In Cab Check/Engine Start Checklist

Wipers/Washers

In Cab Check/Engine Start

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

Required in all commercial vehicles. The vehicle you bring to the test must be equipped with the following items:

• Spare electrical fuses. If the vehicle is not equipped with electrical fuses, you must mention this to the examiner.
• Three red reflective triangles, six fuses or three liquid burning flares.
• Fire Extinguisher, properly charged and rated

SAFETY BELT

• Check that the safety belt is securely mounted, adjusts and latches properly, and is not ripped or frayed.
• Fasten your safety belt before starting the vehicle.

SAFE START

It is important to know how to safely start your vehicle to make sure it does not move unintentionally. To safely start your vehicle:

• Depress clutch, if equipped.
• Place gearshift lever in neutral (or park, for automatic transmissions).
• Start engine, then release clutch slowly.

CHECK GAUGES

Oil Pressure Gauge:

As soon as the vehicle is started, check the oil pressure gauge to make sure the engine has oil pressure. Too little pressure can ruin the engine.

• Make sure oil pressure gauge is working.
• Check that pressure gauge shows increasing or normal oil pressure or that the warning light goes off.
• If equipped, oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.

Temperature Gauge

The coolant temperature gauge helps you monitor the engine cooling system.

• Make sure the temperature gauge is working.
• Temperature should begin to climb to the normal operating range or temperature light should be off.

Ammeter/Voltmeter

Monitors the engine’s battery charging system.

• Check that gauges show alternator and/or generator is charging or that warning light is off.

Air Gauge(s)

Show you the pressure in the air tank(s) (in vehicles with air brake systems).

• Make sure the air gauge is working properly.
• Check that the air pressure builds up to the governor cut-out level at approximately 120-140 psi or as specified by the manufacturer.

Horn

• Check that air horn and/or electric horn work.

Heater/Defroster

• Turn on the heater and defroster to make sure they work.

Mirrors and Windshield

• Mirrors should be clean and adjusted properly from the inside.
• Windshield should be clean with no illegal stickers, no obstructions, or damage to the glass.

Wipers/Washers

• Check that wiper arms and blades are secure, not damaged, and operate smoothly.
• Check that windshield washers operate correctly.