VEHICLE INSPECTION
INFORMATION
To make 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 verify a
proper vehicle inspection procedure.
WARNINGS
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. WARNINGS
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. 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 you apply the
parking brake before starting the engine. Engine compartment (with engine off)
Use the dipstick to verify the oil level is in the proper operating
range. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 185).
Engine oil
Look through the plastic reservoir and verify the coolant level
is within the proper operating range. Do not remove the
pressure cap until the coolant has cooled. See
Engine
Coolant Check (page 190).
Engine coolant
Verify that the fluid level is in the proper operating range. See
Power Steering Fluid Check
(page 202).
Power steering fluid
Remove the master cylinder caps and inspect the fluid level.
See
Brake Fluid Check (page 201).
Brake fluid
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F650750 (TBC), enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Inspection Guide
Engine compartment (with engine off)
Inspect for glazing, fraying or cracking. There should be no
more than 5-7 cracks per rib, per 1 in (2.5 cm)
Belts (fan, alternator,
water pump and air
conditioning
compressor)
Inspect for signs of fluid puddles or dripping fluid on the
ground under the engine, or the underside of the engine.
Fluid leaks
Inspect for debris that may have collected on the HVAC air
inlet grille or inside the exterior module as this may reduce
system performance.
HVAC air inlet Engine starting (with parking brake applied)
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.
Safety and emergency
equipment
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.
Set the parking brake. Make sure the gearshift lever is in
neutral (N) or park (P) (if equipped with a park position).
Starting the engine
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, and then release it
as soon as the engine starts.
Verify pressure builds to normal operating range.
Engine oil pressure
A tone indicating low air pressure should sound immediately
after the engine starts but before the compressor has built-
up pressure. The tone should stop when the air pressure
reaches
70 psi (483 kPa). Let the air pressure build to
governed cutout pressure, which should occur between
115– 130 psi (793–896 kPa)
.
Low air pressure warning
tone (if equipped with an
air compressor)
Press 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.
Accelerator
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F650750 (TBC), enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Inspection Guide
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 ½ steer axle
loading).
Special applications may warrant a setting
based on experience with the type of tire
operating loads and conditions. Radial tires
are more sensitive to toe-in setting than
bias ply tires. Fine tuning school bus
alignment to line-haul truck standards
does not drastically improve tire tread life.
STEERING SYSTEM
INSPECTION
WARNING
Failure to maintain the steering
system in proper condition can cause
reduced steering ability resulting in
property damage, personal injury or death. Note:
Have any steering problems
immediately corrected by a qualified service
technician.
Ask your service technician to examine the
steering mechanism. Only minor
adjustments may be necessary.
Regular inspections should include:
• Checking the tie rod, drag link end
clamp bolts and ball joints for proper
tightness.
• Checking for installation and spread of
cotter pins and tightness of nuts at
both ends of the tie rod and drag link.
• Checking that the pitman arm (steering
arm at steering gear) mounting is tight
and locked. Check system for leaks or
hose chafing. Repair immediately, if
necessary. •
Maintaining proper steering gear and
power steering pump lubricant levels.
• Checking steering column joint bolts
and steering linkage, particularly for
body-to-chassis clearance.
Steering Column Joint Bolts
As a good maintenance practice, check
steering column joint bolt tightness every
60,000 mi (96,000 km) or annually,
whichever occurs first. Do not overtighten
the bolts.
Hydraulic System
Whenever draining and refilling the power
steering's hydraulic system for any reason,
bleed air from the system before returning
the vehicle to service. Failure to bleed the
hydraulic system properly can result in
degradation of power system performance.
Consult an authorized dealer who is aware
of the proper procedures for filling and
bleeding the system.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
INSPECTION
Note: Do not adjust air suspension height
to any setting other than the specified
setting. Altering the height setting changes
the driveline angle and may result in
unwarrantable component damage, such
as transmission component damage.
Verify drive axle air suspension height and
height control valve performance at engine
oil change intervals.
