Vehicle Access

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 .

1. Exterior Deck
2. Door Handle
3. Forward Grab Handle
4. Mobile Stairs Override Button

Fig. 2.1, Door Exterior (right side shown)

To unlock the left-hand door from outside the cab, insert the key in the lock and turn it one-quarter turn clockwise. Turn the key counterclockwise to the original position to remove it. Pull out on the paddle handle to open the door.

NOTE: The cab door locks can be operated when the doors are open.

To lock a door from outside the cab, insert the key in the lock and turn it opposite the unlocking direction (counterclockwise for the left-hand door, clockwise for the right-hand door). See Fig. 2.2 .

To lock a door from inside the cab, push the lock knob down or press the automatic lock button on the door armrest, depending on what the vehicle is equipped with. See Fig. 2.2 . To unlock the door from inside, pull the lock knob up or press the unlock button on the door armrest, depending on what the vehicle is equipped with.

1. Door Pocket
2. Lock Knob
3. Door Handle
4. Upper Door Grab Handle

Fig. 2.2, Door Interior

Cab Access, Fixed Steps

Wet or dirty shoes greatly increase the chance of slipping or falling. If your shoes are wet or dirty, be especially careful when entering or exiting the vehicle.

Always maintain three-point contact with the vehicle when entering or exiting the cab. Three-point contact means both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot.

Do not jump from the vehicle.

The grab handles, access steps, and steering wheel are all part of the cab access system. Use these "helping hands" when getting into or out of the cab to increase your security and comfort.

Left Side Entry

Open the left-hand door and place anything that you are carrying in the cab.

Grasp the aft grab handle with your right hand and the forward grab handle with your left hand. See Fig. 2.3 .

1. Upper Door Grab Handle
2. Door Pocket
3. Exterior Deck
4. A-Pillar Grab Handle
5. Forward Grab Handle
6 Aft Grab Handle
7. Top Step
8. Middle Step
9. Bottom Step

Fig. 2.3, Fixed Steps and Grab Handles, Left Side (RHD shown)

Place your right foot on the bottom step and pull yourself up.

Place your left foot on the middle step, reaching higher on both grab handles.

Place your right foot on the top step and pull yourself up.

NOTE: The left side of the cab is equipped with an A-pillar grab handle or the steering wheel, depending on whether the vehicle is left-hand drive (LHD) or right-hand drive (RHD).

Move your right hand to the forward grab handle and your left hand to the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle, then place your left foot on the deck.

Step into the cab with your right foot first.

Left Side Exit

IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to exit the cab while carrying any items in your hands.

If you take items with you, place them in an accessible location on the seat or cab floor. Make sure they will not get in your way as you exit.

Always face in when exiting the cab. Do not attempt to exit with your back to the cab, as you would going down a flight of stairs. It is easier to slip or lose your balance. If you slip when exiting in this way, there is a greater likelihood of personal injury.

NOTE: The left side of the cab is equipped with an A-pillar grab handle or the steering wheel, depending on whether the vehicle is LHD or RHD.

Grasp the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle with your left hand, place your right hand on the forward sidewall grab handle, and place both feet on the deck, facing into the cab.

Grasp the forward grab handle with your left hand and move your right hand to the aft grab handle.

Move your right foot to the top step.

Move your left foot to the middle step and lower your hands on both grab handles.

Move your right foot to the bottom step.

Step to the ground with your left foot first.

Right Side Entry

Open the right-hand door and place anything that you are carrying in the cab.

Grasp the aft sidewall grab handle with your left hand and the forward grab handle with your right hand. See Fig. 2.4 .

1. Bottom Step
2. Middle Step
3. Top Step
4. Exterior Deck
5. Door Pocket
6 Upper Door Grab Handle
7. Steering Wheel
8. Forward Grab Handle
9. Aft Grab Handle

Fig. 2.4, Fixed Steps and Grab Handles, Right Side (RHD shown)

Place your left foot on the bottom step and pull yourself up.

Place your right foot on the middle step, reaching higher on both grab handles.

Place your left foot on the top step and pull yourself up.

NOTE: The right side of the cab is equipped with an A-pillar grab handle or the steering wheel, depending on whether the vehicle is LHD or RHD.

Move your left hand to the forward grab handle and your right hand to the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle, then place your right foot on the deck.

Step into the cab with your left foot first.

Right Side Exit

IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to exit the cab while carrying any items in your hands.

If you take items with you, place them in an accessible location on the seat or cab floor. Make sure they will not get in your way as you exit.

NOTE: The right side of the cab is equipped with an A-pillar grab handle or the steering wheel, depending on whether the vehicle is LHD or RHD.

Grasp the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle with your right hand, place your left hand on the forward sidewall grab handle, and place both feet on the deck, facing into the cab.

