Q — What does it mean when one of my engine lights come on? A — Generally a yellow "Check Engine" light tells you that there is a problem that needs checked out. Usually it is not a mission-disabling problem, just something that needs attention. If the yellow light stays on, it means that whatever it is happening is actively happening. If the light comes on then goes out, it means the problem happened but went a way or corrected itself. This set an inactive code that is stored in the engine Engine Control Module.
A red "Engine Shut Down" light means that there is a mission-disabling problem that needs attention right away. If the Engine Control Module is programmed to shut down it will do so. Not all engines are programmed to shut down. As above the light might come on then go out indicating that there was a problem and it went a way. This will also store a code in the Engine Control Module.
Q — I am a body builder/installer. I am trying to hook up extra lights on a M-2 chassis, but I have heard you cannot just tap into wiring harnesses like I use to. Where can I find information about this? A — You are correct. You cannot just tap into a wiring harness on an M-2 without chancing damage to the electronic system. If you have Internet access, you can go to
www.accessfreightliner.com, on the upper-right side, there is a link titled "Inside New Business Class M-2 Body Builder Information". This link will take to a web page that has most everything you need to know about how the M-2 operates and how to do wiring to it. Or you can call 1.800.FTL.HELP and request a disc of information from Freightliner.
Q — I am a first time truck owner. I just purchased a used truck and would like more information on maintaining it. Where can I find this? A
— If the truck you purchased does not have a "Maintenance Manual or Owners Manual" in it, you can purchase these from our parts department. They will have to order them. Or you can go to
www.freightlinertrucks.com, click on "Parts & Service", next click on "Service / Owner's and Maintenance Manuals". This will take you to a web page where you can view the manuals you need.
Q — I understand you have a "VIS Check" machine. What is it, and how would it benefit me? I've had my truck DOT inspected. A
— Yes, we do have a VIS check (Vehicle Inspection Station
— machine). It is a machine that literally shakes, rattles, and rolls your truck (rolls the tires
— not the whole truck), to help find problems. When a truck receives a DOT inspection, it is the bare minimum it takes to operate it safely on the roads. A DOT inspection will not necessarily find a dragging brake (effects fuel mileage), lose engine or cab mounts (causes noise and vibrations). We can use the VIS Check report to help diagnosis hard to find problems (resulting in less down time). I think I just mentioned the biggest benefit to you, "Less Down Time".
Q — Is Bio-fuel recommended for Detroit or Mercedes engines? A
— Detroit and Mercedes both recommend certain Bio-fuels in a mixture of up to 5% in diesel fuels. The two recommended are made from soybean or rapeseed. They do not recommend the use an animal fat based fuel. Using Bio-fuel will not necessarily void warranty, however Detroit and Mercedes will not pay warranty damage directly caused by Bio-fuels.
Q — I have an FLD-120 that is a few years old. My turn signals do not flash, and I cannot find a flasher. When I called to check on parts, they tell me the problem is most likely the light bar in the dash, and parts will cost around $400.00. Is there a different solution? A
— Yes, bring your truck to us, and if it is the light bar causing it, we should be able to repair it for a lot less then the cost of the light bar.
Q — I want to do some paper work and take a nap while my truck is being serviced. Can I do that? A
— No, we absolutely prohibit anyone from being inside the trucks while they are being worked on. We also do not allow anyone that is not a Stoops employee in the shop work areas without a shop foreman being with you. We hope you understand that this is for your safety as well as our employees'.