In an Emergency

Hazard Warning Lights

The hazard warning light tab ( Fig. 11.1 ) is located on the turn signal control lever. To operate the hazard lights, pull the tab out. All of the turn signal lights and both of the indicator lights on the control panel will flash.

To cancel the hazard warning lights, push the turn signal control lever either up or down, then return the lever to its neutral position.

1. Hazard Warning Light Tab

Fig. 11.1, Hazard Warning Light

Towing

Do not tow an unbraked vehicle if the combined weight of both vehicles is more than the sum of the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) of the towing vehicle. Otherwise brake capacity will be inadequate, which could result in personal injury or death.

IMPORTANT: When it is necessary to tow the vehicle, make sure the instructions below are closely followed to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Front Towing Hookup

Disconnect the battery ground cable.

If the vehicle is to be lifted and towed, remove the drive axle shafts.

Failure to remove the axle shafts when towing the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground could result in damage to the transmission and other parts.

Cover the ends of the hubs with metal plates or plywood cut to fit the axle opening, and drilled to fit the axle shaft studs. This prevents lubricant from leaking out, and will keep contaminants from getting into the axle lubricant and damaging the wheel bearings.

Remove the bumper extension and chrome bumper, if installed.

Attach the towing device. Due to the many variables that exist in towing, positioning the lifting and towing device is the sole responsibility of the towing-vehicle operator, who must be familiar with standard towing industry safety measures.

Lift the vehicle, and secure the safety towing chains. If additional clearance is needed, remove the front wheels.

Connect the clearance lights, taillights, and signal lights. Connect any special towing lights required by local regulations.

If equipped with air brakes, connect the towing vehicle's air brake system to the vehicle being towed.

Before releasing the parking brakes, make the connection to the towing vehicle or chock the tires on the disabled vehicle. Failure to do so could result in hazardous conditions because the vehicle could suddenly roll and injury could occur.

Release the parking brakes.

Rear Towing Hookup

Using a rear towing hookup on a vehicle equipped with a roof fairing could cause damage to the cab structure.

IMPORTANT: Because of the possibility of excessive wind force which could cause damage to the cab, do not use a rear towing hookup on any vehicle equipped with a roof fairing.

Place the front tires straight forward, and secure the steering wheel in this position.

Disconnect the battery ground cable.

Lift the vehicle, and secure the safety towing chains. If additional clearance is needed, remove the bumper extension if equipped.

Connect the clearance lights, taillights, and signal lights. Also connect any special towing lights required by local regulations.

Emergency Starting With Jumper Cables

When using jumper cables, follow the instructions below.

Batteries release explosive gas. Do not smoke when working around batteries. Put out all flames and remove all sources of sparks or intense heat in the vicinity of the battery. Do not allow the vehicles to touch each other. Do not lean over the batteries when making connections, and keep all other persons away from the batteries. Failure to follow these precautions could lead to severe personal injury as a result of an explosion or acid burns.

Make sure both starting systems have the same voltage outputs, and avoid making sparks. Otherwise the vehicle charging systems could be severely damaged. Also, do not attempt to charge isolated, deep-cycle batteries with jumper cables. Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions when charging deep-cycle batteries.

NOTE: On vehicles equipped with an optional jump-start post, attach the positive cable clamp to that post instead of to the battery.

Apply the parking brakes and turn off the lights and all other electrical loads.

Connect an end of one jumper cable to the positive terminal of the booster battery (or jump-start post if equipped), and connect the other end of the cable to the positive terminal of the discharged battery (or jump-start post if equipped). See Fig. 11.2 .

A. To Ground
B. 3rd
C. To Frame (ground)
D. 4th
E. To Starter
F. 2nd
G. 1st

1. Booster Battery
2. Discharged Battery

Fig. 11.2, Jumper Connections

Do the next step exactly as instructed and do not allow the clamps of one cable to touch the clamps of the other cable. Otherwise, a spark could occur near a battery, possibly resulting in severe personal injury from explosion or acid burns.

Connect one end of the second jumper cable to the negative terminal of the booster battery, and connect the other end of the cable to a ground at least 12 inches (300 mm) away from the batteries of the vehicle needing the start. The vehicle frame is usually a good ground. Do not connect the cable to or near the discharged batteries.

Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster batteries, and let the engine run a few minutes to charge the batteries of the other vehicle.

Attempt to start the engine of the vehicle with the batteries receiving the charge. Do not operate the starter longer than 30 seconds, and wait at least two minutes between starting attempts to allow the starter to cool.

When the engine starts, let it idle a few minutes.

Disconnect the grounded cable from the frame or other nonbattery location, then disconnect the other end of the cable.

Disconnect the remaining cable from the newly charged battery (or jump-start post if equipped) first, then disconnect the other end.

Fire in the Cab

Urethane foam is flammable! Do not allow any flames, sparks, or other heat sources such as cigarettes or light bulbs to contact urethane foam. Urethane foam in contact with such heat sources could cause a serious, rapid fire, which could result in death, severe burns, or gas poisoning, as well as damage to the vehicle.

The incidence of fire in heavy- and medium-duty trucks is rare, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #302 limits the flammability of specified materials used inside the cab, but despite this, most materials will burn. The cab of this vehicle contains urethane foam, which is of concern in this respect.

In Case of a Cab Fire

As quickly as possible, bring the vehicle to a safe stop, apply the parking brake, turn off the ignition, and get out of the vehicle.