Contents: Checking the operation of the brake… ↳ Steering and suspension ↳ Transmission ↳ Clutch ↳ Instruments and electrical equipment ↳
Checking the operation of the brake system
1. Make sure that the vehicle does not pull to one side when braking and that the wheels do not lock prematurely when braking hard.
2. Make sure that there is no vibration in the steering wheel when braking.
3. Make sure that the parking brake works properly, without excessive lever movement, and that the vehicle is held on the slope with the parking brake applied.
4. After stopping the engine, check the operation of the brake booster as follows. Press the foot brake four or five times to eliminate the vacuum, then start the engine. When starting the engine, you should feel a noticeable "recoil" in the brake pedal caused by the vacuum buildup. Let the engine run for at least two minutes, then turn it off. If the brake pedal is now pressed again, a hissing sound from the vacuum booster should be heard. After pressing the pedal about four or five times, the noise should stop and the pedal should become much harder to press.
Steering and suspension
5. Check for any unusual sensations in the steering and suspension, the vehicle's cornering behavior, or the road feel.
6. Make sure there are no unusual vibrations or noises while driving.
7. Make sure that the steering wheel works without sticking, the control feels confident and not loose, and the suspension does not rattle when driving over bumps and on turns.
Transmission
8. Check the efficiency of the engine, gearbox and rear axle.
9. Make sure that the engine starts equally well both cold and hot.
10. Pay attention to any unusual noises coming from the engine or transmission.
11. Make sure the engine idles smoothly and does not hesitate when you press the gas pedal.
12. On models with a manual transmission, ensure that all gears in the transmission engage smoothly and quietly, and that the gear shift lever does not stick or "fall through.".
13. On models with automatic transmission, make sure that the transmission of traction force is smooth, without any jerks or sudden "spikes" in speed (rotation frequency) engine, and that the gearshift lever can be moved to any of its positions while the engine is idling. If any transmission problems are found, contact your Ford dealer for advice.
Clutch
14. Check that the clutch pedal is depressed smoothly and easily throughout its travel and that the clutch operates properly, with no hint of slipping or sticking. If the pedal sticks or if its movement is uneven, make sure the clutch cable is routed correctly and is not twisted.
15. Inspect both ends of the cable (from the gearbox side and inside the car) for signs of wear and tear.
16. Check the self-adjusting mechanism of the pedal (see details. in Chapter 6).
Instruments and electrical equipment
17. Check the operation of all devices and electrical equipment.
18. Check the instrument readings and turn on all electrical equipment one by one to ensure that they are functioning properly.