Seats and Seat Belts
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.
WARNING
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. 5.1 .
- 1. Back Cushion Tilt
- 2. Lumbar Support
- 3. Isolator Feature
- 4. Height Adjustment
- 5. Bottom Cushion Angle (fore and aft cushion height)
- 6. Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment (seat track adjustment)
- 7. Seat Tilt
- 8. Upper Back Cushion
Fig. 5.1, Seat Adjustments
1.
Back Cushion Tilt: This adjustment enables the back cushion to pivot forward or backward.
2.
Lumbar Support: Lumbar support changes the shape of the seat back to give more or less support to the occupant's lumbar (lower back) area. This adjustment is either mechanical or air controlled, depending on make and model of the seat.
3.
Isolator: This feature (also referred to as back-slap isolator or Chugger-Snubber®) 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.
4.
Height Adjustment: The entire seat moves up or down when adjusting the height. The adjustment is either manually or air controlled, depending on the make of the seat.
5.
Bottom Cushion Angle or Fore and Aft Bottom Cushion Height: This feature 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.
6.
Fore and Aft Seat or Seat Track Adjustment: The entire seat moves forward or backward when this adjustment is made.
7.
Seat Tilt: When this adjustment is made, the seat assembly (back and bottom cushions) tilts forward or backward.
8.
Upper Back Cushion Adjustment: When this adjustment is made, the upper back cushion changes angle to provide upper back support.
9.
Weight Adjustment: On those seats with weight adjustment, the feature is fully automatic. When you sit on the seat, a leveling valve places you in the center of the ride zone. Additional adjustments are possible by using the height adjustment feature.
Freightliner High-Back Seat
See Fig. 5.2 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. 5.2, 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.
EzyRider® Seat
For seat adjustment controls on vehicles built before November 28, 2005, see Fig. 5.3 . For seat adjustment controls on vehicles built on or after November 28, 2005, see Fig. 5.4 .
- 1. Isolator and Fore/Aft Seat Adjustment Lever
- 2. Bottom Cushion Angle Guide
- 3. Armrest Adjustment Knob
- 4. Back Cushion Tilt Position Indicator
- 5. Back Cushion Tilt Lever
- 6. Height Adjustment and Lumbar Support Lever
- 7. Fore/Aft Seat Position Indicator
Fig. 5.3, EzyRider Seat Adjustment Controls (Vehicles Built Before
November 28, 2005)
- 1. Isolator and Fore/Aft Seat Adjustment Lever
- 2. Armrest Adjustment Knob
- 3. Bottom Cushion Angle Guide
- 4. Back Cushion Tilt Lever
- 5. Lumbar Support Switch
- 6. Height Adjustment Switch
Fig. 5.4, EzyRider Seat Adjustment Controls (Vehicles Built on or
After November 28, 2005)
Back Cushion Tilt
To tilt the back cushion, raise the back cushion tilt lever and lean forward or backward. Release the lever to lock the cushion in place.
Lumbar Support
To adjust the amount of support for your lower back, use the lumbar support switch or lever on the side of the seat.
Isolator
To engage the isolator, push in on the isolator lever. To lock out the isolator, pull the isolator lever out to the first stop.
Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment
Pull the fore and aft seat adjustment lever out to the second stop and slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.
Height Adjustment
To raise or lower the seat, use the height adjustment switch or lever on the side of the seat.
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.
Seat Position Indicators
Seats installed in vehicles built before November 28, 2005 are equipped with seat position indicators. A back cushion tilt position indicator and a fore/aft seat position indicator allow the driver to see where the seat is adjusted within the adjustment ranges.
Armrest Angle (optional armrests)
To adjust the vertical angle of the armrest, turn the adjustment knob on the underside of the armrest.
Freightliner/Bostrom Seat
See Fig. 5.5 for seat adjustment controls.
- 1. Back Cushion Tilt Lever
- 2. Lumbar Support Switch (LSO models)
- 3. Damper Adjustment Switch
- 4. Weight and Height Adjustment Switch
- 5. Bottom Cushion Tilt Knob
- 6. Fore and Aft Adjustment and Isolator Lever
- 7. Lumbar Support Knob (non-LSO models)
Fig. 5.5, Freightliner/Bostrom Seat Adjustment Controls
Back Cushion Tilt
To tilt the back cushion, lean forward slightly to remove pressure from the cushion and hold the back cushion tilt lever rearward. Lean backward slowly to the desired position and release the lever to lock the cushion in place.
Weight and Height Adjustment
To raise the seat, press the upper portion of the weight and 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.
Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment
Hold the fore and aft adjustment lever to the left and slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.
Bottom Cushion Tilt Adjustment
Rotate the bottom cushion tilt knob to increase or decrease bottom cushion tilt.
Lumbar Support
To increase lumbar support on LSO models, press the plus sign on the lumbar support switch. To decrease lumbar support on LSO models, press the minus sign on the switch. To increase lumbar support on non-LSO models, rotate the lumbar support knob forward. To decrease lumbar support on non-LSO models, rotate the knob rearward.
Damper Adjustment
Press the damper adjustment switch to adjust the damper.
National 2000 Series Seat
See Fig. 5.6 for seat adjustment controls.
- 1. Back Cushion Tilt Knob
- 2. Lumbar Support Switch
- 3. Height Adjustment Switch
- 4. Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment Lever
- 5. Bottom Cushion Front Height Adjustment Handle
- 6. Isolator Handle
- 7. Rear Cushion Adjustment Knob
Fig. 5.6, National 2000 Series Seat Adjustment Controls
Back Cushion Tilt
To tilt the back cushion, turn the back cushion tilt knob until the desired position is reached.