Periodically check:
• Condition of spring leaves for evidence
of fatigue, bending or breakage.
• Condition of suspension mounting
brackets and bushings.
• Torque rod mounting fasteners for
tightness.
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F650750 (TBC), enUSA, First Printing Maintenance
Engine
•
Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected. Brakes
•
Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
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F650750 (TBC), enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Care
To make sure the emissions control
systems operate effectively, you should
have the services listed in the maintenance
schedule performed at the specified time
and mileage intervals. You should avoid
running out of fuel or turning off the ignition
when your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
Do not make unauthorized modifications
to the engine or vehicle. Modifications
causing increased amounts of unburned
fuel to reach the exhaust system can
significantly increase the temperature of
the engine compartment and the exhaust
system.
Avoid driving your vehicle if it does not
operate properly. If the engine diesels
(more than five seconds of engine run-on
after shut-off), misfires, surges, stalls or
backfires, see an authorized dealer. Be alert
for fluid leakage, odor, smoke, loss of oil
pressure, or charge indicator or over
temperature warning.
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine
cannot use diesel fuel blended with waste
oil if equipped with a catalytic
converter-muffler. Waste lube oil blending
in fuel plugs the catalytic
converter-muffler, resulting in a significant
loss of engine power.
Noise Emissions Warranty, Prohibited
Tampering Acts and Maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulations
became effective governing the noise
emissions on trucks over 10000 pounds
(4536 kilograms) GVWR. The following
statements concerning prohibited
tampering acts and maintenance and the
noise warranty are found in the warranty
information, and are applicable to
completed trucks.
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or
the causing thereof: (1) The removal or
rendering inoperative, by any person other
than for purposes of maintenance, repair
or replacement, of any device or element
of design incorporated into any new vehicle
for the purpose of noise control prior to its
sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser
or while it is in use, or (2) the use of the
vehicle after such device or element of
design has been removed or rendered
inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute
tampering are the following acts listed:
Acts
Vehicle system
Removal of noise shields, hood blanket, tunnel liner oracoustical absorptive material.
Acoustical shielding
Removal or rendering inoperative the engine speed
governor to allow engine speed to exceed manufacturer specifications. Removal of engine mounted noise shield or oil pan enclosure.
Engine
Removal of the air duct, silencer, air cleaner, and/or air
cleaner element and baffle in air cleaner; re-indexing of air cleaner.
Engine air induction
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F650750 (TBC), enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance
Exterior Mirrors.................................................51
Auxiliary Convex Mirrors...................................... 51
Clearance Lamps................................................. 52
Foldaway Exterior Mirrors...................................51
Heated Exterior Mirrors...................................... 52
Power Exterior Mirrors......................................... 51
Signal Indicator Mirrors...................................... 52
Telescoping Mirrors.............................................. 52
F
Fastening the Seatbelts..............................30 Energy Management Feature.......................... 34
Fastening the Cinch Tongue............................. 32
Lap Belts.................................................................. 32
Safety Belt Extension Assembly.................... 34
Safety Belt Locking Modes............................... 33
Using Safety Belts During Pregnancy...........33
Using the Safety Belt with Cinch Tongue (Front Center and Rear Center Seats
Only)...................................................................... 31
Federal Highway Administration Regulation
.......................................................14
Fifth Wheel Operation................................144 Hook-up................................................................. 145
Un-hook................................................................. 145
Ford Credit
.........................................................13
(U.S. Only)................................................................ 13
Frame and Tow Hook Inspection
...........223
Front Seat Armrest........................................79
Fuel and Refueling
........................................90
Fuel Consumption.......................................102 Calculating Fuel Economy.............................. 103
Filling the Tank.................................................... 102
Fuel Filter - 6.8L...........................................204
Fuel Quality - Diesel
......................................92
Biodiesel.................................................................. 93
Diesel Fuel Additives.......................................... 94
Fuel Requirements - Choosing The Right Fuel: Vehicles Operated Where Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuel Is Not Required ...........93
Fuel Requirements - Choosing The Right Fuel: Vehicles Operated Where Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuel Is Required (United
States/Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin
Islands And Other Locales) ........................ 92
Fuel Quality - Gasoline.................................91 Choosing the Right Fuel..................................... 91Fuel Shutoff....................................................152
Running Out Of DEF (Diesel Exhaust
Fluid).................................................................. 153
Fuel Tank Selector Switch..........................112
Full Power Brake
...........................................124
Fuses.................................................................162
Fuse Specification Chart...........................162 Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel.........167
Power Distribution Box..................................... 162
G
Gauges...............................................................54 Diesel Engines....................................................... 56
