Axle Switches
All axle switches contain a red LED (light-emitting diode) that illuminates the switch from within when the switch is turned on (the upper part of the rocker is pressed). The legend under the LED, if any, is not visible until the switch is turned on.
Important: A guard is positioned around all axle switches to prevent unintentional activation.
Note: For more information on axle switch function, see Meritor MTC Series.
Differential Lock Switch
Caution: Differential lock should only be engaged when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly at low throttle. This will prevent internal axle damage.
The differential lock switch is a two-position guarded rocker switch. See Fig.. It causes the wheels on each axle governed by the switch to rotate together. It is also known as side-to-side wheel lock.
Fig. 1, Differential Lock Switch
To lock the wheels together, press the upper half of the rocker momentarily (at the LED). To turn off differential lock, press the upper half of the rocker again.
When the panel lights are on, the double-axle icon is backlit in green.
Important: The differential lock switch is guarded to prevent unintentional switch activation. If the LED in the switch begins to blink during normal operation, when the switch has not been activated, this indicates an error condition. Bring the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner service facility as soon as possible.
Interaxle Lock Switch
Caution: The interaxle lock should not be engaged on a vehicle with obviously spinning wheels. Engagement at high speed or power can damage the axle(s).
The interaxle lock switch is a two-position guarded rocker switch installed on vehicles with dual drive axles. See Fig.. It causes both axle shafts to rotate together.
Fig. 2, Interaxle Lock Switch
To lock the axles together, press the upper half of the rocker momentarily (at the LED). To turn off interaxle lock, press the upper half of the rocker again.
When the panel lights are on, the double-axle icon is backlit in green.
Important: The interaxle lock rocker switch is guarded to prevent unintentional switch activation. This switch does not have a diagnostic blink function when inactive.
Axle Shift Switch
Caution: To prevent transmission and axle damage, make sure the automatic transmission is in high range when performing an axle shift with the vehicle moving.
The axle shift switch is a two-position guarded rocker switch installed on vehicles with two-speed axles. See Fig..
Fig. 3, Axle Shift Switch
To shift the axle from low speed to high speed, press the upper half of the rocker momentarily (at the LED). To turn the axle shift off (switch from high speed back to low speed), press the upper half of the rocker again.
Note: On vehicles with tandem drive axles, there is an interlock that prevents a 2-speed axle from shifting whenever the interaxle lock is on.
When the panel lights are on, the AXLE SHIFT legend is backlit in green.
Important: The axle shift switch is guarded to prevent unintentional switch activation. If the LED in the switch begins to blink during normal operation, when the switch has not been activated, this indicates an error condition. Bring the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner service facility as soon as possible.