Seats and Restraints

Seats, General Information

Unless otherwise noted, all seat adjustments should be made while seated and before the engine is started.

Due to the high degree of adjustability of mid- and high-back air suspension seats, it is possible to combine the seat back recline adjustment and the seat slide adjustment so that the seat back contacts the back wall. Use care when adjusting the seat to prevent damage to the seat and the cab interior.

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 Argosy seats. Not all seats have all of the adjustments listed below. See Fig. 7.1 .

Backrest Tilt enables the backrest to pivot forward or backward.

1. Backrest Tilt
2. Lumbar Support
3. Fore/Aft Isolator
4. Height Adjustment
5. Bottom Cushion Tilt (fore-and-aft cushion height)
6. Fore/Aft Seat Slide (seat track adjustment)
7. Seat Tilt
8. Headrest Adjustment

Fig. 7.1, General Seat Adjustments

Lumbar Support changes the shape of the backrest to give more or less support to the occupant's lumbar (lower back) area. This adjustment is either mechanical or air controlled, depending on the seat model.

Fore/Aft Isolator feature reduces the amount of road shock by isolating the occupant from the motion of the vehicle, and allowing the upper seat to move in a simple pendulum motion. A lockout feature is used whenever the isolator is not desired.

Height Adjustment moves the entire seat up or down. The adjustment is either manually- or air-controlled, depending on the seat model.

Bottom Cushion Angle (fore-and-aft bottom cushion height) enables the occupant to raise or lower the front or back of the bottom cushion. This adjustment is easier to perform when all weight is removed from the seat.

Fore/Aft Seat Slide (seat track adjustment) moves the entire seat forward or backward on its track.

Seat Tilt allows the seat assembly (back and bottom cushions) to tilt forward or backward.

Headrest Adjustment changes the angle of the upper part of the backrest to provide head and upper back support.

Freightliner High-Back Seat

See Fig. 7.2 for seat adjustment controls. Not all models of the seat have all the adjustments listed below.

NOTE: Not all models of the seat have all the adjustment controls shown.

1. Rear Cushion Height Adjustment Knob
2. Fore/Aft Isolator
3. Front Cushion Height Adjustment Knob
4. Bottom Cushion Extension Handle
5. Fore/Aft Seat Slide Lever
6. Backrest Tilt Knob
7. Heater Button
8. Shock Absorber Lever
9. Height Adjustment Switch
10 Lumbar Support Switches

Fig. 7.2, Freightliner High-Back Seat

Backrest Tilt

To tilt the backrest, lean forward slightly to remove pressure from the cushion, then turn the knob forward or rearward to achieve the desired position.

Lumbar Support

To adjust the lumbar support, use the lumbar support switches on the side of the seat.

Height Adjustment

To raise or lower the height of the seat, use the height adjustment switch on the side of the seat.

Bottom Cushion Extension

To adjust the fore-and-aft position of the seat cushion, remove your weight from the seat, then lift up and pull forward on the cushion adjustment handle. To return the cushion to the aft position, lift up and push rearward.

Fore/Aft Seat Slide

To adjust the fore-and-aft position of the entire seat, move the fore-and-aft seat adjustment lever to the left and slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Move the lever back to its original position to lock the seat in place.

Fore/Aft Isolator

To engage the isolator, turn the isolator knob rearward to the unlocked position. Turn the isolator knob forward to the locked position when the isolator feature is not desired.

Shock Absorber

To adjust the amount of damping the shock absorber provides, move the lever up to increase damping; move the lever down to decrease damping.

Front Cushion Height

To adjust the height of the front of the cushion, remove your weight from the seat, then turn the adjustment knob toward the front of the seat (clockwise) to increase cushion height. To lower the cushion height, turn the adjustment knob toward the rear of the seat (counterclockwise).

Rear Cushion Height

To adjust the height of the rear of the seat cushion, remove your weight from the seat and turn the rear cushion adjustment knob to one of three positions.

