Note:Read and understand the following steps and perform them
whenever you prepare to drive the vehicle.
Note:The parking brake does not disengage unless sufficient system air
pressure is available.
If your vehicle is equipped with a dash-mounted push button (Allison
3000 Series) or steering column-mounted (Allison 2200 and 2500) gear
selector:
1. Press and hold the service brake pedal while the engine is running.
2. Select the appropriate drive gear.
3. Push and hold the yellow, dash-mounted parking brake knob until the
parking brake light turns off, then release.
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission:
1. Press and hold the service brake pedal while the engine is running.
2. Press and hold the clutch pedal.
3. Select the appropriate drive gear.
4. Push and hold the yellow, dash-mounted parking brake knob until the
parking brake light turns off, then release.
Parking Brake Light Illumination Due to Low Air Pressure
If the air pressure becomes too low at any time during vehicle operation,
the parking brake may apply and the parking brake light turns on.
If the parking brake applies due to low air pressure, immediate service is
required to the parking brake system.
Parking Brake Warning System
If the parking brake light blinks and a tone sounds when pulling the
yellow control knob out, this indicates the parking brake is not
functioning properly. Seek service for the parking brake immediately.
With the ignition key not in the run position:
•A tone sounds if the parking brake remains released (or in an
unknown state). The tone stops in approximately eight minutes or
until the parking brake is applied. Seek service for the parking brake
immediately.
Diesel engines:Parking brake light operation (the light only works
when the ignition key is in the run position):
•On:Parking brake applied.
•Off:Parking brake released and no faults or malfunctions.
•Blink and tone:Parking brake released (or in an unknown state)
and faults or malfunctions exist.
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Air Brakes
WARNING:Do not use the gearshift selector in place of the
parking brake; unexpected and possible sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these precautions are not taken. Always set the
parking brake fully AND make sure the gearshift selector is in position
Rfor vehicles equipped with manual transmission or positionN(except
Allison 2200 transmission) orP(Allison 2200 transmission) for vehicles
with automatic transmission.
If the service brakes should fail to operate while your vehicle is moving,
you can make an emergency stop with the parking brake. Since the
parking brake only applies stopping power to the rear wheels, your
vehicle’s stopping distance greatly increases and the handling of your
vehicle is adversely affected. Make repairs immediately to an inoperative
air brake system circuit.
WARNING:This control is used for parking only. Do not leave
the vehicle unattended after setting the parking brake without
placing the transmission inpositionRfor vehicles equipped with manual
transmission or positionN(except Allison 2200 transmission) orP
(Allison 2200 transmission) for vehicles with automatic transmission.
Use of wheel chocks is also recommended in hilly or off-road usage.
Pull the yellow parking brake knob
out to apply the parking brake.
Push the knob in to release the
parking brake.
The parking brake light illuminates and remains illuminated
(when you switch the ignition to the on position) until you
release the parking brake.
Releasing Spring Brake with Air Pressure
The air system in all vehicles with spring-actuated rear wheel parking
brakes is equipped with a tank valve located on the supply or service air
tank for connection to an outside air supply. The valve lets you recharge
P
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If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•Uneven vehicle loading
•High crown in center of road
•High crosswinds
•Wheels out of alignment
•Loose or worn suspension components.
AIR SUSPENSION (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:Do not operate your vehicle without air in the suspension springs.
Operating your vehicle without air in the suspension springs damages the
suspension, degrades ride performance and may cause property damage.
The air suspension system automatically adjusts to different loads to
maintain a constant frame height, allows for ease of vehicle loading,
provides improved vehicle ride, and increased driver comfort.
Air Suspension Dump Switch
Note:The suspension dumps air when the ignition is in the accessory or
on position, but fills only when the ignition is in the on position.
A switch located in the overhead
switch pack controls the system. It
operates only when the ignition is in
the accessory or on position and the
air tanks have sufficient pressure to
fill the air springs. When you turn
off the ignition, the suspension
remains in whatever state it was last
set.
Pressing the lower portion of the switch exhausts air from the air
springs, lowering the frame for loading. Pressing the upper portion of the
switch fills the air springs so your vehicle remains at normal ride height.
System Indicator Light
The air suspension indicator light illuminates when using the
switch to release air pressure in the rear air shocks. Never
drive your vehicle when the warning lamp is illuminated and
there is low (or no) air pressure in the shocks.
CK
SUSP
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Connecting and Disconnecting a Trailer with Air Suspension and
Air Suspension Dump Switch
When connecting to a trailer:
•Press the lower portion of the switch to exhaust air from the air
suspension system.
•Press the upper portion of the switch, and then raise the landing gear
after making the connection to the trailer.
When disconnecting the trailer:
•Lower the landing gear, and then press the lower portion of the
switch.
•Disconnect the brake hoses, trailer-side and rear light connectors,
then pull the release lever on the fifth wheel.
You must press the upper portion of the switch before operating with a
trailer or operating in the bobtail mode.
Suspension Conversions
WARNING:When operating a loaded vehicle, the driver must
keep all adjustable axles on the ground at all times, supporting
their share of the vehicle’s load. Failure to do so can overload other
axles, tires, wheels, springs, steering components, brakes and frames,
resulting in early component failure, loss of vehicle control, possible
property damage and personal injury.
We do not recommend performing, or approve of, suspension
conversions. However, we understand that, on occasion, others install
aftermarket add-on suspensions on the truck chassis that allow operator
control for weight transfer from other axles (such as air lift axles).
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Unloaded or Lightly Loaded Vehicles
WARNING:When operating empty or lightly loaded, sudden or
hard braking may induce wheel lockup with loss of vehicle
control and the possibility of accident and serious injury, especially on
wet or slippery road surfaces.
The braking system has been designed to safely stop your vehicle when
fully loaded to its GVWR.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Your vehicle’s load capacity designation is by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Second-unit bodies are not included in maximum trailer weight ratings.
You must subtract the weight of the extra body from the maximum
trailer weight.
Towing a trailer places an extra load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during, and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement affects your vehicle when
driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest to the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centered between the left and right side
trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
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Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances of having a crash greatly
increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if you install them properly and adjust them to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle’s braking system operation is at
the gross vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight
rating.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in a fire. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
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•Place the gearshift lever in positionP(if equipped) or neutral to aid
in engine and transmission cooling and air conditioning efficiency
during hot weather while stopped in traffic.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
FIFTH WHEEL OPERATION
WARNING:Failure to follow the fifth wheel manufacturer’s
instructions for hooking and unhooking as well as sliding the fifth
wheel could result in an accident, personal injury or death.
WARNING:When the tractor and trailer are parked unattended,
the trailer brake hand control should never be used to apply the
brake, since air may leak from the system, allowing vehicle movement,
resulting in possible property damage, personal injury or death.
Before hook-up, make sure:
•The fifth wheel jaws are fully open.
•The fifth wheel is fully tilted back to prevent body damage when the
tractor is backed under a trailer.
•You block the trailer wheels and adjust and apply the trailer spring
brakes. Never chase a trailer.
•The brake hoses and light cords are clear of the fifth wheel.
Hook-up
1. Back the tractor squarely under the trailer, engaging the fifth-wheel
jaws on the kingpin. Always back up slowly; make sure the trailer is
neither too high nor too low. Avoid backing under the trailer from an
angle.
2. Connect the service and emergency brake hoses and trailer light
connector.
3. Inspect the jaws of the fifth wheel to be sure they have fully closed
on the trailer kingpin and the trailer plate is resting securely on the
fifth wheel.
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