PETERBILT 548 2024 (01) PDF Document

Before performing any repair on your PETERBILT 548 2024, read and understand all safety precautions. Follow these general safety guidelines:

• Ensure work areas are dry, well-lit, ventilated, and free from clutter, tools, parts, ignition sources, and hazardous substances.

• Always wear protective glasses and shoes.

• Use protective gloves when handling hot liquids, surfaces, or components with sharp edges.

• Do not wear loose-fitting or torn clothing. Tie back long hair and remove all jewelry.

• Before any repair, disconnect the battery (negative [-] cable) and discharge capacitors.

• Place a “DO NOT OPERATE” tag in the operator’s compartment or on the controls.

• Allow the engine to cool before slowly loosening the coolant fill cap to relieve pressure.

• Use wheel chocks or proper jack stands to support the vehicle. Never work on anything supported only by lifting jacks or a hoist.

• Release line pressure before loosening or disconnecting lines, fittings, or related items for systems like fuel or oil.

• Wear protective clothing when working on refrigerant lines and ensure the workplace is well-ventilated.

• Be alert for hot parts, exhaust gas flow, and hot fluids after the vehicle has been turned off.

• Use tools that are in good condition and ensure you understand how to use them.

• Always use the same fastener part number (or equivalent) when replacing items. Do not use a fastener of lesser quality.

• Torque fasteners and fuel connections to the required specifications.

• Avoid prolonged contact with used engine oil, as it can be carcinogenic.

To avoid personal injury due to a slip or fall on your PETERBILT 548 2024, follow these cab and frame entry/exit procedures:

• Always face toward the vehicle when entering or exiting the cab. Do not jump.

• Use the provided steps, handles, and anti-skid surfaces. Do not use components not designed for entry or exit.

• Maintain at least three points of contact (both feet and one hand, or one foot and both hands) with the vehicle at all times.

• Use extra care when steps, handholds, or your footwear are wet, muddy, or coated with ice, snow, oil, fuel, or grease.

• Do not step on the surface of a fuel tank; it is not a step and can be very slippery.

• Keep the steps clean of any fuel, oil, or grease.

• Always reinstall the battery compartment cover (step) before entering the cab to prevent slips and falls.

You can lock and unlock the cab doors on your PETERBILT 548 2024 using the key or the remote keyless entry fob.

Using the Key:

• To lock, rotate the key toward the rear of the vehicle (clockwise).

• To unlock, rotate the key toward the front of the vehicle (counter-clockwise).

Using Remote Keyless Entry:

The key fob should be within 30 feet (9 meters) of the vehicle.

1. Press the UNLOCK button once. The driver’s door will unlock, and the parking lights will turn on for 40 seconds.

2. Quickly press the UNLOCK button a second time within 5 seconds to unlock the passenger door.

3. Press the LOCK button. The doors will lock, and the parking lights will turn on for 2 seconds.

To safely open the hood on your PETERBILT 548 2024 and access the engine, follow these steps:

1. Release the hood hold-downs, which are located on either side of the vehicle hood.

2. Place one or both hands at the top of the hood front. Keep both feet firmly on the ground for stability.

3. Tilt the hood forward by pulling it until it stops. When fully opened, the hood lock engages automatically.

4. Ensure the hood lock is engaged. When engaged, the strut is visible above the lock. Always ensure the lock is engaged to prevent the hood from closing uncontrollably.

To close the hood safely on your PETERBILT 548 2024, first ensure the area is clear of people and objects. The hood lock must be disengaged before closing.

1. Locate the release lever for the hood lock near the front hinge of the hood.

2. To disengage the hood lock, press the collar toward the strut until a snap is felt and the collar surrounds the strut bar. When disengaged, the strut will no longer be visible above the hood lock collar.

3. Maintain a firm grasp on the top of the hood to control its movement.

4. Gently lower the hood into place to avoid damage to the hood or cab. Do not let it drop freely.

5. Secure both hood hold-downs on either side of the hood.

To ensure maximum occupant safety in your PETERBILT 548 2024, follow these steps to fasten your seat belt correctly:

1. Grasp the belt tongue.

2. Pull the belt in a continuous slow motion across your chest and lap.

3. Insert the belt tongue into the buckle on the inboard side of the seat.

4. Push down until the tongue is securely locked with an audible click.

5. Pull the belt to check for proper fastening and adjustment.

• The shoulder belt should fit snugly across the chest and pelvis.

• There should be less than one inch (25 mm) of gap between your body and the belt.

• The shoulder restraint must always be positioned over the shoulder, never against the neck or under the arm.

• Ensure the belt is not twisted and any slack is wound up on the retractor.

To unfasten the belt, push the release button on the buckle.

