The light on the dash should come on and then turn off. If equipped, check the anti-lock braking system (ABS) indicator lights.Start engine and listen for unusual noises.Put the gearshift in Neutral (or “Park” if automatic).Step 3: Start the Engine and Inspect the Inside the Cab Get in and Start the Engine Warning devices for parked vehicles (for example, 3 red reflective warning triangles, 6 fuses, or 3 liquid burning flares).Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers).Vehicles must be equipped with emergency equipment. Exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of the vehicle.Loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts.Loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, or vertical stacks.Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame members.Ī broken exhaust system can let poison fumes into the cab or sleeper berth.Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or leaking.Torque rods or arms, u-bolts, spring hangers, or other axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged, or missing.Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part.

If 1/4 or more are missing, it will put the vehicle “out-of-service,” but any defect could be dangerous. Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring.Spring hangers hat allow movement of an axle from its proper position.Therefore, broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous. The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load and keeps the axles in place.

California drivers handbook