise, place the transmission in positionN.
3. Remove your feet from the accelerator pedal and clutch pedal
(if equipped).
4. Set the parking brake.
5.Within five seconds of setting the parking brake,remove your
foot from the service brake pedal.
The engine speed may increase slightly. To allow parked regeneration to
continue uninterrupted:
1. The vehicle must remain parked.
2. The transmission must remain in positionPorN(as previously
described in Step 2).
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3. The accelerator pedal, service brake pedal, and clutch pedal
(if equipped) must not be pressed.
4. The parking brake must remain set.
On average (depending on filter level and other factors), the process
takes 20–30 minutes to complete. The DPF lamp turns off when the
process is complete. Repeat Steps 1–5, if parked regeneration is
interrupted.
To Discontinue Parked Regeneration
Press any of the floor pedals to discontinue parked regeneration.
Maintenance and Service
The DPF is designed to retain a relatively large amount of residual ash
and provide many miles and hours of maintenance-free operation. At
some point, generally beyond 150000 miles (240000 kilometers) or
5000 hours of operation (whichever comes first), the DPF requires
professional cleaning to remove the accumulated ash.
The exact number of miles or hours of operation varies greatly
depending upon vehicle and engine loading and operating conditions, ash
content of the engine oil, and quality of the diesel fuel used in your
truck. Adhering to your engine manufacturer’s recommended oil and fuel
specifications maximizes the miles and hours of operation before a DPF
professional cleaning is required. See your engine manufacturer’s owner’s
manual for more details regarding recommended maintenance and
service of your DPF.
Exhaust Outlet Assembly
WARNING:The normal operating temperature of the exhaust
system is very high. Never work around or attempt to repair any
part of the exhaust system until it has cooled. Failure to follow these
instructions may result in serious personal injury.
Note:Do not modify or remove this device. Modification of the system
or additions of aftermarket devices can reduce the effectiveness of the
system, as well as cause damage to the exhaust system or engine. Any
modifications may also invalidate the vehicle and/or engine warranties.
See your warranty information.
Note:Blocked or plugged holes or modification to, or removal of, the
outlet assembly could result in elevated exhaust temperatures which may
result in vehicle or property damage or personal injury.
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Cooling System:
•Inspect the fan for blade damage. If damage is found, replace with
the recommended parts. Inspect for fan-to-shroud interference and
any damage to shroud, such as cracks and holes.
•Do not change fan ratio or alter fan spacer dimensions and positions.
•Inspect fan clutch for proper operation. Make sure the fan is
disengaged when cooling of the engine is not required.
•Inspect radiator shutters (if equipped) for proper operation. The
shutters should be open during normal operating temperatures.
Engine:Valve covers and block covers are made to damp-out engine
mechanical noise and, if needed, should be replaced with recommended
parts. Check for mechanical isolations.
Transmission Enclosure:Inspect for cracks, holes and tears. Clean any
deposits, such as oil, dirt and stones.
Exhaust System:
•Inspect for leaks at various joint connections and loose clamps.
•Perform a visual inspection for cracks or holes in the muffler and tail
pipe.
•Always use the recommended parts when items need to be replaced.
•Do not change the tail pipe elbow or offset tail pipe orientation from
the standard position as originally received.
•To avoid abnormal changes in vehicle sound levels, it is necessary for
the owner to perform inspections and necessary maintenance at the
intervals shown in theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Manual transmission shift patterns are displayed on either the shift lever
knob or the sun visor. Study this information carefully before you drive
the vehicle even though you may be familiar with similar units. Do not
attempt to drive the vehicle without knowing the exact shift pattern of
the transmission. Consult your authorized dealer if any questions exist as
to the shifting instructions posted in your vehicle.
Driving Hints
WARNING:Do not coast the vehicle with the clutch pedal
pressed or with the transmission in neutral. This practice could
result in loss of vehicle control.
The following driving hints are provided as a brief, general guide in
operating the different manual transmissions used in your vehicle.
•When shifting into first gear or reverse with your vehicle standing
still, quickly release and press the clutch pedal (if necessary to
complete gear engagement).
•Always use the lowest (or most appropriate) gear to start the vehicle.
•Always use a gear ratio low enough to allow the engine to operate
above the minimum engine operation speed range.
•Do not lug the engine.
•Do not slam or jerk the gearshift lever into gear.
•When more power is required, shift to a lower gear and accelerate
the engine near the governed speed.
To go forward, press the clutch pedal in and shift into first gear while
the engine is idling. Engage the clutch while pressing the accelerator to
start forward. Operate the clutch and upshift as required by driving
conditions.
To go backward, put the gearshift lever in reverse and engaging the
clutch while pressing lightly on the accelerator.
Shifting with a Synchronized Transmission
With the clutch pedal pressed in, use the second gear synchronizer to
stop the clutch disc rotation; this allows smooth engagement of first gear
or reverse. To complete the gear engagement, it may be necessary to
apply light pressure to the gearshift lever during initial engagement of
the clutch. It takes a second or two to match gear speeds; steady
pressure on the gearshift lever helps the synchronizer perform its job
more quickly. If the gearshift lever is forced into position, this action
defeats the purpose of the synchronizer by causing gear clash.
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