Driving a truck for long distances requires a specific skill set and knowledge about how to make the truck work optimally. Some of the things you may need to know include regenerating your truck or figuring out how to unlock it when you have accidentally locked the key inside while still in the ignition. One other thing you need to know how to do is how to let your truck idle.
Knowing how to and regularly having your truck idle is important for several reasons. It helps keep the cab at a comfortable temperature, which I find helpful when I am driving in cold areas. If you drive a Kenworth and want to know how to make it idle, read on to find out how.
How Do I Make a Kenworth T680 Idle?
Making your Kenworth T680 idle is a pretty simple endeavor and one that will serve you well in all kinds of places. It will ensure that you will be comfortable whatever the weather might be, make sure that your fuel does not get too cold, and automatically turn on the truck if the battery gets too low.
To get your Kenworth T680 to idle, take the following steps.
Park Somewhere Safe & Turn It Off
Make sure you are parked somewhere safe, then turn your key and make sure the engine is turned off. This is different from some other truck models where the engine needs to be turned on.
Wait For a Blank Dashboard
Make sure the screen on your dashboard goes blank. Once it is blank, move over to the switches to the right of the steering wheel.
Flip the Auto Switch and Hold It
Flip the switch labeled “Auto” to the up position. The switch will light up. Keep holding it until the screen comes back on.
Let Go of the Switch
Once the screen comes back on, you can let go of the switch. At this point, you should see it go through several checks, such as whether the hood is closed and whether the truck is in neutral.
Read the Screen Pop Up
Once it has completed those checks, the engine will go quiet. The screen should be lit up with the words “Auto Start Enabled. Vehicle Ignition Will Auto Start.”
Power On the Control Unit
Next, go back into the sleeper area, locate the control unit on the wall, and power it on. Underneath the screen is a group of four buttons in a circle. Press the one on the left side with the circle on it, and it will turn the control unit on.
Adjust the Settings
Once the control unit is on, adjust the temperature and other settings to your liking. You can do this by pressing the button on the right side of the circle of buttons with two lines on it.
It will go through different options such as heat, cool, or automatic. Choose the one that works best for you. Many people prefer the automatic option, so they do not have to fiddle around with it as much.
Is It Okay to Idle Your T680 For a Long Time?
Now that you know how to Idle your T680, you may be wondering if idling it is okay for a long time.
While it may strike some as wasteful of diesel and energy to keep your Kenworth idling, due to the low RPMs, it does not burn much. Furthermore, idling can prevent other issues such as diesel freezing or difficulties getting the truck started.
If you are stuck in traffic at a standstill for a long time, it is better to have your truck idling rather than completely shutting it off, as it can take a while for the truck to get started again.
Conclusion
Being able to idle is very important for your Kenworth T680. Idling means that you will be able to stay comfortable and will not get too hot or cold. Additionally, it warms up the engine, so it is ready to go when you are.
This can be very handy if you are in a traffic jam and are stopped for a long time. Having your truck idling is better than shutting it off completely, so you are ready to move as soon as the traffic clears up.
To make your Kenworth T680 idle, make sure the engine is turned off, flip the Auto switch, and hold it in until the screen on your dashboard lights up. As soon as the screen says “Auto Start enabled,” go back to the sleeper. Pushing the button on the left-hand side of the will adjust the temperature to your liking.
