Driver Controls

Ignition Switch and Key

The ignition switch has four positions: OFF, ACC (accessory), ON, and START. See Fig. 5.1 . The ignition key also locks and unlocks the cab doors, baggage door(s), and if equipped, the bunk door(s).
Fig. 5.1, Ignition Switch
In the OFF position, the ignition switch is vertical. The key can be inserted and removed only in the OFF position.
The following functions are operable when the ignition switch is in the OFF position (regardless of whether the key is inserted):
low-beam headlights
taillights
brake lights
road lights
dome lights
clearance lights
hazard warning lights
turn signals
utility lights
baggage compartment lights
spotlights
electric horn
clock
refrigerator
CB radio
power mirrors
power receptacle
fuel heater
electric oil pan heater
electric or diesel-fired engine coolant pre-heater
Turn the key counterclockwise to reach the ACC position. In addition to all the functions that are operable in the OFF position, the following functions are operable when the switch is in the ACC position:
radio/stereo system
heater and A/C fan
mirror defog
windshield fan
ether start system
air dryer
backup lights
Turn the key clockwise past the OFF position to reach the ON position. When the ignition is turned on, the following actions should occur:
electronic gauges complete a full sweep of their dials
warning and indicator lamps illuminate, then are extinguished
audible alert sounds for approximately four seconds or until sufficient air pressure builds up in the primary and secondary air systems
software revision level of the ICU is displayed on the driver message center, followed by any active faults
IMPORTANT: If any red or amber warning or indicator lamps do not illuminate during the ICU self-check or do not extinguish after the self-check completes, take the vehicle to an authorized Daimler Truck service facility as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT: Do not crank the engine until the ICU gauge sweep is complete.
Turn the key clockwise past the ON position to reach the START position to start the engine. Release the key the moment the engine starts. Do not operate the starter longer than thirty seconds, then allow the starter to cool between attempts. If the starter overheats, the starter protection system will prevent operation of the starter until it has cooled. Release the key the moment the engine starts.

Lighting Controls

Exterior Lighting Controls

Exterior light controls are listed here in alphabetical order.

Backup Lights

Backup lights provide a warning to pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is, or is about to, back up.

Daytime Running Lights

The daytime running lights (DRL), if equipped, are automatically activated when the ignition is switched on and the parking brake is released. The DRL operate until the parking brake is applied or the headlights are turned on.
Some vehicles may be equipped with a momentary DRL override switch. See Fig. 5.2 . Press the upper half of the switch to briefly deactivate the DRL.
  • 1. Spotlight Switch
  • 2. Dome Light Switch
  • 3. Utility Lights Switch
  • 4. Foot Well Lights Switch
  • 5. Road Lights Switch
  • 6. Rear Strobe Light Switch
  • 7. Front Strobe Light Switch
  • 8. Fog Lights Switch
  • 9. Headlights/Marker Lights Switch
  • 10. DRL Override Switch
Fig. 5.2, Typical Light Controls

Fog Lights

Fog lights are designed to reduce glare in foggy conditions. The low-beam headlights must be on in order to turn the fog lights on. Press the upper half of the switch to activate the fog lights. See Fig. 5.2 .
  • 1. Fog Light
  • 2. Headlight
  • 3. Front Turn Signal
  • 4. Sidewall Turn Signal
  • 5. Clearance Light
  • 6. Marker Lights
Fig. 5.3, Exterior Lights

Hazard Warning Lights

The hazard warning light switch tab is located below the turn signal lever. Pull the tab out to activate the hazard warning lights. When the hazard warning lights flash, all turn signal lamps and both of the indicator lights on the control panel will flash. Move the turn signal lever up or down to cancel the warning lights.

Headlights

A three-position paddle switch is used to operate the exterior lights. See Fig. 5.2 . Move the paddle switch up to activate the headlights, instrument panel, clearance lights, marker lights, and taillights. To deactivate all vehicle lighting, ensure the switch is in the middle position. Move the paddle switch down to activate only the clearance, instrument panel, marker lights, and the taillights.

High-Beam Headlights

To activate the high-beam headlights, pull the turn signal lever towards the driver while the low-beam headlights are on. Pull the turn signal lever back again to deactivate the high beams and return to low beam headlights.
When the high-beam headlights are on, a blue light illuminates on the instrument cluster.
NOTE: The ignition switch must be on for the high beams to work.

