Medium Duty Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company

STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE
TO START” indicator lamp turns ON, wait until the
indicator lamp goes OFF (approximately 60 seconds)
before attempting to start the engine. (For each
engine and ambient temperatures, warm-up cycles
will vary.)
7. Turn the ignition switch to the IGN & START position
to engage the starter. Crank the engine until it starts.
If the engine does not start within 30 seconds, release
the key.
Use of Accelerator
• For mild to warm temperatures above 60°F (16°C)
keep your foot OFF the accelerator pedal while cranking.
If the engine does not start after 5 seconds, apply
full throttle while cranking.
• For below normal starting temperatures fully depress
the accelerator (throttle) pedal after engaging the
starter.
NOTE: Pumping the accelerator will not assist in
starting the engine.
CAUTION: To help avoid overtaxing the starter
motor or batteries, or causing engine damage,
follow the recommendations listed below:
• Do not engage starter for more than 30 seconds at a
time.
• Wait two minutes between each attempt to start the
engine. This allows the starter motor to cool and time
for the batteries to regain power.
• If the engine fails to start after a couple of tries, there
could be a malfunction with the engine or other
related system. Make any adjustments or repairs necessary
before trying to start the engine again.
When the engine starts:
• Watch the oil pressure gauge. Oil pressure should
rise within 15 seconds after the engine starts. If the oil
pressure does not rise, stop the engine. Find what is
wrong before restarting. Check the Engine Operation
and Maintenance Manual for the right oil pressure for
your vehicle's engine. In most engines, idle pressure
should be about 15 psi.
Medium Duty (R05/09) Y53-6008A – 89 –