MAINTENANCE MATTERS

Winter cold has begun. Take the extra time to ensure that your fleet is ready.

With winter here and snow beginning to fall, is your coach ready? Take the time to thoroughly inspect your coach. Taking some extra time now may help avoid costly down time later. Motor Coach Industries suggests following the regular service intervals as outlined in the maintenance manual. A complete set of these guidelines can be downloaded from our website.

A quick reference sheet:

Interior

	State Inspection
	Entry door operation
	Entry door seals
	Tempature and oil warning devices
	Neutral safety switch
	Horn, gauges, and dash lights
	HVAC operation fans
	Booster pump
	Refrigerant level
	Windshield wipers and washers
	Indicator lamps
	Throttle operation
	Brake pedal play and operation
	Back-up alarms
	Low-air warning buzzer
	Air governor settings: cut in / cut out
	Interior lights
	Condition of windshield glass
	Seats and seat mounting
	Fire extinguisher and mounting
	Road warning devices and mounting
	First aid kit and mounting
	Emergency exit operation and signage
	Driver seat belt
	Lavatory door and lock
	Foot rests
	PA and video systems

Exterior

	All exterior lights
	Clean or replace HVAC filters
	Check condition of evaporator and condensor motor brushes. Replace if less than 3/4" long.
	Mirror condition and mounting
	Mirror heater condition (pack ice onto rearview mirrors to ensure that mirror heaters are functional)
	Axle flange and lug nuts
	Hub oil levels
	Tire condition: tread depth / sidewalls
	Load-test batteries and record voltage
	Spare belts
	Record body damage
	Operation and seals of all doors
	Operation and lubrication of door locks

Engine Compartment

	Visible fluid leaks
	Engine oil level
	Transmission oil level
	Power steering fluid level
	Engine compartment lights
	Hoses condition: chafed / rubbing
	Coolant level protection
	Air filter condition
	Rear start operation
	Exhaust system leaks
	Fan gear box oil level
	Clutch and / or transmission linkages
	Lavatory exhaust fan operation
	Lavatory dump valve leaks
	Check block heater operation
	Check preheater operation

Under Coach

	King pin and wheel bearing play: all axles
	Drag link and tie rod ends
	Wheel seals: all axles
	Steering box mounting, u-joints, linkage
	Starter mounting and condition
	Shock mounting condition: all axles
	Air bellows
	Leveling valves and linkage
	Radius rod bushings
	Radius rod mounting
	Transmission output shaft play
	Differential pinion play
	Slip yoke play
	Fuel tank mounting, straps, and lines
	Record brake block thickness
	Record tire pressures
	Torque wheels
	Check U-joints in drive line for play
	Differential fluid level

Air / Brakes

	Visible and audible air leaks
	Air lines along chassis
	Air brake chambers / relay valves
	Slack adjuster linkage and bushings
	Air tank mounting and lines
	Record brake lining thickness
	Record brake travel applied and released
	Park brake operation
	Drain air tanks
	Air tank check valves
	Air dryer operation: purge cycle / heater
	Air system build-up time
	Leak-down test: 1/10 psi per minute maximum

Engine Oil

	Change engine oil
	Replace oil filters
	Replace fuel filters
	Replace coolant filter
	Check transmission oil level
	Check for oil / fuel leaks
	Check air filter restriction
	Check power steering fluid level
	Check antifreeze level
	Check fan gear box oil level
	Transmission output shaft play

Wheelchair Lift

	Check lift operation
	Check for stress cracks mounting and alignment
	Check for worn lift parts
	Inspect all hydraulic lines
	Check hydraulic fluid level
	Inspect electrical connections and harness
	Inspect safety barriers
	Lubricate lift mechanism
	Inspect wheelchair tie-downs

Charging System

	Check and adjust voltage regulator
	Check operation of battery equalizer (not to exceed ½ volt difference between batteries)
	Check cables at batteries / starter / chassis
	Check belt alignment

Brake Travel / Blocks

Test brake blocks: Front / Drive / Tag

Tire Pressure / Tread Depth

Check Tire Pressure and Tread Depth: Front / Drive (outer and inner) / Tag / Spare

Wheel Nut Torque

Check Wheel Nut Torque: Front / Drive (outer and inner) / Tag

Download your printable shop copy of this handy maintenance checklist and get started today.

For any technical information, please refer to the Maintenance manual, or call 800-241-2947 and ask to speak to a member of the Technical Call Center team.