Grasp the forward grab handle with your right hand and move your left hand to the aft grab handle.

Move your left foot to the top step.

Move your right foot to the middle step and lower your hands on both grab handles.

Move your left foot to the bottom step.

Step to the ground with your right foot first.

Cab Access, Mobile Stairs

Wet or dirty shoes greatly increase the chance of slipping or falling. If your shoes are wet or dirty, be especially careful when entering or exiting the vehicle.

Always maintain three-point contact with the vehicle when entering or exiting the cab. Three-point contact means both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot.

Do not jump from the vehicle.

The grab handles, access steps, and steering wheel are all part of the cab access system. Use these "helping hands" when getting into or out of the cab. They will increase your security and comfort.

The mobile stairs will deploy when the cab door is opened. As the stairs deploy, an audible alert sounds outside the vehicle. If anything prevents deployment of the stairs, a buzzer will sound and an indicator will illuminate on the dash.

The cab stairs will not operate under the following conditions:

parking brake is not set

vehicle is in motion (stairs automatically stow if the vehicle begins to move)

sensors detect weight on the stairs

cab is tilted

an obstacle is encountered in the stair travel path

the disable button is pressed

To prevent deployment of the stairs from outside the vehicle, press the button on the side of the cab, directly above the stairs, before opening the door. See Fig. 2.1 .

To prevent deployment of the stairs from inside the cab, press the dash rocker switch labeled RH STEP or LH STEP while opening the cab door. See Fig. 2.5 .

1. Right-Hand Stairs Switch
2. Left-Hand Stairs Switch

Fig. 2.5, Mobile Stairs Deployment Switches

NOTE: Pressing the disable button or switch will disable the stairs for one cycle of opening and closing the door. You must press the disable button each time you want to prevent deployment of the stairs.

Left Side Entry

Open the left-hand door and place anything that you are carrying in the cab.

Grasp the aft grab handle ( Fig. 2.6 ) with your right hand and grab the forward grab handle with your left hand, reaching up as far as is comfortable.

1. Bottom Step
2. Middle Step
3. Top Step
4. Top Deck
5. Aft Grab Handle
6. Forward Grab Handle
7. Steering Wheel

Fig. 2.6, Mobile Stairs, Left-Hand Side

Place your right foot on the bottom step and pull yourself up.

Place your left foot on the middle step and pull yourself up.

Move your left hand to the forward grab handle, then place your left foot on the top step.

NOTE: The left side of the cab is equipped with an A-pillar grab handle or the steering wheel, depending on whether the vehicle is LHD or RHD.

Pull yourself up and place your right foot on the top deck and move your left hand to the A-pillar grab handle or steering wheel.

Move your right hand to the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle.

With both hands gripping the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle, move your right foot into the cab.

Left Side Exit

IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to exit the cab while carrying any items in your hands.

NOTE: The left side of the cab is equipped with an A-pillar grab handle or the steering wheel, depending on whether the vehicle is LHD or RHD.

Grasp the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle with both hands, and stand on the deck at the top of the stairs facing into the cab.

With your right hand, grasp the forward grab handle.

Move your right foot to the top step.

Move your left hand to the forward grab handle and move your left foot to the middle step.

Move your right hand to the aft grab handle and move your right foot to the bottom step.

Step to the ground with your left foot.

Right Side Entry

Open the right-hand door and place anything that you are carrying in the cab.

Grasp the aft grab handle with your left hand and grab the forward grab handle with your right hand, reaching up as far as you're comfortable. See Fig. 2.7 .

1. Bottom Step
2. Middle Step
3. Top Step
4. Exterior Deck
5. Door Pocket
6 Upper Door Grab Handle
7. Steering Wheel
8. Forward Grab Handle
9. Aft Grab Handle

Fig. 2.7, Mobile Stairs and Grab Handles, Right-Hand Side (RHD shown)

Place your left foot on the bottom step and pull yourself up.

Place your right foot on the middle step and pull yourself up.

Move your right hand to the forward grab handle, then place your right foot on the top step.

NOTE: The right side of the cab is equipped with an A-pillar grab handle or the steering wheel, depending on whether the vehicle is LHD or RHD.

Pull yourself up and place your left foot on the top deck and move your right hand to the A-pillar grab handle or steering wheel.

Move your left hand to the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle.

With both hands gripping the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle, move your left foot into the cab.

Right Side Exit

IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to exit the cab while carrying any items in your hands.

NOTE: The right side of the cab is equipped with an A-pillar grab handle or the steering wheel, depending on whether the vehicle is LHD or RHD.

Grasp the steering wheel or A-pillar grab handle with both hands, and stand on the deck at the top of the stairs facing into the cab.

