P4
Owner’s Manual 2015
5.0 SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
5.1 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.
Disconnect both of the main battery pack leads before working on or disconnecting any electrical
component or wire.
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.
5.2 MECHANICAL BRAKE SYSTEM
The mechanical brakes consist of two rear drum brakes which are self-adjusting. Monthly, with the vehicle
stationary, depress the brake pedal and check for 1/4
” pedal free travel before resistance is felt.
Maximum
pedal free travel should not exceed 2” measured from floor board to top of pedal See Figure
5.5.1
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.
5.3 HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM
These vehicles are equipped with two rear wheel hydraulic
brakes as standard or optional four wheel hydraulic brakes.
Monthly, with the vehicle stationary, depress the brake
pedal. See Figure 5.5.1. Pedal should not travel in excess of
2 ½” as measured from floor board. If pedal travel in excess
of 2 ½” before resistance is felt or if pedal feel spongy or
soft, contact your Columbia Dealer for qualified service
assistance
A hand operated (mechanical) parking brake is used on these vehicles. Monthly check the parking brake
operation. Parking brake hand lever should travel no more than 3-
1/2” upward when engaged. Check that
ratchet mechanism automatically holds parking brake handle in the up position. Make sure the release
button on the handle frees the parking brake lever and that the lever returns to full down (released)
position. Contact your Columbia Dealer for qualified service assistance for problems with the parking
brake or if the parking brake hand lever travels more than 3-
1/2” upward.
If any of the listed limits are exceeded stop and do not use the vehicle. Contact your Columbia
Dealer for qualified service assistance.
Figure 5.5.1
5-1
