Page 83 - 2021-2022 Commercial Drivers Manual

SECTION 11

I
PRE-TRIP 11.1 – nternal Inspection Temperature Gauge
(All Vehicles)
INSPECTION TEST • Make sure the temperature gauge is working.

Study the following vehicle parts for the type • Temperature should begin to climb to the
of vehicle you will be using during the CDL normal operating range or temperature light
This Section Covers skills tests. You should be able to identify each should be off.
part and tell the examiner what you are looking Air Gauge
Internal Inspection for or inspecting.
(All Vehicles) ..............11.1 11.1.1 – Engine Compartment • Make sure the air gauge is working properly.

(Engine Off) • Build air pressure to governor cut-out, rough-
External Inspection Leaks/Hoses ly 120-140 psi.

(All Vehicles).............11.2 Ammeter/Voltmeter
• Look for puddles on the ground. • Check that gauges show alternator and/or gen-

School Bus Only....... 11.3 • Look for dripping fluids on underside of en- erator is charging or that warning light is off.
gine and transmission. Mirrors and Windshield
Trailer ....................... 11.4 • Inspect hoses for condition and leaks. • Mirrors should be clean and adjusted prop-
Coach/Transit Bus ... 11.5 Oil Level erly from the inside.
Taking the CDL Pre-trip • Indicate where dipstick is located. • Windshield should be clean with no illegal
stickers, no obstructions, or damage to the
Inspection Test ........ 11.6 • See that oil level is within safe operating glass.
range. Level must be above refill mark.
Emergency Equipment
Coolant Level
• Check for spare electrical fuses.
During the pre-trip inspection, you must • Inspect reservoir sight glass, or
show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You will • (If engine is not hot), remove radiator cap and • Check for three red reflective triangles, or 3
have to walk around the vehicle and point to check for visible coolant level. liquid burning flares.
or touch each item and explain to the exam- • Check for a properly charged and properly
iner what you are checking and why. You will Power Steering Fluid secured fire extinguisher.
have to point to or touch items under the hood • Indicate where power steering fluid dipstick
or under the vehicle (this will require you to is located. NOTE: If the vehicle is not equipped with
physically maneuver/crawl under the hood or electrical fuses, you must mention this to the
under the vehicle). • Check for adequate power steering fluid examiner.
level. Level must be above refill mark.
Steering Play
• Engine Compartment Belts

• Non-power steering: Check for excessive play
• Check the following belts for snugness (up to by turning steering wheel back and forth.
3/4 inch play at center of belt), cracks, or frays: Play should not exceed 10 degrees (or about
» Power steering belt. two inches on a 20-inch wheel).
» Water pump belt.
» Alternator belt. • Power steering: With the engine running,
» Air compressor belt. check for excessive play by turning the steering
wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed
NOTE: If any of the components listed above 10 degrees (or about two inches on a 20-inch
are not belt driven, you must: wheel) before front left wheel barely moves.
• Tell the examiner which component(s) are Wipers/Washers
not belt driven.
• Check that wiper arms and blades are secure,
• Make sure component(s) are operating prop- not damaged, and operate smoothly.
erly, are not damaged or leaking, and are • If equipped, windshield washers must oper-
mounted securely.
ate correctly.
Safe Start
Lights/Reflectors/Reflector Tape Condi-
• Depress clutch. tion (Sides & Rear)

• Place gearshift lever in neutral (or park, for • Test that dash indicators work when corre-
automatic transmissions). sponding lights are turned on:
» Left turn signal.
• Start engine, then release clutch slowly.
» Right turn signal.
» Four-way emergency flashers.
11.1.2 – Cab Check/Engine Start
» High beam headlight.
Oil Pressure Gauge » Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator.
» DEF indicator
• Make sure oil pressure gauge is working.
• Check that all external lights and reflective
• Check that pressure gauge shows increasing
or normal oil pressure or that the warning equipment are clean and functional. Light
light goes off. and reflector checks include:
» Clearance lights (red on rear, amber else-
• If equipped, oil temperature gauge should where).
begin a gradual rise to the normal operat- » Headlights (high and low beams).
ing range. » Taillights.
» Backing lights.
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