Medium Duty Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company

STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE
Starting and Operating the Vehicle
Introduction
For detailed information on starting and operating the
engine, refer to the Engine Operation and Maintenance
Manual provided with your Medium Duty.
Because each vehicle is custom-equipped, all engine
operation instructions presented in this section are general.
You will want to consult the engine manual to find out
details about your vehicle's specific engine requirements.
You may need to use a slightly different procedure from
the one outlined here.
Also, read the American Trucking Association's (ATA)
Truck Driver's Handbook. It will give you tips on starting,
shifting, and driving your vehicle.
WARNING! Do not use ether or other starting
fluids as a cold-starting aid in your Medium
Duty. Your engine uses either an electrical
grid or an open flame inside the manifold, to
heat the air/fuel mixture for cold weather starting.
If ether or another starting fluid is used,
the air/fuel will ignite inside the manifold,
which could cause an explosion and severe
injury.
WARNING! Do not start or let the engine run in
an enclosed, unventilated area. Exhaust
fumes from the engine contain carbon monoxide,
a colorless and odorless gas. Carbon
monoxide can be fatal if inhaled.
• Do not park or operate the vehicle in areas
where the hot exhaust system may come in
contact with dry grass, brush, spilled fuel or
other material that can cause a fire.
Medium Duty (R05/09) Y53-6008A – 87 –