ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
See Load limits in the Load Carrying
chapter for load specification terms found
on the tire label and Safety Compliance
label and instructions on calculating your
vehicle's load.
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle. You
must distribute the load in your trailer so
that 10-15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
frame or hook retainers of your vehicle
hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a collision greatly
increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations. The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 miles (80
kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position
P or position N to
aid engine and transmission cooling
and to help air conditioning
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
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F650750 (TBC), enUSA, First Printing Towing
WARNINGS
Keep batteries out of reach of
children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing. Shield your eyes when working
near the battery to protect against possible
splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of
15 minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately. Use only adequately sized cables
with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start your
automatic transmission vehicle.
Note:
Attempting to push-start a vehicle
with an automatic transmission may cause
transmission damage.
Note: Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle.
Note: Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood
of the disabled vehicle, making sure the
two vehicles do not touch.
Connecting the Jumper Cables WARNINGS
Do not attach the cables to fuel lines,
engine rocker covers, the intake
manifold or electrical components
as grounding points. Stay clear of moving
parts. To avoid reverse polarity
connections, make sure that you correctly
identify the positive (+) and negative (-)
terminals on both the disabled and booster
vehicles before connecting the cables. WARNINGS
Do not attach the end of the positive
cable to the studs or L-shaped eyelet
located above the positive (+)
terminal of your vehicle ’s battery. High
current may flow through and cause
damage to the fuses. Do not connect the end of the
second cable to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery to be jumped.
A spark may cause an explosion of the
gases that surround the battery. Note:
In the illustration, the bottom vehicle
represents the booster vehicle. 1.
Connect the positive (+) jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal of the
discharged battery.
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Engine starting (with parking brake applied)
Check the gauge (diesel engine) or indicator light (gasoline
engine) to verify the alternator is charging.
Voltmeter
Inspect for excessive free play in the steering linkages. The
steering wheel should have less than 2 in (5 cm) of free play
at its rim.
Steering linkage free play
Verify the parking brake holds the vehicle by gently trying to
pull forward with the parking brake applied.
Parking brake
Verify operation using the following procedure. Chock the
wheels, if necessary. Push in the parking brake and, on
tractors, push in the tractor parking brake knob:
Air brakes
1. Verify the air compressor or governor cutout pressure is
approximately 120 psi (827 kPa).
2. Turn off the engine, and then turn the key back to the on
position (without starting the engine).
3. Without the brake pedal applied, note the air pressure drop
for one minute. It should be less than 2 psi (14 kPa) for single
vehicles and
3 psi (21 kPa) for combination vehicles.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal with
90 psi (621 kPa) or
more. Make sure there is no more than a 3 psi (21 kPa) per
minute leak for single vehicles and a 4 psi (28 kPa) minute
leak for combination vehicles.
5. Pump the brake pedal to deplete the system of air pressure.
The warning light and tone should turn on at 57 psi (393 kPa).
6. Pump the brake pedal and make sure the parking brake
and trailer parking brake knobs pop out at
20 psi (138 kPa)
or higher.
Verify that the fluid level is in the proper operating range. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check
(page 200).
Automatic transmission
fluid Front of vehicle
Verify all exterior lights illuminate and are clean.
Lights
Check headlights function on high and low beam.
Verify reflectors are clean, unbroken and of proper color (red
on rear, amber elsewhere).
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UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 6.8L
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 202).
A
Engine coolant reservoir. See
Engine Coolant Check (page 190).
B
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check (page 200).
C
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 201).
D
Engine compartment fusebox. See
Fuses (page 162).
E
Power steering fluid reservoir. See
Power Steering Fluid Check (page 202).
F
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine Oil Dipstick (page 185).
G
Engine oil filler cap. See
Engine Oil Check (page 185).
H
Air cleaner assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 210).
I
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UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 6.7L DIESEL
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 202).
A
Secondary Cooling System Reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 195).
B
Engine coolant reservoir. See
Engine Coolant Check (page 195).
C
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check (page 200).
D
Secondary fuel filter. See
Draining the Fuel Filter Water Trap (page 203).
E
Engine oil separator. See Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter (page 188).
F
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 201).
G
Engine compartment fusebox. See
Fuses (page 162).
H
Power steering fluid reservoir. See
Power Steering Fluid Check (page 202).
I
Air brake compressor. See
Brake System Inspection (page 218).
J
Engine oil filler cap. See
Engine Oil Check (page 186).
K
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine Oil Dipstick (page 185).
L
Air cleaner assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 211).
M
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You have limited engine power when in the
fail-safe mode, so drive the vehicle with
caution. The vehicle will not be able to
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine will run rough. Remember that the
engine is capable of completely shutting
down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note: Driving the vehicle without repairing
the engine problem increases the chance of
engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Engine Fluid Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNINGS
To reduce the risk of collision and
injury, be prepared that the vehicle
speed may reduce and the vehicle
may not be able to accelerate with full
power until the fluid temperatures reduce. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle has been designed to pull a
trailer, but because of the added load, the
vehicle
’s engine may temporarily reach
higher temperatures during severe
operating conditions such as ascending a
long or steep grade while pulling a trailer
in hot ambient temperatures. At this time, you may notice your engine
coolant temperature gauge needle move
toward the H and the POWER REDUCED
TO LOWER TEMP message may appear
in the information display.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle
’s
speed caused by reduced engine power.
In order to manage the engine fluid
temperatures, your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction will depend on
the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient
temperature, and other factors. If this
occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while
this message is active.
The air conditioning may turn on and off
during severe operating conditions to
protect the engine from overheating. When
the engine coolant temperature decreases
to a more normal operating temperature,
the air conditioning will turn on once again.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
moves fully into the red (hot) area, or if the
coolant temperature warning or service
engine soon messages appear in your
information display:
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible and shift the transmission into
Park (P).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After
several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool before checking the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and continue on.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid and filter at
the correct service interval. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 314).
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.
Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Check and change the fluid at the
scheduled intervals. See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 314). Your
transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked
if the transmission is not working properly,
such as 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 mi (30 km). Verify that the transmission
fluid temperature gauge, located on the
instrument cluster, is within normal range.
1. Drive the vehicle
20 mi (30 km)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 park (P) or neutral (N) and leave the engine
running. 5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean
with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer to the Under Hood
Overview in this chapter for the
location of the dipstick.
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 200
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Check the fluid at the normal operating
temperature of 196°F (91°C) to 215°F
(102°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached
after approximately
20 mi (30 km).
High Fluid Level Fluid levels above the safe range may
result in transmission failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and 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.
• See
Capacities and Specifications
(page 256).
If necessary, add fluid in
8 fl oz (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 and engagement
concerns, and 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.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than the
recommended brake fluid as this will
reduce brake efficiency. Use of
incorrect fluid could result in the loss of
vehicle control, serious personal injury or
death. Only use brake fluid from a sealed
container. Contamination with dirt,
water, petroleum products or other
materials may result in brake system
damage or failure. Failure to adhere to this
warning could result in the loss of vehicle
control, serious personal injury or death. Do not allow the fluid to touch your
skin or eyes. If this happens, rinse the
affected areas immediately with
plenty of water and contact your physician.
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