General Information
Note: Before starting the engine, read General Description and Ignition Switch and Key in this manual for detailed information on how to read the instruments and operate the controls.
Before operating the vehicle, perform the engine pretrip inspection and daily maintenance checks in Ignition Switch and Key and Safety Precautions of this manual.
Notice: When starting a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission and clutch lockout switch, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed during the entire start sequence. Failure to do so can cause the pinion to release and re-engage, which could cause ring gear and starter pinion damage.
If a vehicle does not start on the first attempt, make sure that the engine has completely stopped rotating before reapplying the starter switch. Failure to do so can cause the pinion to release and re-engage, which could cause ring gear and starter pinion damage.
Moving a vehicle with the starter and/or using the starter to bump the engine for maintenance procedures is strictly prohibited. Use of these methods to bump the engine over or move the vehicle can cause the pinion to release and re-engage, which could cause ring gear and starter pinion damage.
Notice: Never attempt to start an engine using ether or any other starting fluid. Serious engine damage could result.
- Set the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. The low air pressure and low oil pressure warning lights (or messages) and buzzer operate until the engine is started and pressure is built up.
- For manual transmissions, place the transmission in neutral
and depress the clutch pedal.
For automatic transmissions, make sure that the transmission shift control is in Neutral (N), or if so equipped, the Park (P) or Park Brake (PB) position.
- Turn the ignition switch to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key.
- Bring the engine up to operating speed gradually as it
warms up and develops stable oil pressure.
Important: When the engine is started, it takes a short time to build up a lubricating oil film between the shafts and bearings, and between the pistons and cylinder walls. The oil pressure gauge indicates any drop in lubricating oil pressure within 15 seconds of engine startup. See the applicable engine manufacturer's operator's manual for minimum idle oil pressure specifications.
Important: On vehicles equipped with an intake air preheater, the INTAKE HEATER indicator stays on for a minimum of two seconds, regardless of coolant temperature. Wait until the INTAKE HEATER indicator goes out before attempting to start the engine.
Note: On vehicles equipped with a neutral start switch, the transmission must be in neutral before the engine can be started.
Important: Do not depress the throttle pedal while starting the engine.
Notice: Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. Wait two minutes after each try to allow the starter to cool. Failure to do so could cause starter damage.
Note: Some starters are equipped with optional overcrank protection. If overcranking occurs, a thermostat breaks the electrical circuit to the starter motor until the motor has cooled.