This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assistance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle. It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and various customer-oriented documents. You are urged to read these publications carefully. Following the instructions and recommendations in this manual will help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle. Sterling vehicles are equipped with various chassis and cab components. Not all of the information contained in this manual applies to every vehicle.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained technicians and genuine Sterling parts, and is interested in your satisfaction. When performed on a regular basis, lubricating the parts of your vehicle is the least costly way of obtaining safe and reliable vehicle operation. Added benefits and savings occur when you check that the engine, undercarriage, and noise emission control parts are in good working order during lubrication.
Freightliner A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your authorized dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe place.
Freightliner Manual Transmission - If Equipped
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems are locked to provide antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key, depress and hold the release button located between the ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove the key.
Freightliner Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the door, turn the key rearward; to unlock the door, turn the key forward. For external door lock lubrication, refer to “Body Lubrication” in Section 7.
Freightliner SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unauthorized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked. The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the engine.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Freightliner STEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved no more than one-half turn in either direction and the key is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel: With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock: Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine. If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to the right or left to disengage the lock.
Freightliner Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System: This system prevents the key from being removed unless the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the key is in the ON position, and the brake pedal is depressed.
Freightliner SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for unauthorized operation. When the alarm is activated, the system provides both audible and visible signals. For the first three minutes the horn will sound and the headlights and security telltale will flash repeatedly. For an additional 15 minutes only, the headlights and security telltale will flash. The engine will run only if a valid Sentry Key is used to start the vehicle. Use of the Sentry Key will disable the alarm.
Rearming of the System: The Security Alarm System will rearm itself after the 15 additional minutes of headlights and security telltale flashing, if the system has not been disabled. If the condition which initiated the alarm is still present, the system will ignore that condition and monitor the remaining doors and ignition.