SECTION 5 SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
P5 OWNERS MANUAL 2013
MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES
To ensure that the vehicle is kept in a safe and correct operating condition, it must be inspected and maintained on a
regular basis. Proper lubrication, electrical control adjustments, safety feature checks, etc. performed at
recommended intervals will help prevent damage or failure of the unit while providing optimum performance.
Follow the guidelines below to assure proper maintenance.
Before starting any repairs or maintenance, immobilize the vehicle by turning the power keyswitch off, removing
the key and setting the park brake.
Power down the vehicle using the blue battery quick disconnect. See
SECTION 2 SAFETY
BATTERY
DISCONNECT METHOD
.
Block the chassis with jack stands before working under a raised vehicle.
Do not use flammable fluids for cleaning parts.
Work in a properly ventilated work area.
Regularly inspect and maintain in safe working condition the brakes, steering mechanisms, speed and
directional control mechanisms, warning devices, guards and safety devices.
Keep the vehicle in a clean condition to minimize fire hazards and facilitate detection of loose or defective parts.
MECHANICAL BRAKE SYSTEM
The mechanical brakes consist of two rear drum brakes which are self-adjusting. Be sure the brakes function
properly. When brake pedal is pressed using moderate pressure, the vehicle should come to a smooth, straight stop.
If the vehicle swerves, fails to stop, stops abruptly, or makes a grinding or squeaking noise, have the brake system
checked. Continued, moderate brake pedal pressure should be able to lock the wheels, but using lesser pressure
should also permit a slow, gradual deceleration.
The parking brake is applied by depressing the parking brake pad at the top of the brake pedal which locks the
brakes in place. If the brakes fail to hold the vehicle in position, contact your Columbia Dealer for qualified service
assistance.
TIRE CARE
See
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION,
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS for recommended tire pressure. Improper inflation
will shorten the life of your tires and will adversely affect performance.
NOTICE:
Replacement tires must be the same size as original equipment. Increased tire load ratings are
permissible but tire rating does not increase the rated load carrying capacity of the vehicle.
WHEEL & TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
Place blocks ahead of and behind the wheels that will remain on ground. Slightly loosen lug nuts. Place a jack under
the side of the vehicle in contact with the frame. Raise vehicle and remove lug nuts and wheels. To install, tighten the
lug nuts evenly in a star pattern until the nuts are all seated and torque to. 65 ft. lbs. (88.1 N.m). Recheck lug nut
torque with the vehicle on the ground.
NOTICE:
The wheel may be bent if not torqued in a crossing pattern. This will cause the wheel to wobble.
CLEANING
Wash underside to remove all dirt and debris. Do not direct high pressure water at the controller, speed switches, or
tops of the batteries.
Wash body and seat with a mild detergent. Do not use abrasives (bodies are painted). Frequent washings with mild
soap will preserve the finish of your vehicle. For stubborn and imbedded dirt, a soft bristle brush may be used. Tar,
asphalt, creosote and the like should be removed immediately to prevent staining of paint.
NOTICE:
Do not use harsh detergents, abrasives or cleaning solvents that contain ammonia, aromatic
solvents or alkaline material to clean cab.
5-1
