This manual has been prepared to provide you with the certification plate shown in information you need to operate the MCI J4500 Series Coach. The specifications and information throughout this manual are subject to change without notice.
Page 4
(VIN).The numbers correspond to the items in the following list. 1. The first three characters identify the manufacturing company: 1M8 = MCI Inc. (U.S.) 2MG = MCI Ltd. (Canada) 2. The fourth character identifies the coach model: 3 = J4500 Intercity 3.
Page 5
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS Some of the following international symbols may be on controls and components of this coach (Figure 4.). Figure 4. 1. Parking Brake 26. Baggage Doors Lock 2. Anti-Lock Brakes 27. Kneel 3. Stop Engine 28. Spark Could Explode Battery 4.
Page 6
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK July 2015...
DAILY INSPECTIONS The following checks are in addition to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements, not instead of them. INTERIOR COMPONENTS CHECKLIST EXTERIOR INSPECTION 1. Ensure that the door(s), hatches and 1. Ensure that all windows, mirrors and lights are emergency exit windows open, close, seal and clean and unobstructed.
Page 8
The following checks are in addition to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements, not instead of them. OPERATIONAL CHECKLIST 7. Position the inside and outside mirrors, adjust 1. While the engine is running, look for oil or the driver's seat and fasten the seat belt. coolant leaks and listen for air leaks.
Page 9
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT MIRRORS Driver's Seat Belt Adjustment Inside Rear-view Mirrors (Optional) The inside rear-view mirrors can be manually adjusted up, down or sideways. Using the restraint system can lessen the Exterior Rear-view Mirrors severity of injury in an accident or sudden maneuver.
Page 10
PRE-TRIP INSPECTION, ANTI-THEFT PRECAUTIONS INTERIOR / EXTERIOR LIGHTING 1. Do not leave the coach unattended with the Before the Pre-Trip Inspection function is engine running. enabled, these functions must be met: 2. Park in a lighted spot when possible. • Position the Master Power switch to the “ON”...
SWITCHES, WARNING LIGHTS AND GAUGES Figure 5. Driver Area 1. Instrument Panel, refer to Page 20 2. LH / RH Tell-Tale Cluster, refer to Pages 10-13 3. LH Switch Panel, refer to Pages 15 4. RH Switch Panel, refer to Pages 16 5.
Page 12
TELL-TALE LAMPS Tell-tales indicate various conditions by lighting. In general, yellow indicates system status and red indicates a fault or warning. Tell-tales are located in RH and LH clusters, in the instrument cluster. Some tell-tales are accompanied by a buzzer or bell. At system start-up, tell-tales light briefly to show that the LEDs work. LEFT-HAND TELL-TALE CLUSTER (Figure 6.) Figure 6.
Page 13
MIL (Yellow) - Malfunction Indicator Tell tale Lamp (on DD13 engines ONLY). Tell- tale indicates a failure of an emission Check Transmission (Yellow) - Move the system component. coach to a safe location and turn OFF ignition. DO NOT change gear. Blank Stop Transmission (Red) - Tell-tale is disabled.
Page 14
RIGHT-HAND TELL-TALE CLUSTER (Figure 7.) Figure 7. ACTIA RH Tell-tale Cluster Driver Seat Belt (Red) - Tell-tale lights High Ride (Red) - Tell-tale will illuminate when park brake is released and the and a buzzer sounds when the coach is in driver's seat belt is not buckled.
Page 15
WCL Interlock (Red) - Tell-tale illuminates when the wheelchair lift interlock is Check Lube (Yellow) - Tell-tale is activated. The wheelchair interlock system, disabled. when activated, disables the transmission shift and throttle, sets the park brake solenoid, and begins engine fast idle. Back-up Alarm Off (Yellow)- Tell-tale is disabled.
Page 16
Figure 9. 4 in 1 Gauge 4 IN 1 GAUGE TELL-TALES (Figure 9.) 1. Front Air PSI 3. Water Temperature The low air warning tell-tale illuminates when the The tell-tale illuminates when the coolant air pressure drops below the pre-determined level. temperature is above normal.
Page 17
5. Override - Press to override an emergency engine shutdown for 30 seconds. Press as often as necessary to move coach to safe parking. This switch allows the operator to override an emergency shutdown due to an engine malfunction. Pressing the switch allows the operator to run the engine for an additional 30 seconds so that the operator can move the coach to a safe parking area.
Page 18
Figure 11. RH Switch Panel RIGHT-HAND SWITCH PANEL (Figure 11.) 1. Interior Light 8. Entrance Door Open/Close - Press and hold the upper half of the switch to open the door. 2. Reading Lights - Turns reading lights ON and Press and hold the lower half of the switch to OFF.
Figure 12. Lower LH Console Switch Panel LOWER LH CONSOLE SWITCH PANEL (Figure 12.) 1. Cup Holder 6. Mud/Snow - On extra soft surfaces (snow, mud or gravel), press the MUD/SNOW switch to 2. Headlight Switch increase traction slightly increasing 3.
Page 20
LOWER LH CONSOLE SWITCH PANEL Cont’d 9. Rear Rise 10. Level Control Switch - Press the UPPER half of the switch to raise the front and rear suspension to the High Ride parameter height. Press the LOWER half to lower the front and rear suspension to Low Ride parameter height.
