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 Freightliner-installed 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.

Cascadia 2.0 High-Back Seat

See Fig. 7.2 for seat adjustment controls. Not all models of the Cascadia 2.0 Hi-Back seat have all the adjustments listed below.

1. Recline Handle
2. Heat/Ventilation Adjustment Switch
3. Heat/Ventilation ON/OFF Switch
4. Lumbar and Side Support Switches
5. Height Adjustment Lever
6. Shock Absorber Adjustment Lever
7. Fore/Aft Isolator Lever
8. Bottom Cushion Extension Lever
9. Seat Fore/Aft Slide Lever
10. Seat Tilt Lever

Fig. 7.2, Cascadia 2.0 Hi-Back Seat

Recline

Pull the recline handle to adjust the backrest tilt.

Seat Heating/Ventilation

Use the forward switch to turn the seat heater and ventilation ON or OFF. To turn on the heat, push the top of the switch. To turn on the ventilation, push the bottom of the switch. To turn off the heat or ventilation, move the switch to the middle position. To adjust the heat or ventilation, Use the rear button to adjust seat heating or ventilation. Three settings are available: low, medium, and high. See Fig. 7.3 .

NOTICE

Do not install seat covers on seats with heating and ventilation. Do not cover the seat with blankets, clothing, or pillows. Blocking the air flow through the cushions can overheat and damage the seat.

IMPORTANT: Turn off seat heating/ventilation when the seat is unoccupied.

1. Ventilation ON
2. Heat/Ventilation OFF
3. Heat ON
4. Heat/Ventilation ON/OFF Switch
5. Heat/Ventilation Adjustment Switch

Fig. 7.3, Cascadia 2.0 Hi-Back Seat Heat/Ventilation Controls

Lumbar Support

Press the forward button to adjust lower lumbar support, the middle button to adjust upper lumbar support, and the rear button to adjust side support.

Height Adjustment

Pull or push the lever to adjust seat height.

Shock Absorber Adjustment

Move the lever down to increase damping on rough roads, or up to decrease damping on flat roads.

Fore/Aft Isolator

Rotate the isolator knob to the left to lock the isolator, or to the right to allow movement.

Bottom Cushion Extension

Pull the lever to move the seat cushion forwards or backwards. The cushion moves 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) in 3/8-inch (10-mm) increments.

Seat Fore/Aft Slide

Lift the lever to slide the seat forward or backward. Release the lever to lock the seat in position.

Seat Tilt

Pull the lever and lean back to tilt the seat backwards. Three positions are available.

Armrest Angle

To adjust the armrest angle, tilt the armrest to the highest position, then down to the lowest position, then to the desired position.

Cascadia High-Back Seat

See Fig. 7.4 for seat adjustment controls.

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.

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. 7.4, Cascadia Hi Back 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. Refer to Chapter 11 for more information.

Sears Atlas Seat

See Fig. 7.5 for seat adjustment controls.

1. Isolator Lever
2. Fore/Aft Seat Slide Lever
3. Bottom Cushion Tilt Handle
4. Seat Extension Lever
5. Backrest Tilt Lever
6. Lumbar Support Switches
7. Suspension Inflation/Deflation Switch

Fig. 7.5, Sears Atlas Seat

Backrest Tilt

Pull upward on the recliner handle, move the backrest to the desired position and release the handle.

Lumbar Support

Rear rocker switch: Push forward to inflate the lower lumbar bag; push rearward to deflate the bag. Center rocker switch: Push forward to inflate the upper lumbar bag; push rearward to deflate the bag.

Fore/Aft Seat Slide

To adjust the fore-and-aft position of the entire seat, squeeze the fore/aft slide lock against the adjustment bail, and lift the bail up. See Fig. 8.4 . Slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Release the bail and fore/aft slide lock, to its original position, to lock the seat in place.

A. Squeeze the fore-and-aft slide lock against the adjustment bail.
B. Lift up the adjustment bail.

Fig. 7.6, Fore/Aft Slide Adjustment, Sears Atlas Seat

Bottom Cushion Tilt

Lift the handle upward and move the seat cushion to the desired position. Three positions are available.

Armrest Angle

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

Isolator

Position the handle to the left to allow isolation movement. Position the handle to the right to lock-out isolation movement.

Suspension Inflation/Deflation

Push forward on the gray rocker switch to inflate and raise the suspension; push rearward to deflate and lower the suspension.

Seat Extension

Rotate the handle upward to disengage, then move the seat cushion to the desired position and release the lever. Three positions are available.

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 Trucks 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

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.

When engaged and used properly, the Komfort Latch ( Fig. 7.7 ) and the Sliding Komfort Latch ( Fig. 7.8 ) introduce a small amount of slack into the seat belt, resulting in a more comfortable ride.

A. Disengaged
B. Engaged

Fig. 7.7, Komfort Latch

Fig. 7.8, Sliding Komfort Latch

1.

Slowly pull the link end of the 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. See Fig. 7.9 .

1. Latch
2. Buckle

Fig. 7.9, Three-Point Seat Belt Operation

2.

