Engine Starting
This engine chapter is to serve as a guide for best practices only. Each make and model engine may have operating characteristics that are unique to that particular engine, and will be documented in the engine manufacturer's literature. Always refer to specific instructions and recommendations from the engine manufacturer.
Note: Before starting the engine, read Instrumentation Control Unit for detailed information on how to read the instruments and see Ignition Switch for detailed information on how to operate the controls. Read the operating instructions in the manufacturer's engine operation manual before starting the engine.
Warning: Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the air inlet opening in the air intake in an attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing serious personal injury or property damage.
- Before engine start-up, complete the engine pretrip and post-trip inspections and maintenance procedures in Periodic Inspections and Maintenance and Safety Precautions.
- Set the parking brake.
- For manual transmissions, place the transmission in neutral
and fully depress the clutch pedal. Do not depress the accelerator
pedal.For automatic transmissions, put the transmission in neutral. Do depress the accelerator pedal.
Fig. 1, Ignition Switch
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. See Fig.. Electronic gauges
on the instrumentation control unit (ICU) will complete a full sweep
of their dials, the warning and indicator lamps will illuminate, and
the buzzer will sound for three seconds.
During cold conditions, the WAIT TO START lamp may illuminate on vehicles with Cummins engines. Wait until the lamp goes out before turning the ignition key to START.
- Turn the ignition key to the START position. Do not depress
the accelerator pedal.
Release the key the moment the engine starts.
- Apply load gradually during the warm-up period.
- Check the oil pressure gauge for any drop in lubricating oil pressure or mechanical malfunction in the lubricating oil system.
Notice: If the warning lights stay on, or do not come on momentarily after turning on the ignition, do not operate the engine. To do so may result in engine damage.
Note: The length of time the WAIT TO START lamp remains illuminated depends on the ambient temperature. The lower the ambient temperature, the longer the lamp will be illuminated.
Note: The engine electronics supply the correct amount of fuel for starting the engine. Accelerator pedal pressure is unnecessary, and could interfere with engine starting.
Notice: Do not rev the engine if the oil pressure gauge indicates no oil pressure. Shut down the engine within approximately ten seconds to avoid engine damage.