If the low air warning light on your PETERBILT 548 2024 appears while operating the vehicle, it indicates that the air pressure has fallen below 60 psi (414 kPa), and the spring brakes may apply abruptly. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle. Perform the following actions immediately:

1. Slow down carefully.

2. Move a safe distance off the road and stop.

3. Place the transmission in neutral (or Park if equipped with an automatic transmission).

4. Set the parking brake.

5. Turn OFF the engine.

6. Turn ON the emergency flasher and use other warning devices (like reflective triangles) to alert other motorists.

7. Contact the nearest authorized dealer to have the problem corrected.

If the ‘Stop Engine’ warning light or the low oil pressure indicator appears on your PETERBILT 548 2024, it indicates a serious engine system problem. Safely stop the vehicle immediately. Follow these steps:

1. Slow down carefully.

2. Move a safe distance off the road and stop.

3. Place the transmission in neutral and set the parking brake.

4. Turn OFF the engine.

5. Turn ON the emergency flasher to alert other drivers.

6. Wait a few minutes to allow oil to drain into the engine oil pan.

7. Check the oil level.

8. Add oil if necessary. If the problem persists, do not drive the vehicle and contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

If you suspect the engine of your PETERBILT 548 2024 is overheating (indicated by the coolant temperature warning lamp and/or an audible alarm), follow these steps. DO NOT turn off the engine unless a low water warning device indicates a loss of coolant.

1. Reduce engine speed or stop the vehicle. When stopped, place the transmission in neutral (N) and set the parking brake. Keep the engine running.

2. Check to ensure the Oil Pressure Gauge reads normal.

3. If equipped, switch the Engine Fan Switch from AUTO to MAN (Manual) to ensure the fan is turning.

4. Idle the engine to see if the coolant temperature reduces. If it does not begin to drop, shut off the engine and contact your nearest authorized dealer.

5. If the temperature returns to normal, allow the engine to idle for 3 to 5 minutes before shutting it off to cool down gradually.

6. If overheating was due to severe operating conditions and the temperature has not cooled, stop the engine and let it cool before checking the coolant level.

7. Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant level at the coolant surge tank and add coolant if necessary.

If an electrical component on your PETERBILT 548 2024 stops working, check for a blown fuse. The fuses are located in the fuse panel behind the driver’s side kick panel.

1. Turn off all lights and accessories and remove the ignition key.

2. Determine which fuse controls the component by checking the chart on the fuse panel.

3. Remove the fuse and inspect it. A blown fuse will have a visible separation in the wire inside.

4. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new fuse of the same rating. Never use a fuse with a higher rating.

If a circuit keeps blowing fuses, have the electrical system inspected by an authorized dealer.

If the battery on your PETERBILT 548 2024 is discharged, you may jump-start it using a booster battery from another vehicle. Follow all safety precautions and warnings from the jumper cable manufacturer.

1. Remove any jewelry and wear eye protection.

2. Position the two vehicles together but do not let them touch.

3. Turn OFF all lights, heaters, and accessories on both vehicles.

4. Set the parking brake on both vehicles.

5. Shift the transmission into Park or Neutral.

6. If equipped, ensure battery disconnects are in the OFF position.

7. Attach one end of the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged (dead) battery.

8. Attach the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good (booster) battery.

9. Attach one end of the negative (-) jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the good (booster) battery.

10. Attach the other end of the negative (-) cable to a bare metal part of the engine block on the vehicle with the dead battery, away from the battery itself.

11. If equipped, turn battery disconnects to the ON position.

12. Start the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for 5 minutes.

13. Start the vehicle with the discharged battery.

Once the engine starts, remove the cables in the exact reverse order, starting with the negative cable from the engine block of the recently started vehicle.

If there is not enough air pressure to release the parking brake on your PETERBILT 548 2024, it can be manually released. Always secure the vehicle with wheel chocks or other means to prevent rolling before starting this procedure.

1. Remove the cap from the spring chamber.

2. Remove the release stud assembly from the side pocket and separate the nut and washer from the stud.

3. Slide out the release stud.

4. Insert the release stud through the opening where the cap was removed and into the pressure plate. Turn the stud 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it.

5. Assemble the release stud washer and nut onto the release stud.

6. Using a wrench, turn the release stud assembly nut until the compression spring is 90-95 percent caged. Ensure the pushrod is retracting. Do not over-torque the assembly. The spring brake is now mechanically released.

If your PETERBILT 548 2024 is stuck, use these suggestions to help free the vehicle and avoid transmission damage. Do not spin the wheels faster than 35 mph (55 km/h) as tires can explode from spinning too fast.

• Move the gearshift lever or selector between first gear and reverse.

• Apply light pressure on the accelerator pedal while the transmission is in gear.

• Remove your foot from the accelerator while shifting.

• Do not race the engine.

• Avoid spinning the wheels for best traction and safety.