With your left hand, grasp the forward grab handle.

Move your left foot to the top step.

Move your right hand to the forward grab handle and move your right foot to the middle step.

Move your left hand to the aft grab handle and move your left foot to the bottom step.

Step to the ground with your right foot.

Mobile Stair Lock-Up Procedures

Access Stairs Will Not Fully Deploy

Close the cab door.

Ensure 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.

Access Stairs Will Not Fully Stow

Open and close the door.

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 and close the door again. If the steps still will not stow, leave the door open and exit the cab from the opposite side.

Place a hand on the exterior surface of the step, then apply light pressure to the step while closing the door.

If the step stows, press the yellow disable button next to the grab handle. This will disable the step for cycle of opening and closing the door.

If the steps will not fully stow, follow the instructions on the inside of the baggage door to safely stow the steps.

Back-of-Cab Access

Grab handles are typically located on the backwall of the cab or sleeper, or on the inside of the cab extender, if equipped. See Fig. 2.8 . A grab handle may also be provided on the exhaust stack. Steps may be mounted on the fuel tank(s), battery or tool box(es), or on metal brackets secured to the frame rail. A deck plate is mounted across the top of the frame rails. All other areas are not meant to support back-of-cab access.

1. Bottom Step
2. Top Step
3. Outboard Grab Handle
4. Inboard Grab Handle
5. Deck Plates
6. Exhaust-Mounted Grab Handle

Fig. 2.8, Back-of-Cab Access

Follow these rules for back-of-cab access. Failing to follow these rules could lead to a fall, and possible personal injury.

Never step on any exterior part unless it has a slip-resistant surface meant for safe stepping. If the surface is movable, such as a battery box cover with a slip-resistant surface, be certain it is firmly secured.

Be careful not to trip on items such as chains or air lines in the back-of-cab area.

Always follow safety procedures for back-of-cab access, maintaining three-point contact—both hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand—whenever moving around, and always face in toward the deck plate when climbing up or down.

Wet or dirty shoes, steps, or grab rails greatly increase the chance of slipping or falling. If your shoes or the contact areas are wet or dirty, clean and dry them as much as possible before accessing the back of cab area, and be especially careful when climbing or standing on the vehicle.

Never jump onto, or off of, a vehicle; doing so creates a very high likelihood of a fall and personal injury.

Wet or dirty shoe soles greatly increase the chance of slipping or falling. If your soles are wet or dirty, be especially careful when accessing the back-of-cab area.

Be careful not to get hands or feet tangled in hoses or other back-of-cab equipment. Carelessness could cause a person to trip and fall, with possible injury.

Accessing Back-of-Cab Area

External surfaces of the exhaust system remain hot after the engine has been shut down. When accessing the back of the cab or sleeper, do not touch any part of the exhaust system other than the exhaust-mounted grab handle, if equipped, or severe burns could occur.

Facing the center of the deck plate, grasp the grab handle with both hands. Reach up as far as is comfortable.

Place one foot on the bottom step and pull yourself up.

Place your other foot on the top step.

Move your lower hand to a higher position on the grab handle.

Step onto the deck plate.

Exiting the Back-of-Cab Area

Face the center of the vehicle and grasp the grab handle with both hands.

Place one foot at a time on the top step.

Move your upper hand to a lower position on the grab handle.

Move one foot to the bottom step.

Step to the ground with your upper foot first.

Opening the Grille

Step back from the grille when opening it. The grille can open quickly and could hit a person, possibly resulting in personal injury.

Opening the grille allows the driver access to the engine oil dipstick, the coolant fill cap, and the windshield washer reservoir. To open the grille, face the front of the truck, reach through the latch access openings on either side of the grille, and release the two latches. See Fig. 2.9 . Grip the grille firmly with both hands and lift. Pull the interior straps down to pull the grille shut. See Fig. 2.10 .

Make sure the grille is shut and latched securely.

NOTE: On some vehicles, the access latches are located behind the lower corners of the grille.

Fig. 2.9, Opening the Grille

A. Use this strap to close the grille.

1. Grille Latches

Fig. 2.10, Grille (shown fully open)

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 .

Fig. 2.11, Indicator Pin

NOTICE

Do not use either the telescoping tube assembly or the hydraulic tilt cylinder as a step or hand-hold; you could damage the transmission, telescoping tube assembly, or the tilt cylinder.

Tilting the Cab

Before tilting the cab, make sure there is adequate clearance in front of the vehicle and that the area is free of people and objects.

Do not tilt the cab with the engine running. Tilting the cab could engage the transmission. If the engine is running, the vehicle could move, causing an accident that could result in personal injury or property damage.

