GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked as soon as possible. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, have thesystem checked as soon as possible.
All standard equipment brakes areself-adjusting. Automatic adjustment,when required, occurs whenever you applyand release the brakes during forward orreverse operation.
Know the required stopping distances forall driving conditions you may encounter.For longer brake lining life, take fulladvantage of engine braking power whencoming to a stop.
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
If the brakes do not grip well:
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check the brake linings for excessivewear.
•Check the system air pressure onvehicles with air brakes.
•Let the brakes cool if you have beenusing them excessively, as in mountaindriving or after several fast, high-speedstops.
•If you have been driving through deepwater, gently apply the brakes severaltimes while your vehicle is movingslowly.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
If the light does not illuminateduring start up, remains on orflashes, the system may bedisabled. It also momentarily illuminateswhen you switch the ignition on to confirmthe lamp is functional. If it does notilluminate when you switch the ignition on,or begins to flash at any time, have thesystem checked.
If you connect a PLC trailer withthe ignition on, the trailer ABSlight also illuminates. If the lightfails to illuminate, if it remains on after youstart the vehicle or continues to flash, havethe system serviced immediately.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators(page 67).
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Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
When you switch the ignition on, thesystem automatically turns on. You cannotturn the system on or off.
AIR BRAKES
WARNING: Failure to maintainproper air brake adjustment can resultin reduction or loss of braking ability.
WARNING: Do not drive or continueto drive if the low air pressure buzzer issounding or the brake warning light is lit.These warnings indicate that air pressureis not to normal operating level.Continued use of the vehicle could resultin loss of braking ability.
WARNING: Avoid repeated lightapplication of the brake pedal. Thisdepletes air pressure faster and couldresult in loss of braking capability.
WARNING: Do not move thevehicle when the air pressure isinsufficient because the brake systemmay be inoperative.
After starting the engine, allow time for theair compressor to build air pressure to60 psi (414 kPa) before moving yourvehicle.
Periodically check the air pressure gaugewhile driving. Pressure should rangebetween approximately 100 psi (690 kPa)to 130 psi (896 kPa). The air compressorgovernor cut-in and cutout pressuresettings are set at the factory and cannotbe adjusted.
When air pressure is insufficient(below 60 psi (414 kPa)), awarning light illuminates and abuzzer sounds when the ignition is on. Thismay happen because excessive brakeapplications are depleting the system airpressure. If this condition occurs, stopdriving your vehicle until the compressorhas fully recharged the air system.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehiclebefore descending grades. Supplementingwith brakes, as required, helps safely slowthe vehicle and avoids overspeeding theengine.
Air Chamber Stroke Indication -Drum Brakes
Air chamber push rods have orange strokeindicator markers that warn when thebraking system requires adjustment orrepair. The painted orange indicator is onthe air chamber push rod at the slackadjuster stroke dimension that requiresservice when visible during brakeapplication.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: AIR BRAKES
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
Press the TCS Off button on theinstrument panel to enable themud/snow mode.
This is beneficial when your vehicle is stuckin snow or on a slippery road surface. Thismode allows wheel spin to dig your vehicleout and allows you to rock your vehicle.
Press the switch again to select standardtraction control. The system automaticallyselects standard traction control at thenext ignition cycle.
System Indicator Light
Note:If the traction control light does notflash during a traction control event or staysilluminated, the system is not functioningproperly. Take your vehicle to an authorizeddealer for service.
During traction control operation, thetraction control light flashes rapidly andthe engine does not rev-up when you pressfurther on the accelerator. This is normaland is no reason for concern.
In mud/snow mode, the TCS OFF lightilluminates on the instrument cluster. If atraction event occurs in either mode, thestability and traction control light flashesrapidly.
USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: HYDRAULIC
BRAKES
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The system turns on each time you switchthe ignition on.
Use the traction control buttonon the instrument panel toswitch the system off or on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off is beneficialas this allows the wheels to spin.
Press the button again to switch thetraction control system on.
System Indicator Light
Note:If the traction control light does notflash during a traction control event or stayson, the system is not operating. Have thesystem checked as soon as possible.
During a traction control event, the tractioncontrol light rapidly flashes. Pressingfurther on the accelerator does not causethe engine to rev higher. This is normal andis no reason for concern.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
See Load limits in the Load Carryingchapter for load specification terms foundon the tire label and Safety Compliancelabel and instructions on calculating yourvehicle's load.
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle. Youmust distribute the load in your trailer sothat 10-15% of the total weight of thetrailer is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to theframe or hook retainers of your vehiclehitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross thechains under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mph(80 km/h).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) or neutral (N)to aid engine and transmission coolingand to help air conditioningperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
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•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped withthe Tow/Haul feature, use this featurewhen towing. This provides enginebraking and helps eliminate excessivetransmission shifting for optimum fueleconomy and transmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
FIFTH WHEEL OPERATION (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Failure to follow thefifth wheel manufacturer’s instructionsfor hooking and unhooking as well assliding the fifth wheel could result in anaccident, personal injury or death.
WARNING: When the tractor andtrailer are parked unattended, the trailerbrake hand control should never be usedto apply the brake, since air may leakfrom the system, allowing vehiclemovement, resulting in possible propertydamage, personal injury or death.
