Freightliner cascadia steering wheel controls not working

General Information

When there is no load on the vehicle and the front tires are pointed straight ahead, the steering wheel spokes should be at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, or within 10 degrees to either side. See Fig. 8.1 . If the steering wheel is not aligned correctly, before operating the vehicle, check the steering system for wear or incorrect adjustment of the linkage and steering gear, or take the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner dealer for troubleshooting and repair.

• 1. 9 o'Clock
• 2. 3 o'Clock

Fig. 8.1, Steering Wheel Centered

Power Steering System

Driving the vehicle without the power-assist feature of the steering system requires much greater effort, especially in sharp turns or at low speeds, which could result in an accident and possible injury.

The power steering pump, driven by the engine, provides the power assist for the steering system. If the engine is not running, power assist will not function.

If the power-assist feature ceases to function for any reason, bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Do not drive the vehicle until the cause of the problem has been corrected.

Avoid excessive strain on the power steering system. If the front tires become lodged in a deep chuckhole or rut, drive the vehicle out, instead of using the steering system to lift the tires from the hole. Avoid turning the tires when they are against a curb, as this places a heavy load on steering components and could damage them.

Tilt/Telescope Steering Column

Standard Tilt/Telescope Steering Column

Never try to tilt or telescope the steering column while driving the vehicle. Doing so could cause loss of vehicle control and result in personal injury, or death, or property damage.

To tilt the steering column or telescope the steering wheel, press down on the foot pedal (located below the steering wheel) to release the steering column lock. Adjust the column and steering wheel to the desired position. Release the foot pedal to lock the steering column and steering wheel in place. See Fig. 8.2 .

NOTE: For safety, the steering column is locked at all times unless the foot pedal is depressed.

Power Tilt/Telescope Steering Column and Adjustable Pedals

Never try to tilt or telescope the steering column while driving the vehicle. Doing so could cause loss of vehicle control and result in personal injury, or death, or property damage.

Power tilt/telescope steering columns have a toggle switch on the left side of the steering column.

To tilt the steering column and telescope the steering wheel, rotate the toggle switch on the left-side of the steering column to the 'column' position. See Fig. 8.2 . Push the toggle switch up or down to adjust the column to the desired height. Push the switch back toward the dash and the steering wheel goes in; pull the switch toward the driver and the steering wheel comes out. Once the column and steering wheel are at the desired position, rotate the toggle switch to the middle (off) position.

NOTE: Both the brake and throttle pedal position are adjusted at the same time.

Some steering columns are equipped with the toggle switch but it only adjusts the brake and throttle pedals. Use the foot pedal on these vehicles to tilt and telescope the steering wheel.

Never try to adjust the brake or throttle pedal position while driving the vehicle. Doing so could cause loss of vehicle control and result in personal injury, or death, or property damage.

To adjust the position of the brake and throttle pedals, rotate the toggle switch on the left-side of the steering column to the 'pedals' position. See Fig. 8.2 . Push the toggle switch toward the dash to move the pedals back or pull the toggle switch toward the driver to move the pedals forward. Once the pedals are at the desired position, rotate the toggle switch to the middle (off) position.

Some steering columns are equipped with the toggle switch but it only adjusts the brake and throttle pedals. Use the foot pedal on these vehicles to tilt and telescope the steering wheel.

• A. Telescope
• B. Tilt

• 1. Steering Column and Pedal Toggle Switch
• 2. Hazard Warning Light Switch
• 3. Foot Pedal (standard column only)

Fig. 8.2, Tilt/Telescope Steering Column

NOTE: For safety, the steering column and pedal toggle switch should be in the middle (off) position unless the vehicle transmission is in park (P).