Heater

To turn on the heat option, press the button. To turn off the heat option, press the button again. If the vehicle has Optimized Idle, seat heating will not operate with the key in accessory mode. Optimized Idle may also turn seat heating off to reduce stress on the batteries.

Bostrom Seat

See Fig. 7.3 for Bostrom seat adjustment controls.

1. Backrest Recline Lever
2. Air Lumbar Switches
3. Height Adjustment Switch
4. Bottom Cushion Tilt Knob
5. Isolator and Fore/Aft Seat Slide Lever
6. Mechanical Lumbar Knob

Fig. 7.3, Bostrom Seat Adjustment Controls

Backrest Recline

To recline the backrest, lean forward slightly to remove pressure from the cushion and hold the backrest recline lever rearward. Lean forward or backward slowly to the desired position and release the lever to lock the backrest in place.

Bottom Cushion Tilt

To adjust the bottom cushion tilt, rotate the bottom cushion tilt knob to increase or decrease tilt.

Fore-and-Aft Seat Slide

To adjust the fore-and-aft position of the entire seat, hold the fore-and-aft adjustment lever to the left and slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

Height Adjustment

To raise the seat, press the upper portion of the height adjustment switch. To lower the seat, press the lower portion of the switch.

Isolator

To engage the isolator, put the isolator lever in the center position. Lock out the isolator by moving the lever to the right.

Lumbar Support

To increase lumbar support on standard models, rotate the mechanical lumbar knob forward. To decrease lumbar support, rotate the knob rearward.

To increase lumbar support on optional models, press the plus sign on the air lumbar switch. To decrease lumbar support, press the minus sign on the switch.

EzyRider® Seat

For EzyRider seat adjustment controls, see Fig. 7.4 .

1. Fore/Aft Seat Adjustment Lever
2. Isolation Adjustment
3. Height Adjustment
4. Lumbar Support Switch
5. Backrest Recline Lever
6. Bottom Cushion Angle Guide
7. Armrest Adjustment

Fig. 7.4, EzyRider Seat Adjustment Controls

Armrest Angle (optional armrests)

To adjust the vertical angle of the armrest, turn the adjustment knob on the underside of the armrest.

Backrest Recline

To recline the backrest, raise the backrest recline lever and lean forward or backward. Release the lever to lock the cushion in place.

Bottom Cushion Angle

To adjust the bottom cushion angle, pull the bottom cushion up and forward or down and back. The bottom cushion angle is controlled by the guides on each side of the seat.

Fore-and-Aft Slide Adjustment

To adjust the fore-and-aft position of the entire seat, lift the bar and slide the seat to the desired positon.

Height Adjustment

To raise or lower the seat, use the height adjustment switch on the side of the seat.

Isolator

To adjust the isolator, move to the switch left to allow insolation; move it to the right to lock the isolator.

Lumbar Support

To adjust the amount of support for your lower back, push the front of the switch to inflate the lower lumbar bag, push the rear of the switch to deflate the bag.

National Seat

See Fig. 7.5 for National seat adjustment controls.

1. Backrest Recline Knob
2. Lumbar Support Switch
3. Height Adjustment Switch
4. Fore-and-Aft Seat Slide Lever
5. Bottom Cushion Extension Handle
6. Isolator Handle
7. Rear Cushion Adjustment Knob

Fig. 7.5, National 2000 Series Seat Adjustment Controls

Backrest Recline

To recline the backrest, turn the backrest recline knob until the desired position is reached.

Bottom Cushion Extension

To adjust the bottom cushion, lift the bottom cushion adjustment handle and pull forward or push back to the desired setting.

Fore-and-Aft Seat Slide

To adjust the fore-and-aft position of the entire seat, move the fore-and-aft seat adjustment lever to the left and slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Move the lever back to its original position to lock the seat in place.

Height Adjustment

To raise or lower the height of the seat, use the height adjustment switch on the side of the seat.

Isolator

To engage the isolator, turn the isolator lever to the horizontal position. Lock out the isolator by turning the isolator lever down.