Marker Light Interrupt

A momentary interrupt switch temporarily deactivates the marker lights and taillights. With the vehicle lights on, press and release the interrupt switch to briefly turn the marker lights and taillights off. To alert the driver that the switch is functioning, the dash lights will flash with the marker lights when the switch is actuated.

Road Lights

Press the upper half of the road light switch to activate the road lights mounted on the bottom edge of the front bumper or recessed in the front bumper. See Fig. 5.2 .

Spotlight

The spotlight switch is located on the pivoting handle of the spotlight. There may be a single spotlight assembly mounted above the driver's door, or one above each door.

Turn Signals

The turn signal lever is mounted on the steering column. Push the lever down to activate the left-turn signal lights; pull the lever up to activate the right-turn signal lights. To manually cancel the signal, move the lever to the neutral position. When a turn signal is activated, a green indicator light flashes on the instrument cluster.

Utility Lights

Utility lights can be swivel-mounted on top of the cab, mounted on the intake/exhaust support, or flush-mounted in the back of the cab or sleeper. Press the upper half of the switch to activate the utility lights. See Fig. 5.2 . Press the lower half of the switch to turn the utility lights off. When activated, a red indicator light in the switch is illuminated, if equipped

Interior Lighting Controls

Interior light controls are listed here in alphabetical order.

Baggage Compartment Lights

Baggage compartment lights are located on the underside of the lower bunk, on both sides. Both lights turn on when either baggage compartment door is opened to illuminate the baggage compartment. The lights also come on when the lower bunk is raised.

Cab Overhead Console Lights

The overhead console includes a clear reading light, a clear dome light, and a red map light. The dome lights illuminate when a door opens, then stay on for a short time after both doors are closed. Press the lens of the reading light, dome light, or map light to activate each one.

Foot Well Lights

When the driver or passenger doors are opened, red lights illuminate both foot wells. These lights can also be activated with the foot well light switch. See Fig. 5.2 . Press the upper half of the switch to turn the foot well lights on, press the lower half of the switch to turn them off.
The sleeper foot well switch is located in the lower switch module in the sleeper. It looks identical to the cab foot well switch. See Fig. 5.2 . When the switch is activated, two lights illuminate the sleeper floor.

Instrument Panel Lights

The instrument panel lights illuminate when the headlights are turned on. When the headlights are on, the panel lamp switch controls the intensity of the instrument panel lamps. Slide the switch up to brighten them and down to dim them. When the headlights are turned on, the panel lights setting will default to the intensity that was last set.

Sleeper Dome Light

A sleeper dome light is located on the roof, between the bunk and the cab on sleeper vehicles. See Fig. 5.4 . The rear cab dome light will activate with the dome lights when a door is opened, then stay on for a short time after both doors are closed.
Fig. 5.4, Sleeper Dome Light
Use the dash-mounted switch or the switch in the sleeper panel to activate the rear cab dome light. See Fig. 5.2 .

Rear-Wall Dome Light

A rear-wall dome light is available on all sleeper cabs. It is located on the rear wall where the wall meets the roof. To turn on the rear-wall fluorescent light, press the dome light switch on either the lower or upper bunk control panels. See Fig. 5.5 .

Sleeper Reading Lights

Clear reading lights are mounted above the lower bunk in the rear corners of the sleeper. There are two switches in the sleeper control panel for the reading lights. To turn a reading light on, press the upper half of the switch. Press the lower half of the switch to turn it off. See Fig. 5.5 .
The reading lights can also be activated by pressing the lens.
  • 1. Clock
  • 2. Volume Control Switch
  • 3. Fan Switch
  • 4. Reading Light
  • 5. Temperature Control Switch
  • 6. Dome Light Switch
  • 7. Power Receptacle
Fig. 5.5, Sleeper Climate Control Panel

Horn Controls

Air Horn

Air horn(s) may be mounted on the roof of day cabs, or under the driver-side floor for sleeper cabs. The air horn is controlled by a wire lanyard that hangs down inboard by the driver’s door. See Fig. 5.6 . Pull downward on the lanyard to sound the air horn.
  • 1. Lanyard
Fig. 5.6, Air Horn Control

Electric Horn

The button for the electric horn on a vehicle without an airbag is located in the center of the steering wheel. To sound the horn, press down on the button.
The electric horn on a vehicle with an airbag is activated by pressing down on the top of the steering wheel center pad.
The horn will sound for the duration that the button is pressed, up to 60 seconds. The electric horn will operate regardless of the position of the ignition key.

