This manual provides information needed to operate and understand the vehicle and its components. More detailed information is contained in the Owner’s Warranty Information for North America booklet, and in the vehicle’s workshop and maintenance manuals.
Custom-built Freightliner vehicles are equipped with various chassis and cab components. Not all of the information contained in this manual applies to every vehicle. For details about components in your vehicle, refer to the chassis specification pages included in all new vehicles and to the component information label, located inside the vehicle.
Whenever you see instructions in this manual to discard materials, you should first attempt to reclaim and recycle them. To preserve our environment, follow appropriate environmental rules and regulations when disposing of materials.
Freightliner Component Information Label
The component information label lists the vehicle model, identification number, and major component models. It also lists the major assemblies and installations shown on the chassis specification sheet. The component information label is typically attached to the passenger-side dash. An illustration of the label is shown in Fig. 1.1.
Freightliner Door Locks and Handles
One common key operates the ignition switch and all of the door locks.
IMPORTANT: Each key is numbered. Record the number so a duplicate key can be made, if needed.
To unlock the right-hand door from outside the cab, insert the key in the lock and turn it one-quarter turn counterclockwise. Turn the key to the original position to remove it. See Fig. 2.1.
Freightliner Mobile Stair Lock-Up Procedures
Access Stairs Will Not Fully Deploy
- Close the cab door.
- nsure the parking brake is set.
- Inspect for an obstruction in the travel path of the steps.
- Start the engine to increase battery voltage.
- If the vehicle is parked at an incline greater than 3.5 degrees in any direction, move it to a level surface (if conditions permit).
- Open the door again. If the steps will not fully deploy, but will return to a fully stowed position, press the RH STEP or LH STEP switch while opening the cab door.
- Enter and exit the cab using the access instructions for fixed steps.
Freightliner Cab Tilt System
The hydraulic tilt system is used to tilt and lower the cab. An electric motor is used to activate the hydraulic tilt pump. The tilt pump can also be operated manually if necessary. A pump handle is located in the baggage compartment for manually working the tilt pump.
The hydraulic cab latches open automatically when the cab is tilted. When the cab is returned to the operating position, the latch hooks lock automatically. An indicator pin on the outboard side of each latch protrudes when the latch is unlocked, and recedes when the latch is locked. See Fig. 2.11.
Freightliner Vehicle Access
Any of the above situations will lock the tilt cylinders. To unlock the cylinders, the cab must be moved in the opposite direction of travel.
For example, if the cab is moving toward the full-tilt position when the lockup occurs, move the control lever to RETURN and work the pump a few strokes to unlock the cylinders. Move the control lever to the TILT position and allow the cab to descend to a fulltilt position.
If the cab is moving toward the lowered (operating) position when the lockup occurs, move the control lever to TILT and work the pump a few strokes to unlock the cylinders. Move the control lever to RETURN and allow the cab to descend to the operating position.
Freightliner Low Voltage Disconnect Feature
The low voltage disconnect (LVD) feature protects the batteries from excessive discharge by disconnecting certain circuits from battery power supply. This allows the batteries to maintain acceptable charge to restart the vehicle. The LVD system turns off cab and sleeper accessories when voltage drops to 12.3 volts. An alarm sounds for one minute before accessories are turned off. If no action is taken within that minute, the LVD module will shut off power to predetermined cab and sleeper circuits and illuminate an LED indicator on the LVD module located inside the right-hand door frame behind the seat. These circuits will remain off until the LVD measures 13.0 volts on the electrical system, which can be done by starting the engine. After the engine is started, the system will reset.
All vehicles equipped with LVD should have a sticker on the dash indicating the presence of the system. Another sticker is located inside the right-hand door frame behind the seat, along with the LVD module.
Freightliner Instrumentation Control Units
The instrumentation control unit (ICU) provides the driver with engine and vehicle information. It is comprised of standard and optional gauges, an audible warning, a driver message center, and a lightbar containing warning and indicator lamps (also known as telltales). Warning and indicator lamps illuminate in red (danger), amber (caution), green (status advisory), or blue (high-beam headlights activated).
Freightliner Air Intake Restriction Gauge
The air intake restriction gauge indicates the vacuum on the engine side of the air cleaner. On standard installations, it is mounted on the air cleaner. As an option for easier viewing, an air intake restriction indicator (see Fig. 4.6) can be mounted on the auxiliary dash panel.
Freightliner Voltmeter
The voltmeter indicates the vehicle charging system voltage when the engine is running and the battery voltage when the engine is off. By monitoring the voltmeter, the driver can stay aware of potential battery charging problems and have them fixed before the batteries discharge enough to create starting difficulties. Argosy vehicles are equipped with either a voltmeter gauge, or a digital voltmeter readout lo cated on the bottom line of the dash message center.
The voltmeter will normally show approximately 13.7 to 14.1 volts when the engine is running. The voltage of a fully charged battery is 12.7 to 12.8 volts when the engine is off. Battery voltage under 12.0 volts is considered a low battery, and a completely discharged battery will produce only about 11.0 volts.
If the voltmeter shows an undercharged or overcharged condition for an extended period, have the charging system and batteries checked at an authorized Freightliner service facility. On a vehicle equipped with a battery isolator system, the voltmeter measures the average voltage of all the batteries when the engine is running. When the engine is off, the voltmeter shows only the isolated battery voltage and does not indicate the voltage of the engine-starting batteries.