General Information
Warning: Turning the cab load disconnect switch (CLDS) to the off position does not disconnect power to all electrical components (e.g. the starter and sSAM). To work on the vehicle safely, the negative leads must be disconnected from the battery.
Important: The ignition should be turned off before turning the cab load disconnect switch on or off.
The cab load disconnect switch (CLDS) is an optional switch that can be used to open (turn off) or close (turn on) circuits between the battery and the battery cable access box (BCA).
A vehicle in daily use would have the CLDS switch turned ON. When the CLDS switch is set to ON, a red LED indicator at the base of the switch selector illuminates. See Fig..
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LED Indicator Light
Fig. 1, Cab Load Disconnect Switch
Turning the CLDS switch OFF minimizes the power draw on the battery, preserving battery life and the ability of the vehicle to start after being parked for a number of days. The CLDs switch should be set to OFF if the vehicle is going to be parked for more than three days.
The CLDS may be mounted in a variety of location, including:
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inside the cab on the outboard side of the driver's seat;
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behind the cab on the driver's side;
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at the battery box.
If the CLDS is turned to the off position while the vehicle is running, the emergency power system will activate.