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98TomFord
Top Member
USA
812 Posts |
 Posted - 01/09/2011 : 06:13:27 AM
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Hey guys, just a quick question that I know someone on here should know.
Question is this, I currently drive a 2009 C2 and it's got a 2-way door switch. I want to know is can you replace that 2-way door control switch with the 3-way door control switch?
Now I know on the standard Thomas bodied buses (FS65/Int/FD) those air door switches were interchangable. But with these C2's I haven't a clue if it'd work or not and quite frankly I don't wana spend money on a 3-way switch that isn't going to work you know.
Thanks guys for your valued, on-topic, input  |
Edited by - 98TomFord on 01/09/2011 06:14:21 AM
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JustinB
Advanced Member
United States
490 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2011 : 06:31:59 AM
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| I think that I have the part #s & paramerteres for that stashed away somwhere. I'll let you know by tomorrow evening. |
I may not know the answer but I can usually find who does. |
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98TomFord
Top Member
USA
812 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2011 : 07:16:31 AM
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| Now when you say paramerteres, does this mean the computer system would need to be reprogramed? If so then I will just have to deal with the 2-way switch. But I'm looking foward to seeing what you have to say. Thanks Justin. |
My Ford Can Turn On $50, Can Your Int? ~Ford Buses - Gems To The Eyes~ |
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Harrison Fire
Senior Member
United States
175 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2011 : 11:39:41 AM
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My drivers wanted to shut off the ambers without activating the reds.
Something (one of the seven body computers?) has to be re-programed so that the added "off" part of the overhead warning lights switch is recognized, if it was not there from the factory. I chose not to spend any more time in the pursuit of this option. The 3 hour round trip to the dealer was the dealbreaker. And I did try to replace the two way switch with a 3 way. Wouldn't work on the 1 of the three that are here.
No contacts or wires for the on/off part of the connector.
HF |
Edited by - Harrison Fire on 01/09/2011 11:43:52 AM |
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Thomasbus24
Administrator
USA
4559 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2011 : 3:49:39 PM
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Wow, that would stink on ice. Ohio requires a method of killing the ambers without using the door switch or activating the reds.
We just like the 3-positon door so you have have the doors closed and red be on while waiting for the kids to walk to or from the bus or be seated. Of course we have that nifty override switch to force the reds on, it's just less conveinient. |
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08 Thomas EF
Top Member
533 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2011 : 4:21:32 PM
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Our EFs have the three-way door switches. They appear to be more user-friendly than the CE's steering wheel controls. A few of our drivers refuse to drive CEs, probably because of them. Never heard of a driver refusing an EF. Though perhaps type C vs type D has something to do with it, too. A couple drivers around here refuse type Ds. One of our CE drivers borrowed another CE a couple times when his was out because he's worried about a front-end collision, but lately he's given in (although he only drives the TCs, never an AmTran FE, when his CE is out... probably because the TCs overall feel more solid). And an AmTran FE driver uses our '10 CE300 whenever my driver's out!
I've seen our drivers (I'm in CT) cancel the ambers without using the reds. I think they should have that ability. |
Edited by - 08 Thomas EF on 01/09/2011 4:27:49 PM |
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BBInt.10
Top Member
USA
1042 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2011 : 09:13:58 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by 08 Thomas EF
Our EFs have the three-way door switches. They appear to be more user-friendly than the CE's steering wheel controls. A few of our drivers refuse to drive CEs, probably because of them. Never heard of a driver refusing an EF. Though perhaps type C vs type D has something to do with it, too. A couple drivers around here refuse type Ds. One of our CE drivers borrowed another CE a couple times when his was out because he's worried about a front-end collision, but lately he's given in (although he only drives the TCs, never an AmTran FE, when his CE is out... probably because the TCs overall feel more solid). And an AmTran FE driver uses our '10 CE300 whenever my driver's out!
I've seen our drivers (I'm in CT) cancel the ambers without using the reds. I think they should have that ability.
All automatic door switches in CT need to be 3-way, or a separate red override button installed, because a red-override position is required (ability to close the door and leave the red lights on). Our Visions came with 2-way switches, and they had to be changed out with 3 position door switches before they would pass inspection. The IC's have a separate red override button that must be pushed first before opening the door so that when you close the door, the red lights stay on... then you must press that red override button again once you are finished with your stop to turn the red lights off.
The nice thing about the IC CE's are that if you need to cancel the ambers, just push the amber button again. With my Vision, I have to turn the master switch off, then back on, to kill the ambers without opening the door.
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If all your problems are behind you... you must be a school bus driver. |
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ICFrank
Active Member
United States
27 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2011 : 10:13:53 AM
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Tried to switch from a 2 position switch to a three position.
Lt. from state patrol would not allow it.
Make sure it is legal before you switch. |
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Brad Barker
Administrator
USA
874 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2011 : 9:18:47 PM
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The C2 incorporates "Smart Switches" in many of its functions. You have to be able to access a dealer program to make such changes such as changing the operating parameters of the loading lights. Loading light function is most often dictated by specific state standards. At least two variations exist across the nation, sequential and non-sequential operation. Changing the operation of these lights may make your bus illegal to operate and set you up for a liability.
Usually, these parameters are only changed when a bus comes into a state programed incorrectly as was the case with one of my customers buses recently. Freightliner needs to be contacted first. Authorization is give the dealer by Freightliner and a new feature provision is written for the specific bus in question. Using a labtop connected to the J1939 data connector, the new feature is flashed to the bus computer and wah-lah, the lights work differently.
Charges to do this kind of work should be minimal. It is basically a diagnostic charge plus one hour labor in my shop. |
Brad A. Barker |
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Topic |
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C2 Door Switch - Replacement Option
