WARNING:The use of inferior parts can adversely affect the
quality and reliability of your vehicle which, in turn, can result in
property damage, personal injury or death.
To avoid damage to the vehicle’s electrical components prior to electric
welding:
•disconnect both battery cables.
•attach the welder ground cable as close as possible to the part being
welded.
•it is recommended that the component be temporarily removed if
welding close to an electrical component.
Follow the checks and services in theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
Have your dealer or service center inspect your vehicle at least once a
year. Remember that regular maintenance and inspections usually
prevent serious problems from developing later.
If the owner or operator of the vehicle is a skilled technician and intends
on performing the vehicle maintenance and service, he is strongly urged
to purchase a service manual.
Electrical System
Periodically inspect electrical connectors on the outside of the cab and
on the engine and frame for corrosion and tightness. Exposed terminals,
such as the fuel sender, cranking motor, alternator and feed-through
studs, should be cleaned and re-coated with a lubricant sealing grease
such as Motorcraft® Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectic
Compound XG-3, or equivalent. This should include the ground cable
connector for batteries, engine and cab as well as the jump starting stud.
Accessory Feed Connections
Vehicle electrical systems are complex and often include powertrain
components, such as engine and transmission controls, instrument
panels, ABS, etc. While most systems operate on battery voltage
(12 volts), some systems can be as high as 90 volts or as low as five
volts. See theElectrical Circuit Diagram Manuals,available from your
vehicle’s manufacturer, to make sure that any additional body lights and
accessories are connected to circuits that are both appropriate and not
overloaded. No modification should be made to any vehicle control
system without first contacting your dealer.
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Climate Control System
Have the air conditioning system checked each spring. The refrigerant
charge, cleanliness of the condenser-evaporator cores and belt condition
are essential to system performance.
When the air conditioning system is being used daily, remove the fresh
air filter (if equipped) once each season and check for dirt, lint, etc.
Replace the filter if necessary. Vehicles operating in unusually dusty
conditions may require more frequent filter inspection and replacement.
Front Axle
Maintaining the front axle alignment to specifications is very important
and should only be performed by a qualified technician. Regular
inspections should include:
•toe-in inspection and adjustment (if necessary), particularly with
radial tires.
•checking for proper tightness of axle mounting U-bolt nuts, attaching
or mounting bolts and nuts.
•checking the axle for damage, binding, worn parts and adequate
lubrication..
•checking the kingpins for excessive wear. This should also be done
during other scheduled maintenance (tire rotation or service, wheel
bearing service, alignment, etc.). See the workshop manual for proper
procedures.
Toe-in
It is essential that correct toe-in and tire pressure be maintained for
optimum tire wear.
Inspecting steer axle tires in the first 3000–10000 service miles
(5000–16000 service kilometers) generally shows if tires are wearing
normally.
Rapid outside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-in.
Rapid inside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-out.
In P&D-type service, left-to-right steer tire tread life differentials up to
40% can be observed depending on routes and other variables.
Follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, load range (ply rating) and steer axle loading typical for
their operation (each steer axle tire equals
1 2steer axle loading).
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Air Brakes
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.
Inspection and adjustment:Establish a regular schedule for periodic
cleaning, lubrication and adjustment inspection based on vehicle use.
Exact maintenance intervals are difficult to predetermine since vehicles
are used in a wide variety of applications and conditions. If you are
uncertain of the proper schedule for your vehicle, contact your dealer.
Regular inspections should include:
•periodic checking (every service interval) of push rod travel or brake
adjustment. This is essential for effective braking. Brake chamber
push rods on original equipment chambers now incorporate an orange
paint marker near the base of the push rod as a stroke indicator to
aid in adjustment checks. If the push rod is clean and the brakes are
out of adjustment, the orange marker can be seen protruding from
the chamber when the brakes are applied.
•checking the brake lining (every service interval). When brake lining
or blocks are worn to within 1/16th inch (1.6 millimeters) of rivets,
replace the brake linings. This inspection or adjustment should only
be performed by a qualified technician and must be in accordance
with instructions provided by the service manual.
Do not back off or disconnect the front brakes so that they are less
effective, letting the rear brakes do all the stopping of the vehicle. Do
not overlook the brakes on the trailer either. Brake condition on the
trailer is just as important as the tractor. Proper brake balance on trucks
and tractor-trailers is essential for effective braking.
Once a year, the entire brake system must be inspected:
•Rubber components for deterioration. These components should be
inspected by a qualified technician and replaced as necessary.
Replacement intervals vary according to the severity and length of
vehicle service.
•Condition of brake drums, brake chambers and slack adjusters.
•System for air leaks.
•Hose or pipes for rust, damage and deterioration.
•Operation of service and parking brakes.
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Some parts such as air brake chamber diaphragm, air compressor and air
cleaner should be inspected periodically and replaced if considered
unserviceable.
Air dryer:Climactic conditions affect performance of desiccant or
after-cooler type air dryers. Maintenance schedules must be established
for each specific operation.
The use of an air dryer on a vehicle does not eliminate the need to
periodically drain the air reservoirs.
