How to Troubleshoot a Sterling Acterra
The Acterra was a medium size commercial truck manufactured by Sterling Trucks, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks of North America. In October 2008, Daimler announced it was discontinuing its Sterling Trucks line, and the last Sterling was manufactured in March 2009. Daimler continues to support and service the Acterra through its remaining Sterling dealers and through Daimler’s remaining North American truck manufacturer, Frieghtliner. The Acterra has been succeeded by a similar Frieghtliner truck, the Business Class M2.
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Instructions
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Bring the vehicle to a complete and safe stop if the oil pressure gauge drops to zero. Such a drop could indicate serious mechanical failure.
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Bring the vehicle to a stop if the Antilock Brake System lamp comes on and stays on. This ABS system is self-correcting, so the light frequently comes on then goes off, but if the lamp stays on the truck is not safe to operate.
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If the brakes seem soft, turn off the engine, then open and close the Pacbrake valve with your hands and spray the valve with non-petroleum lubricant. The brakes are self-maintaining but can corrode with frequent start and stops and short idling periods.
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If the truck does not start, ensure that the transmission is in neutral. Acterras are equipped with neutral start switches.
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Stop the engine if it begins to vibrate, backfire or make unusual noises. Any of these symptoms indicate serious engine problems that must be diagnosed by a service technician. Acterras were equipped with both Cummins and Mercedes Benz engines; diagnostic procedures vary by engine.
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Check the drive belt if the engine begins to overheat. Excessive -- or too little -- drive belt tension are common causes of engine overheating.
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