Height Adjustment
To raise or lower the height of the seat, use the height adjustment switch on the side of the seat.
Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment
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.
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.
Isolator
Also called a Chugger Snubber®, the isolator reduces the amount of road shock by isolating the occupant from the motion of the vehicle and allowing the seat to move in a simple pendulum motion. To use the isolator feature, turn the isolator handle to the horizontal position. Turn the isolator handle down when the isolator feature is not desired.
Lumbar Support
To adjust the lumbar support, use the lumbar support switch on the side of the seat to give more or less support to your lower back.
Bottom Cushion Front Height
To adjust the height of the front of the bottom cushion, lift the bottom cushion front height adjustment handle, and pull forward or push back to the desired setting.
ABTS Seat
See Fig. 5.7 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. 5.7, 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
General Information
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 urges that the driver and all passengers, regardless of age or physical condition, use seat belts when riding in the vehicle.
WARNING
Seat belt assemblies in Daimler Truck North America (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
WARNING
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."
WARNING
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. 5.8 ). 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. 5.8, 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. 5.9 . 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 1 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. 5.10 and Fig. 5.11 ).
- 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. 5.9, Proper Shoulder Strap Fit
- A. 1 Inch (2.5 cm) Maximum
Fig. 5.10, Adjusting Shoulder Harness Clearance
Fig. 5.11, Locking Komfort Latch
4.
To unbuckle the three-point seat belt, push the button on the buckle as shown in Fig. 5.12 . 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. 5.12, 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."
WARNING
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. 5.8 .
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. 5.9 .
6.
To unbuckle the three-point seat belt, press the release button on the buckle; see Fig. 5.12 .
NOTE: Make sure the three-point seat belt is completely retracted when it is not in use.
Sleeper Compartment Restraints
General Information
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. For this reason, Daimler Truck North America LLC urges the use of bunk restraints when the sleeper compartment is occupied in a moving vehicle.
WARNING
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. 5.13 .
- A. Pull on the loose end to shorten the belt.
- 1. Buckle
- 2. Belt Release Button
- 3. Link
Fig. 5.13, Bunk Restraint Adjustment
Bunk Restraint Operation
1.
Starting at the foot of the bunk, pull up the link end of the belt far enough to engage the buckle. See Fig. 5.14 .
- 1. Mattress
- 2. Sleeper Wall
- 3. Restraint
- 4. Belt Anchor
- 5. Buckle
Fig. 5.14, Bunk Restraint
2.
Fasten the belt by pushing the link end into the buckle until they latch. 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.
Supplemental Restraint System, Optional
The supplemental restraint system can consist of an air bag and SPACE system, or an air bag only system. Your vehicle may or may not have a supplemental restraint system.
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.
WARNING
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
WARNING
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.
SPACE System, Optional
The Seat Pretensioner Activation for Crash survival Enhancement (SPACE) system, when used with seat belts, provides additional protection to the driver and/or passenger in severe frontal collisions.
The SPACE system provides a significant increase in seat stability during a severe, frontal collision. When the SPACE module senses a severe, life-threatening frontal impact, the module triggers two gas-cylinders mounted at the base of the seat. See Fig. 5.15 . 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. See Fig. 5.16 . The air bag is activated simultaneously. This sequence of actions occurs in about a tenth of a second.
- 1. Pretensioning Cable Tether
- 2. SPACE Module
- 3. Suspension Seat
- 4. Gas Cylinder
- 5. Sensor Bracket
Fig. 5.15, SPACE System Components
- A. Seat Tether Without the SPACE System
- B. Seat Belt Assembly B-Pillar Components
- 1. Height Adjuster
- 2. Shoulder Loop
- 3. Seat Belt
- 4. Latch
- 5. Buckle
- 6. Buckle Cable
- 7. SPACE Module
- 8. Seat Tether
Fig. 5.16, SPACE System Seat Belt Assembly
WARNING
WARNING
The operational readiness of the SPACE system is indicated by the supplemental restraint system (SRS) indicator on the dash. The SRS indicator comes on when the engine is started and then goes off. The indicator will remain on if there is a problem with the air bag or SPACE system. The vehicle should be serviced if the SRS indicator does not come on when the engine is started or if the SRS indicator remains on.
Safety Guidelines for the SPACE System
The SPACE system contains components that use combustible chemicals. Because these chemicals are combustible, care must be taken when replacing or handling system components.
WARNING
Do not cut, drill, braze, solder, weld, strike, or probe any part of the air bag/SPACE system.
Keep all liquids, acids, halogens, heavy metals, and heavy salts away from the air bag/SPACE system.
Do not expose the air bag/SPACE system components to electricity.
Do not attempt to adapt, reuse, or install an air bag/SPACE system in any vehicle other than the specific vehicle for which it is designed.
Keep hands and tools away from the scissor points under the seats.
Do not cut wires or tamper with the connectors between the vehicle wiring harness and the air bag/SPACE system. Cutting or removing the electrical connectors could cause unintentional deployment.
Do not expose the air bag/SPACE system to electricity. Never probe a circuit.
Store, transport, dispose, and recycle deployed air bag/SPACE system components in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Replace damaged seat belts or seat belts that were worn in an accident, and check all anchoring points. To replace the seat belts used in a vehicle with an air bag/SPACE system, contact an authorized Freightliner service facility.
The air bag/SPACE system requires a special seat belt. Care must be taken to be sure the correct seat belt is used.
Keep all heavy objects in the cab secured.