Before hook-up, make sure:
•The fifth wheel jaws are fully open.
•The fifth wheel is fully tilted back toprevent body damage when the tractoris backed under a trailer.
•You block the trailer wheels and adjustand apply the trailer spring brakes.Never chase a trailer.
•The brake hoses and light cords areclear of the fifth wheel.
Hook-up
1.Back the tractor squarely under thetrailer, engaging the fifth-wheel jawson the kingpin. Always back up slowly;make sure the trailer is neither too highnor too low. Avoid backing under thetrailer from an angle.
2.Connect the service and emergencybrake hoses and trailer light connector.
3.Inspect the jaws of the fifth wheel tobe sure they have fully closed on thetrailer kingpin and the trailer plate isresting securely on the fifth wheel.
4.Make sure the coupler release lever isin the locked position.
5.Charge the trailer brake system. Setthe trailer brakes, with either the handvalve or tractor protection valve. Pullagainst the trailer for an extra check ofproper hook-up. Do not pull hardenough to damage or strain theequipment.
6.Set the tractor parking brakes and fullyraise the trailer landing gear.
7.Check the operation of all trailer lightsand correct any lights that may befaulty.
Un-hook
1.Try to keep the tractor and trailer in astraight line.
2.Apply the parking brakes.
3.Lower the trailer landing gear, makingsure it is on solid, level ground. Theweight of the trailer is to be on thelanding gear.
4.Block the trailer wheels.
5.Disconnect the brake hoses and lightcords. Be sure hoses and cords areclear.
6.Pull coupler release lever to disengagethe fifth wheel jaws.
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
Operation in Standing Water
Ingestion of water into the diesel enginecan result in immediate and severedamage to the engine. If driving throughwater, slow down to avoid splashing waterinto the intake. If the engine stalls, and yoususpect ingestion of water into the engine,do not try to restart the engine. Consultyour dealer for service immediately.
Your fuel tank vents to the atmosphere byvalves on top of the tank and through thefuel cap. If water reaches the top of thetank, the valves may pull water into thefuel tank. Water in the fuel can causeperformance issues and damage the fuelinjection system.
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Engine starting (with parking brake applied)
Check the gauge (diesel engine) or indicator light (gasolineengine) to verify the alternator is charging.Voltmeter
Inspect for excessive free play in the steering linkages. Thesteering wheel should have less than 2 in (5 cm) of free playat its rim.
Steering linkage free play
Verify the parking brake holds the vehicle by gently trying topull forward with the parking brake applied.Parking brake
Verify operation using the following procedure. Chock thewheels, if necessary. Push in the parking brake and, ontractors, push in the tractor parking brake knob:
Air brakes
1. Verify the air compressor or governor cutout pressure isapproximately 120 psi (827 kPa).
2. Turn off the engine, and then turn the key back to the onposition (without starting the engine).
3. Without the brake pedal applied, note the air pressure dropfor one minute. It should be less than 2 psi (14 kPa) for singlevehicles and 3 psi (21 kPa) for combination vehicles.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal with 90 psi (621 kPa) ormore. Make sure there is no more than a 3 psi (21 kPa) perminute leak for single vehicles and a 4 psi (28 kPa) minuteleak 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 brakeand trailer parking brake knobs pop out at 20 psi (138 kPa)or higher.
Verify that the fluid level is in the proper operating range. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid Check (page 243).Automatic transmissionfluid
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 (redon rear, amber elsewhere).
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Rear brakes
Inspect for cracked, worn or frayed hoses, and that all coup-lings are secure.Hoses
Verify that there are no cracks or dents, and that the cham-bers are securely mounted.Brake chambers
Inspect for broken, loose or missing parts.Slack adjusters
Note: The angle between the push rod and adjuster armshould be approximately 90 degrees when the brakes areapplied. When pulled by hand, the push rod should not movemore than approximately 1 in (2.5 cm).
Verify that there are no cracks, dents, holes, and no loose ormissing bolts and that the brake linings are not worn,dangerously thin or contaminated by lubricant.
Drums
Rear wheels
Check for even separation of dual wheels, and that the tiresare not touching each other.Spacers
Inspect for damaged or bent rims. They should not havewelding repairs, and there should be no rust trails, whichindicate it is loose on the wheel.
Rims
Verify all lug nuts are present and not loose (look for rusttrails around the lug nuts). There should be no cracks radiatingfrom the lug bolt holes or distortion of the bolt holes.
Lug nuts
Trailer
If you are pulling a trailer, perform aninspection of the trailer similar to that ofthe tractor. The inspection should followtrailer manufacturer recommendationsand should include at a minimum: generalcondition, landing gear, doors, sides, lights,reflectors, suspension, brakes, tires,wheels, cargo placement, stability andtie-downs.
Transmission
WARNING: If the unit starts in gearand/or the neutral start switch is notfunctioning correctly, the vehicle mayinadvertently move which could resultin property damage, personal injury ordeath.
Regularly inspect the transmission'sneutral start switch. The engine shouldonly start in neutral (N) or park (P) (ifequipped with a park position).
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