Cómo inspeccionar Compartimiento del motor
Step 2 of the seven-step method. Before you raise the hood or tilt the cab, set the parking brake and/or chock the wheels (and secure loose items before tilting a cab). Then name each part, point to it, and say what you are checking it for.
Paso a paso
- 1
Confirm the parking brake is on and/or the wheels are chocked before opening the hood or tilting the cab.Crítico
- 2
Engine oil: dipstick level is safe for operation (not low).
- 3
Coolant: level in the radiator/reservoir is safe; radiator and hoses are not leaking, not cracked or worn, and connections are secure.
- 4
Power steering fluid (if equipped): level is safe; the hose is not cracked, worn or leaking.
- 5
Windshield washer fluid: level is adequate.
- 6
Battery: secure and tied down, box secure, connections tight and not corroded, fluid level OK if the battery is not sealed.
- 7
Automatic transmission fluid (if checked here): level is safe (may require the engine running).
- 8
Belts (alternator, water pump, air compressor): snug — about three-quarters of an inch of play — with no excessive wear, cracks or fraying. Say 'not equipped' for any gear-driven part with no belt.
- 9
Leaks: look for fuel, coolant, engine oil, power-steering fluid, hydraulic fluid and battery-fluid leaks anywhere in the compartment.Crítico
- 10
Wiring: electrical wiring insulation is not cracked, worn or frayed.
- 11
Lower the hood or secure the cab.
Puntos de reprobación automática
- Parking brake on and/or wheels chocked BEFORE opening the hood — a safety-critical setup step.
- Say what you check each part FOR (e.g. 'coolant level safe, hoses not cracked or leaking'), not just look at it.
- Report any leak, cracked hose/belt, or loose battery — a truck with these can be placed out of service.
Errores comunes
- Opening the hood before setting the parking brake / chocking the wheels.
- Naming a part but not saying the defect you are checking it for.
- Forgetting belt tension (~three-quarters inch play) or the six leak types.
- Skipping the battery security/connection check.
Por qué importa
The engine compartment holds the fluids, belts and wiring the truck depends on. A low coolant level, a cracked belt, a leaking power-steering hose or a loose battery can strand the truck or start a fire on the road — so each is checked, and any defect is a reason not to drive until it is fixed.
Áreas relacionadas
Fuente: AAMVA Model CDL Manual §2.1 Vehicle Inspection Guide (engine compartment) + §11; FMCSA 49 CFR 396.