Lumbar Support

To adjust the lumbar support, use the lumbar support switch on the side of the seat.

Rear Cushion Adjustment

To adjust the height of the rear of the seat cushion, remove your weight from the seat and turn the rear cushion adjustment knob to one of three positions.

ABTS Seat

See Fig. 7.6 for ABTS (all-belts-to-seat) seat adjustment controls.

1. Cushion Extension Adjustment Lever
2. Track Adjustment Handle
3. Isolator Control Handle
4. Upper Lumbar Adjustment Switch
5. Lower Lumbar Adjustment Switch
6. Seat Height Adjustment Switch
7. Seat Tilt Control
8. Recliner Handle
9. Armrest Control Knob
10. Shoulder Belt Height Control

Fig. 7.6, ABTS Seat Adjustment Controls

Cushion Extension Adjustment

Move the cushion extension adjustment lever to the left and move the seat cushion to the desired position.

Track Adjustment

To adjust the fore-and-aft position of the entire seat, lift the track adjustment handle and slide the seat to the desired position.

Isolator

Pull up the isolator control handle to lock out the isolation movement.

Lumbar Adjustment

Push the middle rocker switch to adjust the lower lumbar bag. Push the forward switch to adjust the upper lumbar bag.

Seat Height Adjustment

Push the seat height adjustment switch to raise or lower the seat suspension.

Seat Tilt Control

Set the seat tilt control to one of the five positions to set cushion rake adjustment.

Backrest Adjustment

To tilt the backrest backward, pull up on the recliner handle while leaning backward. To tilt the backrest forward, pull up on the recliner handle while leaning forward.

Armrest Adjustment

Rotate the control knob, located on the underside of the armrest, to set the desired angle of the armrest.

Shoulder Belt Height Control

Adjust the shoulder belt height. The height can be adjusted vertically by 3 inches (75 mm).

Seat Belts and Tether Belts

Seat belt assemblies are designed to secure persons in the vehicle to help reduce the chance of injury or the amount of injury resulting from accidents or sudden stops. For this reason, Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) urges that the driver and all passengers, regardless of age or physical condition, use seat belts when riding in the vehicle.

Always use the vehicle's seat belt system when operating the vehicle. Failure to do so can result in severe personal injury or death.

Seat belt assemblies in DTNA vehicles meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209, "Type 1" and "Type 2" requirements.

When transporting a child, always use a child restraint system or the vehicle seat belts as appropriate. To determine whether a child restraint system is required, review and comply with applicable state and local laws. Any child restraint used must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, "Child Restraint Systems." When providing a child restraint system, always carefully read and follow all instructions pertaining to installation and usage for the child. Make certain the child remains in the restraint system at all times when the vehicle is in motion.

In addition to seat belt assemblies, tether belts are installed on suspension-type seats. Tether belts help secure the seat to the floor and are intended to restrain the seat and seat belt in case of an accident or sudden stop.

IMPORTANT: Seat belts have a finite life which may be much shorter than the life of the vehicle. Regular inspections and replacement as needed are the only assurance of adequate seat belt security over the life of the vehicle.

Seat Belt Inspection

Inspect and maintain seat belts. When any part of a seat belt system needs replacement, the entire seat belt must be replaced, both retractor and buckle side. Any time a vehicle is involved in an accident, and the seat belt system was in use, the entire vehicle seat belt system must be replaced before operating the vehicle. Do not attempt to modify the seat belt system; doing so could change the effectiveness of the system. Failure to replace worn or damaged seat belts, or making any modifications to the system, may result in personal injury or death.

Inspect the seat belts and tether belts (if so equipped).

1.

Check the web for fraying, cuts, extreme dirt and dust, or for severe fading from exposure to sunlight, especially near the buckle latch plate and in the D-loop guide area.

2.

Check operation of the buckle, latch, Komfort Latch or Sliding Komfort Latch (if equipped), web retractor, and upper seat belt mount on the door pillar. Check all visible components for wear or damage.

3.

Check the seat belt and tether belt connection points and tighten any that are loose.