Desiccant air dryer:Inspect for moisture in the air system by opening
reservoirs, draincocks or valves and checking for presence of water. The
presence of small amounts of water due to condensation is normal and
should not be considered as an indication that the dryer is not
functioning properly.
The desiccant cartridge should be replaced or rebuilt when it has been
determined that the desiccant is contaminated and does not have
adequate water absorption capacity. The desiccant change interval may
vary. It is generally recommended that the desiccant be replaced every
12 months (yearly). If experience has shown that extended or shortened
life has resulted for a particular installation, then the yearly interval can
be increased or decreased accordingly.
Draining the air brake reservoir:
Completely drain all the air brake
reservoirs daily by opening the
draincock at the ends of the tanks
(Where accessible. Pull-chains are
used when the drains are undercab
or otherwise inaccessible). Close the
draincock after draining. Air tanks
equipped with automatic moisture
ejector valves may also be drained
manually as required to maintain a
dry air system. Contact your dealer if you are unsure of the air reservoir
locations or the draining procedure.
WARNING:Failure to drain air brake reservoirs can result in a
reduction or loss of braking ability due to fluid accumulation in
the reservoir and/or possible freeze-up during cold weather.
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Hydraulic Brakes
Establish a regular schedule for periodic cleaning, lubrication and
adjustment inspection based on vehicle use. Exact maintenance intervals
are difficult to predetermine since vehicles are used in a wide variety of
applications and conditions. If you are uncertain of the proper schedule
for your vehicle, contact your dealer.
Regular inspections should include:
•checking the brake lining (every service interval). Establish
inspection intervals that provide for lining replacement before damage
to the disc occurs. Excessive lining wear may expose the backing
plate to the disc causing scoring of the disc faces. This inspection
should be performed by a qualified technician and must be in
accordance with instructions provided by the service manual.
Hydraulic brake systems are power-assisted. Braking capabilities are
greatly reduced without engine assist.
•proper fluid level. The level should be at the bottom edge of the ring
on each reservoir fill port. Do not fill the master cylinder to the top of
the reservoir. If fluid level requires attention to maintain a proper
master cylinder level, this is an indication of either severe operation
(pad wear) or fluid leakage. A more frequent and thorough brake
inspection is required.
•brake lines, hoses and fittings. Repair or replace brake line tubes,
hoses or fittings as required. Inspect these components every
4000 miles (6000 kilometers):
•Lines for kinks, dents, corrosion or rupture.
•Hoses for abrasions, kinks, soft spots or rupture, collapse, cracks,
twists or loose frame supports. When replacing a hose, be sure
there is adequate clearance to the hose to avoid an abrasion to the
new hose.
•All connections for leaks.
Driveline Parking Brake
WARNING:Use wheel chocks and exercise caution when
inspecting under the vehicle. A vehicle roll-away could result in
property damage, personal injury or death.
Parking brake adjustment should only be performed by a qualified
technician, and in accordance with the instructions in the service
manual.
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Catalytic Converter (Diesel Engine)
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter/muffler,do
notblend waste oil with diesel fuel. Operate only on ultra low sulfur
(less than 15 parts per million sulfur) diesel fuel with a cetane value of
45 or higher.
If your diesel engine is equipped with a catalytic converter, it is
important to review the maintenance schedule to make sure proper
functioning of the catalytic converter. Also, take precautions not to
damage the catalytic converter when servicing your engine or storing
your vehicle.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and
Select Catalyst Reduction (SCR) System
See your engine operator’s manual for information regarding DEF, DPF
and SCR system service.
Air Induction System
WARNING:When performing maintenance to any turbocharged
engine with engine air inlet piping disconnected, keep loose
clothing, jewelry and long hair away from the engine air inlet piping.
A turbocharger compressor air inlet protective shield should be
installed over the turbocharger air inlet to reduce the risk of personal
injury or death.
Perform a complete inspection of the air induction system annually.
In areas where road salt is used, disassemble the joints of each aluminum
component and inspect for salt build-up and presence of chlorine that
can cause aluminum particles to flake off and enter the engine
combustion chambers. If evidence of corrosion is found (usually at the
pipe connections), use a wire brush to clean the inside of the pipes and
inside the rubber hoses.
If the intake pipes are pitted at the joint ends, use Motorcraft® Silicone
Gasket and Sealant TA-30 to seal the joints. Make sure no excess
material is on the inside of the pipes that can be pulled into the engine.
If the service condition of the pipes, hoses or clamps is questionable,
replace the defective part(s).
Make sure all dust and debris has been cleaned out of the pipes and
couplings with a clean, damp rag prior to reassembly.
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2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add engine oil
that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and Specifications
for more information. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a
funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap
clockwise until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Diesel Engine
See your engine operator’s manual for information on checking and
adding engine coolant.
Fan Clutches
WARNING:Stay clear of the fan and fan area while the engine is
running or possible personal injury may occur.
Your vehicle’s cooling system is equipped with a viscous fan clutch
which:
•Helps control cooling, increases performance, improves fuel economy
and reduces noise.
•Is controlled by bimetallic spring sensors. Do not tamper with these
sensors as this may change their calibration or keep the fan clutch
from operating at all.
Gasoline Engine
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed in theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the coolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add coolant immediately. SeeAdding
engine coolantin this section.
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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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