Powertrain Controls

Aftertreatment System Regen Switches

NOTE: See Chapter 11 for detailed information about the operation of the regeneration (regen) switches and the aftertreatment system (ATS).
IMPORTANT: Depending upon local jurisdictional emissions guidelines, the vehicle may not be equipped with an emissions aftertreatment system (ATS).
The regen request switch, located on the dash, is used to initiate a parked regen. See Fig. 5.7 .
  • 1. Regen Request Switch
  • 2. Regen Request/Inhibit Switch
Fig. 5.7, ATS Regen Switches
NOTE: The regen switch can initiate a parked regen only when the DPF lamp is illuminated.
Some vehicles may be equipped with a regen request/inhibit switch. See Fig. 5.7 . To stop a regen in progress or prevent the start of a regen, press the lower half of the switch. Regen will be delayed until the switch is no longer active.

Axle Switches

Differential Lock Switch

The differential lock switch provides maximum traction for slippery conditions by forcing the wheels on each drive axle governed by the switch to rotate together. Engagement can be at any speed, provided the wheels are not slipping or spinning. See Fig. 5.8 .
  • 1. Interaxle Differential Lock Switch
  • 2. Fifth Wheel Slide Switch
  • 3. Rearmost Axle Differential Lock Switch
  • 4. Air Suspension Dump Control Switch
Fig. 5.8, Axle and Suspension Switches

Interaxle Lock Switch

The interaxle lock, standard on all dual-drive vehicles, is driver-actuated by means of a LOCK/UNLOCK control valve switch. See Fig. 5.8 . A red indicator illuminates when the interaxle lock is engaged.
NOTICE
The interaxle lock should only be engaged when the vehicle is moving slowly at low throttle. Engagement at high speed or power can damage the axle(s).
Do not permit rear wheels to spin freely for more than ten seconds when traction is lost. Shift into LOCK to prevent damage to interaxle and main differentials.

Engine Fan Switch

To turn the engine fan on, press the upper half of the engine fan switch. See Fig. 5.9 . The fan will continue to operate for a set amount of time and then turn off unless the coolant temperature is high enough to continue fan operation. To turn the fan off before the set time period ends, press the lower half of the switch.
Fig. 5.9, Engine Fan Switch

Hill Start Aid Override Switch

Some vehicles are equipped with a Hill Start Aid (HSA) feature to prevent the vehicle from rolling while on steep grades and to allow for a controlled launch. HSA is active by default. It can be turned off by pressing and releasing the HSA override switch on the dash (see Fig. 5.10 ).
Fig. 5.10, Hill Start Aid Override Switch

PTO Switch

To activate the PTO function, press the upper half of the switch. Press the lower half of the switch to deactivate the PTO function.

Transmission Controls

Manual Transmissions

NOTE: See Chapter 14 for complete manual transmission operating instructions.
If so equipped, the transmission range control and splitter valves are attached to the gear shift knob.
The range-preselection lever allows the selection of the low or high range for each transmission ratio. It is used once during an upshift sequence and once during a downshift sequence.
Depending on the transmission model, some ratios can be split using the splitter-control button.

Eaton Automated Transmissions

NOTE: See Chapter 15 for complete automated transmission operating instructions.
The SmartShift electronic transmission control is installed with the Eaton® Fuller® UltraShift™ and Eaton Fuller AutoShift™ transmissions. The SmartShift control is operated by the fingers of the driver's right hand, allowing both hands to remain on the steering wheel.
A two-position driving mode slide switch is mounted on the body of the control lever just before the paddle widens out. The slide switch allows the driver to choose automatic (AUTO) or manual (MAN) mode. See Fig. 5.11 .
To upshift manually, pull the lever back (towards the driver). To downshift manually, push the lever forward (away from the driver).
  • 1. SmartShift Control Lever
  • 2. Slide Switch (forward driving mode switch)
  • 3. MAN Mode (of slide switch)
  • 4. AUTO Mode (of slide switch)
  • 5. Upshift Direction
  • 6. Reverse Position (of selector switch)
  • 7. Selector Switch
  • 8. Neutral Lock Button
  • 9. Neutral Position (of selector switch)
  • 10. Drive Position (of selector switch)
  • 11. Low Position (of selector switch)
  • 12. Downshift Direction
Fig. 5.11, SmartShift Control (Eaton Fuller UltraShift and AutoShift transmissions)