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge.................57
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge............55
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge............................... 55
Fuel Gauge.............................................................. 55
Gasoline Engines.................................................. 54
Gauge Package..................................................... 55
Information Display............................................. 56
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge................................................................... 55
General Driving Points
................................146
Backing Up............................................................ 146
General Information.......................................... 146
Parking.................................................................... 147
General Information on Radio Frequencies...................................................38
General Maintenance Information
.........314
Multi-point Inspection..................................... 320
Owner Checks and Services........................... 318
Protecting Your Investment............................ 314
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?........................... 314
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your Dealership?...................................................... 314
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada..........................................................159
Getting the Services You Need
...............156
Away From Home............................................... 156
H
Handbrake See: Parking Brake............................................... 121
Hazard Warning Flashers...........................152
Headlamp Adjusting See: Adjusting the Headlamps.................... 206
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F650750 (TBC), enUSA, First Printing Index
Using Voice Recognition............................281
Initiating a Voice Session................................. 281
System Interaction and Feedback..............282
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only).........................158
V
Vehicle Care...................................................225 General Information.......................................... 225
Vehicle Certification Label.......................255
Vehicle Identification Number................254
Vehicle Inspection Guide.............................171
Vehicle Inspection Information.................171 Trailer....................................................................... 178
Transmission........................................................ 178
Vehicle Storage
.............................................229
Battery................................................................... 230
Body........................................................................\
229
Brakes.................................................................... 230
Cooling system................................................... 230
Engine.................................................................... 230
Fuel system.......................................................... 230
General.................................................................. 229
Miscellaneous..................................................... 230
Removing Vehicle From Storage.................230
Tires........................................................................\
230
Ventilation See: Climate Control........................................... 70
VIN See: Vehicle Identification Number............254
Voice Control
...................................................45 W
Warning Lamps and Indicators................58
Anti-Lock Braking System................................ 58
Automatic Regeneration Control................... 58
Battery...................................................................... 58
Brake System......................................................... 58
Check Fuel Cap (Gasoline Engine Only).................................................................... 58
Check Suspension............................................... 58
Cruise Control........................................................ 58
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (Diesel Engine Only).................................................................... 58
Diesel Particulate Filter (Diesel Engine Only).................................................................... 59
Direction Indicator............................................... 59
Door Ajar.................................................................. 59
Electronic Locking Differential........................ 59
Engine Oil Pressure (Gasoline Engine Only).................................................................... 59
Exhaust Brake On................................................ 59
Fasten Safety Belt............................................... 59
High Beam.............................................................. 59
Hydromax............................................................... 59
Low Fuel Level (Gasoline Engine Only).................................................................... 59
Parking Brake Warning....................................... 59
Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power/Electronic Throttle Control
(Gasoline Engine Only)................................ 60
Service Engine Soon........................................... 60
Traction Control (Diesel Engine Only).........60
Trailer Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................................................................. 60
Transmission Tow/Haul.................................... 60
Two Speed Axle................................................... 60
Wait to Start (Diesel Engine Only)................60
Water in Fuel (Diesel Engine Only)................61
Washer Fluid Check....................................202
Washers See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 225
See: Wipers and Washers................................. 46
Waxing.............................................................226
Wheel Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 247
Wheels and Tires.........................................232 Technical Specifications................................. 249
Windows and Mirrors...................................50
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F650750 (TBC), enUSA, First Printing Index