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Have you ever seen a HOWO truck on the road and wondered how that driver managed such a massive vehicle? Now, you have the opportunity to learn how to drive a HOWO truck through the SINOTRUK truck manual below.
New Truck Break-In Period
A new HOWO truck needs a break-in period of about 2,000 kilometers. Although HOWO trucks have undergone some running-in during the period from the factory to the dealer. The running-in process has been basically completed when it is finally delivered to the user. But despite this, new trucks need to be treated with care when they reach customers.
The average break-in period for a truck is between 1500-3000 km and this applies to all moving parts. Among them, the engine is the most important, but the gearbox and rear axle also need proper running-in.
During the break-in period of a new vehicle, treat the truck as gently as possible. When driving, you should avoid stepping on the accelerator to the bottom, using the same gear for a long time, slamming on the brakes and overloading. The optimal load should be 60% to 70% of the standard load.
Start Truck
Battery and Switch
Before starting the HOWO truck, make sure the battery master switch is engaged to ensure the engine starts properly.
Notice:
- If you need to park the truck for a long time or need to repair the electrical system, please turn off the main battery switch in advance.
- Never disconnect the battery switch, loosen or remove battery terminals while the engine is running.
Connect Vehicle Circuit
When turning on the power of the vehicle, turn the switch outside the battery box counterclockwise to the horizontal position.
Disconnect Vehicle Circuit
When disconnecting the vehicle power supply, turn the switch outside the battery box clockwise to the vertical position.
Key
When driving, always set the key switch to “II” position, that is, the truck start state (when leaving the truck, even for a short time, the key should be removed).
Turning the key to the “II” position will turn on the position lights, brake lights, reverse lights, rear fog lights, work lights, front fog lights and dipped beam lights in sequence. At the same time, the indicator lights on the dashboard corresponding to them will also light up. The meter pointer swings from 0 to MAX. The system automatically checks the status of the truck, and if a fault is detected, the relevant fault code and fault warning light will flash on the dashboard.
Engine Ignition
When starting the engine, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check that the parking brake valve handle is tight.
Step 2: Put the shifter into neutral.
Step 3: Depress the clutch pedal all the way.
Step 4: Turn the key to “III” and let go.
Step 5: The key automatically returns to the “II” gear, and the engine starts successfully.
Notice:
- Do not turn the key for more than 15 seconds. If the starter works for a few seconds but the engine does not start, check the cause of the malfunction.
- After the truck self-test is complete, the indicator light goes off. Do not start the truck until the “STOP” light on the center console display disappears.
- Wait until the system pressure reaches above 0.55MPa (5.5bar), the buzzer stops alarming, and the air pressure reaches 0.7MPa (7bar), then start the vehicle.
Truck Warm Up
- Check whether the wheel differential and axle differential are closed.
- Adjusting the driving mode (no load, light load, standard, heavy load) before the truck warms up can save a lot of fuel.
- Avoid stepping on the accelerator deeply during the truck warm-up process, otherwise it will cause wear and tear on the piston group, turbine and air compressor.
- The time is controlled at about 5 minutes, which can avoid carbon deposits in the injector.
Gearbox Operation
This article explains in detail the shifting operation of the HOWO truck:
“How To Shift Gears In A Manual Truck: A Professional Guide”
Power TakE-off (PTO) Operation
PTO Engagement
To engage the power take-off, depress the clutch pedal first, then press the power take-off switch. The power take-off will now engage and the PTO indicator light on the instrument panel will come on. Then change to a low gear, release the clutch pedal to start using the power take-off.
PTO Separation
Depress the clutch pedal, then reset the power take-off switch. After waiting for about 3 seconds, release the clutch pedal to complete the separation of the power take-off, and the PTO indicator light goes out.
Inter-Wheel Differential Lock and Inter-Axle Differential Lock
Inter-Wheel Differential Lock
Inter-Wheel Differential Lock Engagement
- After parking, press the upper part of the inter-wheel differential lock rocker switch to engage the rear axle inter-wheel differential lock.
- At this time, the inter-wheel differential lock indicator will light up.
- Depress the accelerator pedal lightly and accelerate slowly.
Inter-Wheel Differential Lock Disengagement
- After parking, step on the clutch pedal.
- Press the lower part of the rocker switch to unlock the differential lock.
- At this time, the inter-wheel differential lock indicator light goes out.
Inter-Axle Differential Lock
Inter-Axle Differential Lock Engagement
- After parking, press the upper part of the inter-axle differential lock rocker switch to engage the inter-axle differential lock.
- At this time, the inter-axle differential lock indicator will light up.
- Depress the accelerator pedal lightly and accelerate slowly.
Inter-Axle Differential Lock Disengagement
1. After parking, step on the clutch pedal
2. Press the lower part of the rocker switch of the inter-axle differential lock to unlock the inter-axle differential lock.
3. At this time, the inter-axle differential lock indicator light goes out.
Notice
- If it is necessary to use both differential locks at the same time, the inter-axle differential lock should be engaged preferentially.
- The truck must come to a complete stop when using any differential locks.
- Do not steer with any differential locks on.
- Remember to unlock the differential lock when not in use.
Brake System
The braking system has two separate circuits, acting on all wheels via the brake pedal. Circuit one acts on the rear axle wheels. Circuit two acts on the front axle wheels. Its working pressure is 0.75 MPa, and the cut-off pressure of the built-in pressure regulating valve of the dryer is 0.81 MPa.
If the pressure of any one of the gas tanks in the two circuits drops below 0.55MPa, the gas tank pressure indicator light will be on. At this time, stop immediately and check the reason.
Exhaust Braking
Exhaust braking is only effective when the following conditions are met:
- The exhaust brake switch is turned on;
- The clutch is not pushed, and the gear is not in neutral;
- The engine speed is above 800 rpm.
Economical Driving Tips
- Keep the engine speed below 2300 rpm for best fuel efficiency.
- Economic speed can be identified by the green area on the dashboard. If the engine speed exceeds the economic speed, the red warning light will come on.
- Keep tire pressure at normal levels. For every 1 Bar lower tire pressure than normal, fuel consumption increases by 5%.
- Skip unnecessary gear changes to save fuel. Make sure to change gears accurately to avoid any damage to the vehicle.
- Using a gearbox with a synchronizer is more fuel-efficient because it eliminates two steps on the clutch when changing gears.
Turn off the Engine
- Park the truck on a flat road
- Return the gear to neutral
- Apply the parking brake
- Turn the key counterclockwise to “0”, the engine stops
- Turn off the truck power
