BLUF: Correctly slave-starting your M1A2 SEPv2 tank is critical to avoiding expensive damage to the power take off (PTO), commonly known as the generator drive shaft, as well as the charging system and possibly the transmission.
Crewmen, follow all the proper procedures for slave starting your M1A2 SEP v2 tank and have a general understanding of how the power distribution works. That’ll prevent damage to equipment and injuries to personnel.
Components that could be damaged through improper slave starting procedures include, but aren’t limited to the following: engine, transmission, digital electronics control unit (DECU), hull power distribution unit (HPDU), 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 9-2350-388-10 (Jan 18, w/Ch 2, Oct 21) for the M1A2 SEPv2.
Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)
Perform PMCS for batteries using the work package (WP) titled MAINTAIN BATTERIES (SERVICE BATTERIES).
Maintenance Instructions
Maintain your tank’s batteries by following the procedures in the WP titled MAINTAIN BATTERIES (CHARGE BATTERIES) and MAINTAIN BATTERIES (SERVICE BATTERIES).
Slave Start Procedures Under Unusual Conditions
Follow the procedures in the -10 TM sections titled OPERATE TANK IN EXTREME COLD (START ENGINE), SLAVE START TANK (PREPARE TANKS) and SLAVE START TANK (START DEAD TANK).
Troubleshooting
Follow the troubleshooting procedures in the -10 TM titled OPERATOR TROUBLESHOOTING and OPERATOR TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX.
Power Distribution
To gain a general understanding of how your tank’s power management system operates, read through the section of the -10 TM titled OPERATOR POWER DISTRIBUTION THEORY OF OPERATION.
Also, make sure you:
- Read through all cautions, warnings and notes with every procedure.
- Follow the troubleshooting procedures in the -10 TM if any issues arise. Notify field maintenance if necessary.
- Double check that every tank is issued a set of TMs as part of the basic issue items (BII).