Cruise Control

WARNING
Do not use the cruise control system when driving conditions do not permit maintaining a constant speed, such as in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or roads with a loose driving surface. Failure to follow this precaution could cause a collision or loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in personal injury or property damage.
NOTICE
When the cruise control is engaged, do not attempt to shift gears without using the clutch pedal. Failure to follow this precaution will result in a temporarily uncontrolled increase in engine speed. Transmission damage and gear stripping could result.
Cruise control is activated by two dash-mounted switches: an On/Off switch and a Set/Decelerate/Resume/Accelerate switch. See Fig. 5.12 .
  • 1. Set/Decelerate/Resume/Accelerate Switch
  • 2. Cruise Control On/Off Switch
Fig. 5.12, Cruise Control Switches

Cruise at a particular speed

1.
Press the upper part of the cruise control On/Off switch to turn cruise control on.
2.
Hold the accelerator pedal down until the speedometer reaches the desired speed.
3.
Press the lower half of the Set/Resume/Accelerate/Decelerate switch momentarily to set the cruise speed (with the vehicle moving at the desired speed).
3.
To decrease cruise speed, press and hold the lower half of the Set/Resume/Accelerate/Decelerate switch to decelerate slowly. Release the switch when the desired speed is achieved.
3.
To increase cruise speed, press and hold the upper half of the Set/Resume/Accelerate/Decelerate switch to accelerate slowly. Release the switch when the desired speed is achieved.

Disengage cruise control

NOTE: The speed memory is lost whenever the ignition is turned off or the cruise control system is turned off.
1.
Depress the brake pedal (automatic or manual transmissions)
1.
or
1.
Depress the clutch pedal (manual transmissions only).
2.
Press the lower half of the On/Off switch.
NOTE: To resume the preselected cruise speed, increase vehicle speed to above minimum cruise control speed and momentarily press the upper half of the Set/Resume/Accelerate/Decelerate switch. Cruise will return to the last speed selected.

Dash-Mounted Brake Controls

NOTE: See Chapter 12 for detailed information about brake systems.

Antilock Braking System

The Meritor™ WABCO® Antilock Braking System (ABS) passively monitors vehicle wheel speed at all times, and controls wheel speed during emergency stops or wheel lock situations.
During emergency or reduced-traction stops, fully depress the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a safe stop. Do not pump the brake pedal . With the brake pedal fully depressed, the ABS will control all wheels to provide steering control and a reduced braking distance.
The ABS is designed to communicate with a trailer ABS, if they are compatible. Compatibility will result in the illumination of the trailer ABS lamp during vehicle start-up and fault detection. The trailer ABS lamp will not illuminate unless a compatible trailer is connected to the tractor.
Vehicles with ABS may have Automatic Traction Control (ATC). On these vehicles, the ATC system automatically limits wheel spin during reduced-traction situations. In normal braking applications, the standard air brake system is in effect.
ATC includes a deep snow and mud option to increase available traction on extra-soft surfaces like snow, mud, or gravel. A switch labeled ATC will be located on the dash. See Fig. 5.13 . Press the switch to temporarily activate the snow/mud option. The activation of the deep snow and mud option is indicated by a flashing WHEEL SPIN lamp. Press the switch again to cycle the system back to normal operation.
Fig. 5.13, ATC Switch
NOTICE
The deep snow and mud option is intended to be used under specific slippery conditions that require momentary increased wheel spin. Using this option for an extended period of time may damage the brake system.