Fasten the seat belt by pushing the latch into the buckle. Listen for an audible click.

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 seat belt.

4.

Snug the seat belt to your waist.

Before activating the Komfort Latch or the Sliding Komfort Latch, make sure the amount of slack in the shoulder strap is set as described below. Excess slack in the shoulder strap reduces the effectiveness of the seat belt, and increases the risk of injury or death in an accident.

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. 7.10 . If desired, engage the Komfort Latch or Sliding Komfort Latch as follows.

5.

If equipped with a Sliding Komfort Latch, make sure that the shoulder strap is snug against your chest. Without loosening the shoulder strap, push the Sliding Komfort Latch switch to the "ON" position. See Fig. 7.8 . To activate the latch lean forward until you hear a click. This will allow for approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of slack between your chest and the shoulder harness. Once engaged, the latch will allow you to lean forward about 5 inches (13 cm) without having to reset the latch. Leaning forward more than 5 inches (13 cm) will disengage the Sliding Komfort Latch, requiring it to be reset.

5.

If equipped with a Komfort Latch, pull on the shoulder strap to lessen the pressure of the strap on your shoulder and chest. Allow no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of slack between your chest and the shoulder harness. More slack can significantly reduce the seat belt 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. 7.11 and Fig. 7.12 ).

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. 7.10, Proper Shoulder Strap Fit

A. 1 Inch (2.5 cm) Maximum

Fig. 7.11, Adjusting Shoulder Harness Clearance, Komfort Latch

Fig. 7.12, Locking the Komfort Latch

6.

Unbuckle the seat belt and release the Komfort Latch or the Sliding Komfort Latch as follows.

6.

If equipped with a Sliding Komfort Latch, unbuckle the seat belt, then tug on the shoulder belt to release the Sliding Komfort Latch, or press the Sliding Komfort latch to the "OFF" position, then unbuckle the seat belt.

6.

If equipped with a Komfort Latch, unbuckle the seat belt, then release the Komfort Latch 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.

NOTE: Neither the Komfort Latch nor the Sliding Komfort Latch need to be manually released in an emergency situation. Each will release by itself under rough road or other abnormal conditions. Make sure the seat belt is completely retracted when it is not in use.

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.

RollTek Rollover Protection System

Identification

Only seats with the RollTek module under the seat and the molded side-roll air bag cover on the upper side of the seat back are equipped with the RollTek rollover protection system; see Fig. 7.13 . RollTek may be installed in one of the following configurations:

driver seat only or driver and passenger seats

driver seat only, with an optional steering wheel frontal air bag

driver and passenger seats, with an optional steering wheel frontal air bag

1. RollTek Module
2. Side-Roll Air Bag Cover

Fig. 7.13, RollTek Protection System Components

Operation

The RollTek system, when used with seat belts, provides additional protection to the driver and passenger (if equipped with a passenger-side system) in rollover accidents. The RollTek system provides a significant increase in seat stability during a rollover. Vehicles equipped with RollTek rollover protection have a sensor mounted in the seat base that activates the side-roll air bag and seat pull-down device during a rollover.

When the RollTek module senses a rollover, the module triggers gas cylinders mounted in the base of the seat. The gas cylinders activate the power cinches that then tighten the lap and shoulder belts against the occupant of the seat and lower the seat suspension, moving the occupant down and away from the steering wheel and ceiling. The side-roll air bag deploys from the outboard side of the seat as the seat is pulled down to its lowest position. See Fig. 7.14 .

A. Side-roll air bag contained in seat.
B. Side-roll air bag deployed.

Fig. 7.14, Side-Roll Air Bag

Always use the seat belts when operating the vehicle. Failure to do so can result in severe personal injury or death. Do not place infants and children in seats equipped with the RollTek system. The RollTek system is designed for adults only. Doing so could result in severe bodily injury or death. Keep all heavy objects in the cab secured. Do not place objects on the seat back or block the side-roll air bag. Objects that block the side-roll air bag may prevent proper inflation and could result in serious injury or death.

The RollTek system will activate during a rollover even if the seat belts are not fastened, but the RollTek system is only designed to provide protection to the occupant when the seat belts are fastened.

For vehicles with the RollTek system(s) only, device(s) deploy as follows:

Rollover Crash—occupant seat belt pretensioning, seat pretensioning, and side-roll air bag at the proper time

Frontal Crash—no devices deployed

For vehicles with the RollTek system(s) and frontal steering wheel air bag, device(s) deploy as follows:

Rollover Crash—occupant seat belt pretensioning, seat pretensioning, and side-roll air bag at the proper time

Frontal Crash—steering wheel air bag, occupant seat belt pretensioning, seat pretensioning, and the side-roll air bag at the proper time

Inspection and Service

Keep hands and tools away from the scissor points under the seats.

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

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

IMPORTANT: The RollTek system must be replaced after being activated. Damaged seat belts and tethers, or seat belts and tethers that were worn in an accident, must be replaced, and their anchoring points must be checked.

The operational readiness of the RollTek 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 or RollTek system. The vehicle must 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.