Seat Belt Operation

Three-Point Seat Belt With Komfort Latch

NOTE: For vehicles not equipped with the Komfort Latch, see the seat belt operation under the heading "Three-Point Seat Belt."

Wear three-point seat belts only as described below. Three-point seat belts are designed to be worn by one person at a time. In case of an accident or sudden stop, personal injury or death could result from misuse.

Fasten the seat belts before driving. Fastening a three-point seat belt while driving creates a hazard.

1.

Slowly pull the link end of the three-point seat belt out of the retractor and pull it across your lap (from outboard to inboard) far enough to engage the buckle. If the retractor locks too soon, allow the belt to retract slightly, then slowly pull it out again.

2.

Fasten the three-point seat belt by pushing the link into the buckle until it latches ( Fig. 7.7 ). Give the belt a tug at the buckle. If the buckle unlatches, repeat this step. If the problem continues, replace the three-point seat belt.

Fig. 7.7, Fastening the Three-Point Belt

3.

Position the shoulder strap diagonally across your chest with the adjustable D-loop bracket (if equipped). The shoulder strap must be centered on your shoulder and chest, away from your face and neck. See Fig. 7.8 . If desired, engage the Komfort Latch as follows.

3.

Pull on the shoulder strap to lessen the pressure of the strap on your shoulder and chest. Allow no more than one inch (2.5 cm) of slack between your chest and the shoulder harness. More slack can significantly reduce the seat belt's effectiveness in an accident or a sudden stop. While holding the belt slack, press the Komfort Latch lever up, clamping the seat belt webbing ( Fig. 7.9 and Fig. 7.10 ).

A. Correct—Belt is centered on your shoulder and chest, away from your face and neck.
B. Wrong—Belt must not rub against face or neck.
C. Wrong—Belt must not hang off shoulder.

Fig. 7.8, Proper Shoulder Strap Fit

A. 1 Inch (2.5 cm) Maximum

Fig. 7.9, Adjusting Shoulder Harness Clearance

Fig. 7.10, Locking Komfort Latch

4.

To unbuckle the three-point seat belt, push the button on the buckle as shown in Fig. 7.11 . If the Komfort Latch was used, release it by giving the shoulder belt a quick tug. If you lean forward against the shoulder belt, the Komfort Latch will automatically release, and will need to be reset.

Fig. 7.11, Releasing the Three-Point Seat Belt

NOTE: The Komfort Latch does not have to be released in an emergency situation. The Komfort Latch will release by itself under rough road or other abnormal conditions. Make sure the three-point seat belt is completely retracted when it is not in use.

Three-Point Seat Belt

NOTE: For vehicles equipped with the Komfort Latch, see the seat belt operation under the heading "Three-Point Seat Belt With Komfort Latch."

Wear three-point seat belts only as described below. Three-point seat belts are designed to be worn by one person at a time. In case of an accident or sudden stop, personal injury or death could result from misuse.

Fasten the seat belts before driving. Fastening a three-point seat belt while driving creates a hazard.

1.

Slowly pull the link end of the three-point seat belt out of the retractor and pull it across your lap (from outboard to inboard) far enough to engage the buckle. If the retractor locks too soon, allow the belt to retract slightly, then slowly pull it out again.

2.

Fasten the three-point seat belt by pushing the latch into the buckle. Listen for an audible click. See Fig. 7.7 .

3.

Tug on the seat belt to make sure it is securely fastened. If the buckle unlatches, repeat this step. If the problem continues, replace the three-point seat belt.

4.

Snug the seat belt to your waist.

5.

Position the shoulder strap diagonally across your chest with the adjustable D-loop bracket (if equipped). The shoulder strap must be centered on your shoulder and chest, away from your face and neck. See Fig. 7.8 .

6.

To unbuckle the three-point seat belt, press the release button on the buckle; see Fig. 7.11 .

NOTE: Make sure the three-point seat belt is completely retracted when it is not in use.