Engine Brake Switch

The Hi/Med/Lo engine brake 3-position switch controls the amount of engine braking. Press the lower third of the switch for low, center for medium, and upper third for high. See Fig. 5.14 .
Fig. 5.14, Engine Brake Switch

Parking Brake Control Valve

NOTICE
Do not step on the service brake pedal while the parking brakes are applied. To do so can cause damage to the brake mechanisms.
The yellow diamond-shaped knob operates the parking brake valve. See Fig. 5.15 . Pull the knob out to apply the tractor and the trailer spring parking brakes. Push the knob in to release the spring parking brakes. Before the spring parking brakes can be released, the air pressure in either air brake system must be at least 65 psi (447 kPa).
If the trailer is not equipped with spring parking brakes, pull the parking brake valve out to apply the tractor parking brakes and the trailer service brakes.
  • 1. Trailer Air Supply Valve (red knob)
  • 2. Parking Brake Control Valve (yellow knob)
Fig. 5.15, Brake Valve Control Knobs

Trailer Air Supply Valve

The red octagonal-shaped knob operates the trailer air supply valve, which charges the trailer air supply system and releases the trailer spring parking brakes. See Fig. 5.15 .
After the vehicle and its air hoses are connected to a trailer and the pressure in the air system is at least 65 psi (447 kPa), push the trailer air supply valve knob in (and leave it in) to charge the trailer air supply system and release the trailer spring parking brakes. Pull the trailer air supply valve out before disconnecting a trailer or when operating a vehicle without a trailer.

Trailer Brake Lever

The trailer brake lever is used to apply the trailer service brakes without applying the truck or tractor service brakes. It is usually mounted on the right-hand control panel. See Fig. 5.16 . The valve can be partially or fully applied, but in any partially on position it will be overridden by a full application of the service brake pedal. Move the lever down to apply the trailer brakes; move the lever up to release the trailer brakes. The lever will automatically return to the up position when it is released.
Fig. 5.16, Trailer Brake Lever

Windshield Wiper/Washer Controls

NOTICE
Do not attempt to manually move the windshield wiper arms. Wiper motor damage will occur if the arms are forcibly moved.
The wipers are operated by a dual paddle switch located on the auxiliary instrument panel. See Fig. 5.17 . To turn the wipers on or off, press the top paddle in. When the top paddle is pushed up, the wipers will operate at high speed; when it is pushed down, they will wipe at low speed.
Fig. 5.17, Windshield Wiper Switch
The bottom paddle, when pushed in, turns the washers on. When pressed for less than 1/2-second, the wipers will perform a single, low speed dry wipe (mist function). When pressed for more than 1/2-second, the wash cycle begins and continues for three cycles or until the paddle is released. When the bottom paddle is pushed up, the wipers operate in fast delay. When the bottom paddle is pushed down, the wipers operate in slow delay. With the wipers in delay mode (fast or slow), push the bottom paddle up to shorten the delay period, or push the paddle down to lengthen it.

Suspension/Trailer Connection Controls

Air Suspension Dump Control Switch

NOTICE
Do not operate the vehicle over uneven ground such as ramps, speed bumps, curbs, etc. with the air springs deflated. Doing this may lead to air bag separation from the piston, preventing the suspension air springs from re-inflating.
The air suspension height control switch may be used to aid in connecting or disconnecting from a trailer. See Fig. 5.8 . When the switch is set to LOWER, the air suspension dump valve deflates the air springs to lower the rear of the vehicle. In the AUTO position, the automatic ride-control valves operate for normal driving.
NOTICE
Never exhaust air from the suspension while driving. When the air is exhausted, the suspension will not absorb road shocks, and components may be damaged.
A red LED in the switch is illuminated when the suspension is deflated.

Fifth Wheel Slide Control Switch

NOTICE
Do not activate the fifth wheel slide control valve while the vehicle is in motion. To do so could cause damage to the fifth wheel member, the kingpin, the cab or trailer, and ultimately to the drivetrain.
The fifth wheel air slide valve allows repositioning of the sliding fifth wheel from inside the cab. See Fig. 5.8 . Move the air slide control valve switch to the LOCK position to lock the fifth wheel to the baseplate. Move the switch to the UNLOCK position to unlock the fifth wheel slide mechanism, allowing changes to the total length of the tractor-trailer and changes to axle loads to comply with state or provincial laws.
For detailed operating instructions for fifth wheel slide, refer to Chapter 17 . A red indicator light illuminates whenever the fifth wheel slide is unlocked.