To avoid transmission damage:

• Always start the vehicle in motion with the shift lever in first gear.

• Ensure the transmission is fully engaged in gear before releasing the clutch pedal (manual only).

• Do not shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving.

If tire chains are needed, install them on both sides of the driving axle to prevent equipment damage.

To create a customized view with up to four gauges on the digital display of your PETERBILT 548 2024, the parking brake must be set. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Custom Gauge View screen. If the view is already configured, you can either select ‘Clear All’ to remove the current gauges or keep them and add more.

2. Use the Scroll wheel to highlight the desired gauge or compound gauge you wish to add.

3. Press Select to choose that gauge. The gauge name will turn white, and a check mark will appear beside it.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to add more gauges, up to a maximum of two single gauges or two compound gauges.

5. Once you have made your selections, scroll to ‘Save Configuration’ and press Select.

The custom view will now show the gauges you selected.

The optional steering wheel controls on your PETERBILT 548 2024 allow you to manage various functions without taking your hands off the wheel.

Left Switch Pod (Vehicle Speed Functions):

• Trip: A short press starts a trip or sub-trip. A long press clears all trip data.

• Cruise Control ON/OFF: Activates or deactivates the cruise control system.

• Cruise Control (CC) SET+/RES-: The SET+ button sets the cruise speed. The RES- button resumes the previously set speed. Holding these buttons will increase or decrease the set speed.

Right Switch Pod (Infotainment and Display Navigation):

• Scroll Wheel: Rotate to navigate through menus. Press down on the wheel to select menu options, change settings, or switch between Views.

• Next/Accept: Moves to the next selection or accepts an option.

• Back/Cancel: Returns to the previous menu or cancels a selection.

• Volume Increase/Decrease: Adjusts audio volume.

• Mute: Mutes the audio.

The windshield wipers and washer on your PETERBILT 548 2024 are controlled by the multi-function lever on the left side of the steering column.

To Operate the Wipers:

1. Rotate the end of the turn signal lever to change the wiper mode from off to on. There are several intermittent and continuous speed settings.

2. Rotate the outer knob of the lever to adjust the wiper speed within the selected mode.

To Spray Windshield Washer Fluid:

• Push the outer knob on the end of the lever in. Pressing and holding will activate both the washer fluid and the wipers. An instant press and release will activate the washer fluid only.

The heating and air conditioning system on your PETERBILT 548 2024 can be operated in several modes for comfort.

Manual Mode:

• Fan Speed: Turn the far-left dial to adjust fan speed.

• Temperature: Turn the center dial to the desired temperature.

• Air Distribution: Turn the far-right dial to select which vents the air flows from (e.g., defrost, panel, floor).

• A/C: Push the button inside the temperature dial to manually turn on the A/C compressor.

• Recirculation: Push the button inside the fan speed dial to recirculate cabin air instead of using outside air.

Automatic (AUTO) Mode:

1. Press the AUTO button.

2. Adjust the temperature dial to your desired comfort level. The system will automatically control fan speed, air distribution, A/C compressor, and recirculation to achieve and maintain that temperature.

MAX Defrost Mode:

• Press the MAX defrost button (with the windshield icon). The system will automatically adjust all settings to maximize the clearing of the windshield from fog or ice.

For starting your PETERBILT 548 2024 when the outside temperature is above 50°F (10°C), use the following procedure:

1. Set the parking brake.

2. Put the main transmission in Neutral.

3. Disengage (depress) the clutch (with manual transmission).

4. Turn the ignition switch to START. If Anti-Theft is enabled, you will need to enter the Passcode.

5. If the engine doesn’t start within 30 seconds, release the ignition switch. Let the starter motor cool for two minutes before trying again.

6. As soon as the engine starts, watch the oil pressure gauge. If the pressure doesn’t rise within a few seconds, stop the engine and find the cause.

7. Slowly engage (release) the clutch after the engine has started.

8. Wait for the oil pressure gauge to reach normal operating pressure before operating the vehicle or idling faster than 1,000 rpm.

To operate the cruise control on your PETERBILT 548 2024, the vehicle speed must be above a preset minimum (e.g., 10 mph for PACCAR engines, 30 mph for Cummins engines).

To Set Cruise Control Speed:

1. Turn on the cruise control system using the ON/OFF switch. The cruise control indicator will appear on the display.

2. Accelerate the vehicle to your desired cruising speed.

3. Press the SET button to set the speed. The indicator will turn green.

To Change Cruise Set Speed:

• To increase speed, press the “+” button or the SET portion of the switch.

• To decrease speed, press the “-” button or the RESUME portion of the switch.

To Cancel and Resume Cruise Control:

• To cancel the set speed, you can tap the brake pedal, tap the clutch pedal, or turn the cruise control system OFF.

