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PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
The following pre-trip inspection
checklist helps to ensure that the vehi-
cle components are in good working
condition before each trip. Pre-trip
inspections cannot be performed in
a short period of time. In checklist
form, the sequence below may seem
to be overly time consuming however,
careful pre-trip inspections save time
in the long run. Each checklist item is
followed with detailed instructions cor-
responding to their checklist item num-
ber. If any system or component does
not pass this inspection, it must be cor-
rected before operating the vehicle.
Apply the parking brake and chock the tires
before beginning the inspection!
PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST
1. INSPECT THE BATTERIES &
BATTERY CABLES.
i CAUTION
BATTERY POSTS, TERMINALS AND
RELATED ACCESSORIES CONTAIN
LEAD COMPONENTS, CHEMICALS
KNOWN TO THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER AND
REPRODUCTIVE HARM. TO PREVENT
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY,
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER
HANDLING BATTERY PARTS AND
RELATED ACCESSORIES.
A. Be sure the battery hold-down is
secure. If it is loose, tighten the hold
down fasteners. If they are broken,
replace them.
B. Remove any corrosion from the
hold-down and the top of the battery.
Use diluted ammonia or a soda
solution to neutralize the acid present,
then rinse off the ammonia or soda
solution with clean water. If the battery
posts or cable terminals are corroded,
disconnect the terminals from the
posts. Clean them with a soda solution
and a wire brush. After cleaning,
reconnect the terminals to the battery
posts, and then apply a thin coat
of petroleum jelly to the posts and
terminals to retard corrosion.
C. Check that all cables are secure in
their P-clamps, are protected by loom,
and have not shifted to be against any
sharp edges.
i IMPORTANT
TAKE CARE TO KEEP THE VENT
PLUGS TIGHT (IF EQUIPPED) SO THAT
THE NEUTRALIZING SOLUTION DOES
NOT ENTER ANY OF THE BATTERY
CELLS.
2. EXAMINE THE STEERING
COMPONENTS.
Examine the steering gear mounting
bolts (refer to the OEM Operator’s
Manuals), pitman arm nut, and the
drag link nuts for tightness. Check for
leakage at the gear box. Be sure the
steering drive-line and the U-joints
are in roadworthy condition, without
cracks, breaks, looseness or other
damage. Tighten loose nuts and
replace damaged parts as needed.
3. CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL IN
THE COOLANT RESERVOIR.
Check the condition of the radiator
fins, and the charge air cooler.
i IMPORTANT
COOLANT MUST BE FILLED TO THE
FULL LINE OF THE SURGE TANK. LOW
COOLANT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE
OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD CAUSE
ENGINE DAMAGE.
13 MAINTENANCE CHECKLISTS
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