Trailer Auxiliary Switch

Some trailers with pneumatic brakes are equipped with power for the trailer lights. The connection is passed from the vehicle to the trailer via the primary receptacle, controlled by a dash switch.
Press the top of the switch to activate the trailer auxiliary function. Press the bottom of the switch to turn trailer auxiliary function off.

Climate Controls

NOTE: See Chapter 6 for detailed climate control panel operating instructions.

Cab Climate Control

The climate control panel allows the control of heating, ventilating, defrosting, and air conditioning (A/C) functions. See Fig. 5.18 . The cab climate control panel has three knobs to control the functions of the cab temperature system:
fan switch
air selection switch
temperature control switch
  • 1. Bunk Override Switch
  • 2. Air Recirculation Switch
  • 3. Fan Switch
  • 4. Air Selection Switch
  • 5. Temperature Control Switch
Fig. 5.18, Cab Climate Control Panel
The fan switch controls the fan speed, and forces fresh or recirculated air through the air outlets. To increase airflow, turn the switch clockwise to a higher number. To decrease airflow, turn the switch counterclockwise to a lower number.
The air selection switch allows the control of air flow through the face outlets, the floor outlets, the defrost (windshield) outlets, or a combination of these outlets.
The temperature control switch is used to select the desired temperature. Turn the switch clockwise to the red area for warm air. Turn the switch counterclockwise to the blue area for cool air.
The climate control panel may also be equipped with up to three rocker switches that can control recirculation, air conditioning, and bunk override.
When the recirculation switch is activated, the HVAC system limits the amount of outside air that enters the cab. Activate the recirculation switch to prevent dusty or smoky air from entering the cab.
NOTE: To prevent the buildup of odors and/or oxygen depletion inside the cab, the system switches from full recirculation mode to partial recirculation mode after 20 minutes.
The A/C cools and dehumidifies the air inside the cab. Press the A/C switch to turn the A/C on or off.
Press the bunk override switch to make the cab controls override the settings on the sleeper temperature control panel; the sleeper temperature will mimic the cab settings.

Sleeper Climate Control

The sleeper temperature can be controlled from the sleeper climate control panel or from the cab climate control panel if the bunk override switch is activated. See Fig. 5.5 .
The fan switch controls the sleeper temperature fan speed. To increase airflow, turn the switch clockwise to a higher number. To decrease the airflow, turn the switch counterclockwise to a lower number.
The temperature control switch is used to select the desired temperature in the sleeper. Turn the switch clockwise to the red area for warm air. Turn the switch counterclockwise to the blue area for cool air.
Cancel bunk override mode, if activated, by changing the sleeper fan speed or temperature setting. The system will then operate from the sleeper controls.

Seat Controls

NOTE: See Chapter 7 for detailed information about seat controls and adjustments.
WARNING
Keep hands, tools, and other objects away from the scissor points under the seats. Failure to do so could cause personal injury.
The following is a description of adjustments that can be made to various seats. Not all seats have all of the adjustments listed below. See Fig. 5.19 .
Backrest tilt
Lumbar support
Isolator
  • 1. Backrest Tilt
  • 2. Lumbar Support
  • 3. Isolator Feature
  • 4. Height Adjustment
  • 5. Bottom Cushion Angle (fore-and-aft cushion height)
  • 6. Fore-and-Aft Seat Slide (seat track adjustment)
  • 7. Seat Tilt
  • 8. Upper Backrest Adjustment
Fig. 5.19, General Seat Adjustments
Height adjustment
Bottom cushion angle (fore-and-aft bottom cushion height)
Fore-and-aft seat slide (seat track adjustment)
Seat tilt
Headrest adjustment

Adjustable Steering Column Controls

The adjustable steering column control button is located on the outboard sidewall of the cab. See Fig. 5.20 .
After adjusting the seat to the desired ride position, unlock the steering column by pushing and holding the tilt/telescope button down with the outboard foot. Tilt the steering column and the steering wheel telescope function to the desired position. Release the tilt/telescope button to lock the steering wheel and column in place.
  • 1. Brake Pedal
  • 2. Accelerator Pedal
  • 3. Steering Column
  • 4. Tilt/Telescope Button
Fig. 5.20, Steering Column Tilt/Telescope Button (RHD shown)