• Tapping the brake or clutch allows you to use the RESUME feature. Pressing RESUME will return the vehicle to the previously set speed.

• Turning the system OFF cancels the speed from memory; you will have to manually set it again.

The air brake system on your PETERBILT 548 2024 is controlled by two knobs on the dash: a yellow diamond-shaped knob for the vehicle parking brake and a red octagon-shaped knob for the trailer air supply.

To Apply Brakes When Leaving the Cab:

1. Pull out the Yellow Parking Brake Control knob. The Red Trailer Air Supply Control knob will automatically pop out, applying all parking brakes.

2. Shift the transmission into Park or a low gear.

3. Turn the key to OFF and remove it.

To Release Brakes:

• To Release Vehicle Parking Brake ONLY: Push IN the Yellow knob. The trailer will remain parked.

• To Release Trailer Brake ONLY: Push IN the Red knob. The vehicle will remain parked.

• To Release Full Combination of Brakes: Push IN BOTH knobs on the dash.

Trailer Brake Hand Valve:

• To apply the trailer brakes only, pull down on the hand valve lever located under the right side of the steering wheel. The valve is self-returning and will release when you let go of the lever.

Retarders, such as an engine brake or exhaust brake, use the engine’s power to help slow your PETERBILT 548 2024, saving wear on your service brakes. Do not use retarders on surfaces with poor traction (wet, icy, snow, or gravel) as it can cause the wheels to skid.

Operation:

1. Turn the Engine Brake ON/OFF switch to the ON position. The brake will automatically create its braking effect when you remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

2. If your vehicle is equipped with a three-position Engine Brake Level switch, you can select the amount of braking force: Low (33%), Medium (66%), or High (100%).

3. The service brakes must still be used for quick stops and to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The retarder is not an emergency brake.

4. Ensure the engine brake switch is “OFF” when operating bobtail or with an unloaded trailer to prevent loss of traction.

The differential lock on your PETERBILT 548 2024 improves traction in slippery conditions like ice, snow, or loose gravel by locking the wheels to turn at the same speed. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) with the differential lock engaged.

To LOCK the Inter-Axle Differential:

1. Anticipate the need for increased traction and slow down to a steady speed under 25 mph (40 km/h) or stop the vehicle.

2. Put the inter-axle differential lock switch in the LOCK position. A light on the switch will indicate it is engaged.

3. If you are moving, momentarily release the accelerator pedal to relieve torque and allow the clutch mechanism to engage fully.

4. Drive through the poor traction area.

To UNLOCK the Inter-Axle Differential:

1. When you reach dry pavement or better road conditions, switch the differential lock to UNLOCK.

2. Momentarily release the accelerator pedal to relieve torque and allow the clutch to disengage.

To adjust the position of the air-controlled sliding fifth wheel on your PETERBILT 548 2024, follow these steps. This procedure assumes a trailer is connected and locked to the fifth wheel.

1. Position the tractor and trailer in a straight line on firm, level ground.

2. Place the tractor in neutral and set both the tractor and trailer parking brakes.

3. Unlock the slide by repositioning the Fifth Wheel Slide switch on the dash.

4. Inspect to verify that the locking plungers have fully withdrawn from the slide tracks.

5. Release the tractor parking brake but keep the trailer brake engaged.

6. Slowly ease the tractor forward or backward to the desired position, then stop.

7. Lock the slide by returning the Fifth Wheel Slide switch to its previous position.

8. Inspect and verify that the locking plungers are fully inserted into the fifth wheel slide tracks. If they are not, move the tractor slightly to reposition the plungers and reinspect.

Before leaving your PETERBILT 548 2024 unattended, follow these final stopping procedures to ensure it is secure:

1. Set the parking brake before leaving the driver’s seat. Do not use the service brake or trailer hand brake to hold a parked vehicle.

2. If parked on a steep grade, block the wheels.

3. Drain water from the air reservoirs by opening the drains just enough to let moisture escape. Do not deplete the entire air supply. Close the drains before leaving.

4. Secure the vehicle by closing all windows and locking all the doors.

When an OTA software update is available for your PETERBILT 548 2024, a message will appear on the digital display. Performing an update has the potential to render the vehicle inoperable, so it must be done in a safe location.

Before you begin:

• Find a safe location, preferably in a town or city.

• Stop the truck and set the parking brake.

• Switch off the engine.

• Place the key in the ON position.

• Ensure the 12 V battery shows as “OK”.

Using the Steering Wheel Control pad:

1. Select “Menu.”

2. Select “Settings.”

3. Select “Start Installation.”

• A message “System Update In Progress” will appear.

• If successful, “System Update Complete” will appear.

4. Turn the key to the OFF position to exit the update process.

If the update fails, the system will attempt to restore the previous software version. If the restore also fails, the vehicle may be inoperable, and you will need to seek service immediately.