Sleeper Compartment Restraints

Do not use the sleeper compartment while the vehicle is in motion unless a bunk restraint is installed and used. Not using the bunk restraint increases the chance of injury, or the degree of injury, from accidents or sudden stops to all occupants of the vehicle.

On vehicles equipped with a sleeper compartment, bunk restraints should be used whenever the sleeper compartment is occupied and the vehicle is moving. Restraints are designed to lessen the chance of injury or the amount of injury resulting from accidents or sudden stops.

Bunk Restraint Adjustment

1.

Make sure the belt is attached to the bunk support and sleeper wall.

2.

To lengthen the belt, tip the link end downward and pull the link until it connects with the buckle.

3.

After the belt is connected, shorten it by pulling on the loose end until the belt is snug, but comfortable. Be sure the belts are not twisted. See Fig. 7.12 .

A. Pull on the loose end to shorten the belt.

1. Buckle
2. Belt Release Button
3. Link

Fig. 7.12, Bunk Restraint Adjustment

Bunk Restraint Operation

1.

Starting at the foot of the bunk, pull the link end of the belt up far enough to engage the buckle. See Fig. 7.13 .

1. Mattress
2. Sleeper Wall
3. Restraint
4. Belt Anchor
5. Buckle

Fig. 7.13, Bunk Restraint

2.

Fasten the belt by pushing the link end into the buckle until it latches. Make sure that the belt is not twisted. Check the engagement by trying to pull the link out of the buckle. If they come apart, repeat this step. If the problem continues, replace the belt. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other two belts located in the middle and upper portion of the bunk to lock the restraint in place.

3.

To release the bunk restraint, push the release button on the buckle at the head of the bunk and pull the link from the buckle.

3.

Repeat this step for the other two buckles to completely release the bunk restraint.

Steering Wheel Air Bag

Operation

NOTE: Only vehicles with the letters "SRS" molded into the steering wheel center pad are equipped with a steering wheel air bag.

The air bag, when used with seat belts, provides additional protection to the driver in severe frontal collisions. Steering wheel air bags are designed to inflate only in severe frontal collisions. The driver and the passenger should always wear seat belts. The steering wheel air bag will activate during a collision even if the seat belts are not fastened, but the system is designed to provide protection to the occupant only when the seat belts are fastened.

Keep all heavy objects in the cab secured. Do not place objects on the steering wheel or between you and the steering wheel. Any such objects may cause harm during an accident. Keep your hands on the sides and lower portion of the steering wheel. Failure to follow these instructions may result in death or personal injury.

For maximum protection in a collision, always be in a normal seated position with your back against the seat back and your head upright. Fasten your seat belt and ensure that it is properly positioned on your body as described under the "Seat Belt Operation" heading. Since the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seat position will help keep you a safe distance from the inflating air bag.

Inspection and Service

Do not attempt to service or modify the air bag system. Unintentional or improper air bag deployment could cause severe bodily injury or death. Contact an authorized Freightliner service facility for all service and maintenance.

The air bag system contains components that use combustible chemicals. Do not cut, drill, braze, solder, weld, strike, or probe the air bag components. Keep all liquids and chemicals away from air bag components.

The surface of the deployed air bag may contain small amounts of sodium hydroxide (which is a by-product of the gas generant combustion) and metallic sodium. Sodium hydroxide may be irritating to the skin and eyes. Immediately wash your hands and exposed skin areas with a mild soap and water. Flush your eyes immediately if exposed to sodium hydroxide.

The operational readiness of the air bag system is indicated by the supplemental restraint system (SRS) indicator on the dash. The SRS indicator illuminates for several seconds when the ignition is turned on, and then it goes off. The indicator will remain on if there is a problem with the air bag system. The vehicle should be serviced if the SRS indicator does not illuminate when the ignition is turned on, or if the SRS indicator remains on.

The air bag module may contain perchlorate material; for information, seewww.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Special handling may apply; follow appropriate rules and regulations when disposing of materials.

For all service and maintenance, contact an authorized Freightliner service facility.