The hydraulic tilt system is a cab-tilting, not a cab-holding device. Do not leave the vehicle unattended unless the cab is fully tilted or resting against the safety stop. Holding the cab in place with the hydraulic tilt system may result in personal injury or death and/or property damage.

IMPORTANT: Before tilting or lowering the cab, read the warning label on the tilt pump and the tilt instructions label on the exhaust stack.

NOTICE

Before tilting the cab, make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground, both side-to-side and fore-to-aft. Tilting the cab while the vehicle is parked on a slope may damage the cab mounts and prevent you from returning the cab to the operating position.

Park the vehicle on a level surface, place the vehicle in neutral, shut down the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the tires.

Objects falling in the cab or a door flying open could damage the vehicle or cause personal injury.

Secure all loose articles in the cab and bunk, then activate the tilt system power switch on the dash. See Fig. 2.12 .

Fig. 2.12, Cab Tilt Switch

Exit the cab and make sure the doors are fully latched.

NOTICE

Make sure the grille is open before tilting the cab (vehicles built from June 2011). Leaving the grille closed while tilting the vehicle will cause damage to the grille.

IMPORTANT: Vehicles built February 2012 and later are equipped with a safety mechanism that prevents the tilt pump from operating when the grille is not open.

Fully open the grille.

Check the cab travel path for obstructions.

Move the pump control lever to the TILT position. See Fig. 2.13 .

1. Pump Control Lever
2. Hydraulic Tilt Pump
3. Pump Activation Button

Fig. 2.13, Cab Tilt Pump

Press and hold the button on the pump to disengage the hold-down latches and begin tilting the cab.

IMPORTANT: Check the indicator pin on each cab latch. The latches have disengaged if the pins are out. See Fig. 2.11 .

Make sure the safety stop is engaged on the right tilt cylinder rod. If the safety stop isn't engaged, and the cab should drop, the result could be serious injury or death.

When the cab reaches a 30-degree angle, stop tilting the cab by letting go of the pump button. Engage the safety stop on the right tilt cylinder rod. See Fig. 2.14 . The safety stop prevents the cab from accidentally dropping below this position.

1. Tilt Cylinder Rod
2. Safety Stop

Fig. 2.14, Safety Stop Engaged

To tilt the cab all the way, press and hold the button on the pump until the cab nears a 45-degree angle (the balance point). See Fig. 2.15 . Once the cab goes beyond 45 degrees, release the button on the pump and move the tilt pump lever to the RETURN position in order to slow cab descent.

A. Upright or Operating Position
B. 45° Tilted Position (balance position)
C. Full-Tilt Position

Fig. 2.15, Cab Tilt Positions

IMPORTANT: If the cab stops after it has gone beyond 45 degrees, don't force it down with the tilt pump. The velocity fuses have locked the tilt cylinders. To unlock them, see Hydraulic Lockup , below.

Returning the Cab to Operating Position

Stay completely clear of the cab's travel path at all times. Once the safety stop has been released, don't lean over the frame rails, the engine, or the transmission for any reason. To do so could result in serious injury or death.

Move the pump lever to the RETURN position.

Check the cab travel path for obstructions.

Press and hold the button on the pump to begin moving the cab to the operating position.

NOTE: To slow the cab descent, reverse the tilt pump lever after the cab passes the balance point.

Allow the cab to lower to the safety stop, then move the safety stop away from the right tilt cylinder rod. See Fig. 2.16 .

1. Safety Stop
2. Tilt Cylinder Rod
3. Tilt Cylinder

Fig. 2.16, Safety Stop Disengaged

Press and hold the button on the pump until the cab nears a 45-degree angle (the balance point). See Fig. 2.15 . Once the cab goes beyond 45 degrees, release the button on the pump and move the tilt pump lever to the TILT position in order to slow cab descent.

IMPORTANT: If the cab stops after it has gone beyond 45 degrees, don't force it down with the tilt pump. The safety stop is in the locked position or, the velocity fuses have locked the tilt cylinders. Release the safety stop or, to unlock the fuses, see Hydraulic Lockup , below.

Move the pump lever to the RETURN position.

Check the indicator pin on each cab latch. The latches are locked when the pins have moved back into the piston and cylinder spring assembly.

NOTE: Maintain the hydraulic oil level at the oil fill plug. Add oil only when the cab is in the operating position. Use only Freightliner-approved hydraulic oil. See Group 60 of the Century Class Trucks Maintenance Manual .

Close the grille.

Switch off the tilt system dash switch.

Hydraulic Lockup

Hydraulic lockup can occur for the following reasons:

very cold temperatures

use of the wrong hydraulic fluid

air in the system

sudden cab movement

ruptured hydraulic line

continued pumping after the cab goes over-center

tilt strut in locked position while lowering the cab

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 full-tilt 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.