BLUF: Failure to read the engine start and shutdown procedures in the operator manuals for the M1-series tank can result in equipment damage or cause injury or death to personnel.
Crewmen, you need to follow the proper engine start and shutdown procedures for your M1-series tank and have a general understanding of how the engine operates to prevent damage to equipment and injuries to personnel.
The following expensive components or more could be damaged through improper start or shutdown procedures: engine, digital electronics control unit (DECU), hull power distribution box (HPDB)/ hull power distribution unit (HPDU)/ enhanced hull power distribution unit (eHPDU), starter, generator, batteries and Force XXI Battle Command Brigade-and-Below (FBCB2).
You’ll find everything you need to know in Volume 1 of TM 9-2350-264-10 (Sep 11, w/Ch 4, Jan 18) for the M1A1, TM 9-2350-388-10 (Jan 18, w/Ch 2, Oct 21) the M1A2 SEPv2 and TM 9-2350-412-10 (Feb 23, w/Ch 1) for the M1A2 SEPv3.
Engine Start and Shutdown Procedures Under Usual Conditions
Follow step-by-step the procedures found in the -10 TM sections titled START ENGINE (NORMAL), START ENGINE (AFTER ABORTED START) and SHUT DOWN ENGINE.
Engine Start and Shutdown Procedures Under Unusual Conditions
Follow step-by-step the procedures found in the -10 TM sections titled OPERATE TANK IN EXTREME COLD (START ENGINE), SLAVE START TANK (PREPARE TANKS), SLAVE START TANK (START DEAD TANK).
Engine Operation
To gain a general understanding of how your tank’s engine operates, read through the sections of the -10 TMs called OPERATOR POWERPACK (TURBINE ENGINE) THEORY OF OPERATION.
Make sure you:
- Read through all warnings, cautions and notes with every procedure.
- Follow the troubleshooting procedures in the -10 TMs if any issues arise, and then notify field maintenance if necessary.
- Confirm that every tank is issued a set of TMs as part of the basic issue items (BII). The M1A2 SEP v3 also has digital manuals accessible through the loader’s display unit (LDU).