Page 21
Regeneration Switch PARKING BRAKES The coach has air-operated spring parking brakes. The regeneration toggle switch is located in the The PARKING BRAKE control is a black, button rear, side service compartment (Figure 14.). located under the LH switch panel (Figure 15.). To avoid serious personal injury or property damage, ensure that no persons or objects Do not leave the coach without applying the...
Page 22
Figure 17. J4500 Instrument Panel INSTRUMENT PANEL/GAUGES(Figure 17.) 1. Speedometer - The speedometer, which 2. 4-in-1 Gauge: features an alphanumeric message display, reads the Front Air Pressure - The secondary air pressure forward speed of the coach in miles per hour or gauge reads front brake air reservoir pressure in kilometers per hour.
Page 23
4-in-1 Gauge: (cont'd) Oil Pressure - The oil pressure gauge reads engine 4. Voltmeter - The voltmeter reads the condition oil pressure in pounds per square inch or kilo of the 24-volt electrical system. The gauge is Pascals. Oil pressure should be between 50 - 70 psi calibrated in volts.
Page 24
Bendix Wingman System (Optional) The Wingman Advanced (or ACB) system is automatically ready when the cruise control is set. However, cruise control must be used only in the same conditions that are normally recommended for ordinary cruise control. As noted below, there are certain situations when cruise control should NOT be used.
Page 25
Following Distance Alert (FDA) A FDA is generated through the DIU using vehicle The radar system only senses metallic speed, forward vehicle speed, distance and driving objects. Non-metallic or limited metallic scenarios. objects such as people, animals, RVs, motorcycles, horse drawn buggies, logging vehicles, or cross- traffic will not trigger the system.
Page 26
Stationary Object Alert (SOA) Solid Blue LEDs If the operator doesn't take action within 15 seconds, the system will shut off and a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) will be generated. All This alert does not provide any automatic intervention features of the system will remain off until the next ignition cycle.
STEERING COLUMN & FLOOR-MOUNTED CONTROLS Figure 22. Steering Wheel STEERING COLUMN Ensure that the column is firmly locked before driving. Do not adjust the steering column while driving; steering control could be lost. The tilt and telescoping steering column is basic. It has a molded polyurethane steering wheel with fingertip cruise control and Jake brake.
Page 28
“SMART STICK” CONTROLS The “Smart Stick” (Figure 24.), on the LH side of Headlamp Dimmer the steering column, controls the turn signals, air Pull the turn signal lever forward and release it to horn, headlamp dimmer, windshield washer and change from one setting to another. The HIGH windshield wipers.
Page 29
CRUISE CONTROL Do not use cruise control in heavy traffic, on icy roads or in any other driving condition that does not permit a constant speed. Setting Vehicle Speed Press the ON switch to turn on the cruise control. Accelerate to the desired speed, press the Set switch, then release the accelerator pedal.
Page 30
ELECTRIC HORN ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (ABS) Press the horn bar on the steering wheel center The anti-lock brake system (ABS) minimizes brake hub to activate the electric horn. lock-up at each wheel. ACCELERATOR PEDAL The accelerator pedal is to the right of the service brake pedal.
OPERATING FEATURES ENTRANCE DOOR The entrance door is controlled by a switch on the sound. When the coach reaches kneel height, the RH switch panel on the instrument panel, or by an telltale remains lit, but the exterior lamp and buzzer(s) exterior switch located rearward of the door go off (Figure 28.).
Page 32
TAG AXLE UNLOAD, ELECTRICAL ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (OPTIONAL) Coaches are equipped with a stability control The electrical tag axle unloading feature allows the system that features Electronic Stability Control (ESC) operator to partially unload the tag axle using a dash- combined with Roll Stability Control (RSC).
WHEELCHAIR LIFT (OPTIONAL) GENERAL DESCRIPTION WHEELCHAIR INTERLOCK SYSTEM A wheelchair lift is installed in the storage This system prevents the WCL controller to be compartment on the curbside rear of the coach, enabled until the following functions occur: between the wheel housing and the rear service door. •...
Page 34
THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM The threshold warning system is located above the wheelchair parking (threshold) area (Figure 30.). The module status indicator light illuminates when the wheelchair lift is powered, indicating that the module is activated. Two acoustic sensors monitor the doorway threshold area.
Page 35
BRAUN WHEELCHAIR LIFT OPERATION Deploying The Lift From Compartment 7. Lift to remove control pendant from lift storage 1. Stop the coach, ensuring that there is adequate clip. clearance to deploy the lift and to allow the passenger to maneuver onto the platform. 8.
Page 36
13. Grab the top of the platform and apply enough force to pull down platform to horizontal position, ensuring that it engages on the pin of the handrail assembly. (Figure 35. and Figure 36.) Figure 38. 15. Exhaust the door locks and actuating cylinder on the cabin door by placing the air dump valve Figure 35.
Page 37
TO LOAD PASSENGER: TO STOW HANDRAILS: 1. Load passenger onto platform, lock wheelchair 1. Lift the LH handrail and swing in. brakes. 2. Lower handrail to locked position. 3. Lift the RH handrail and swing in. 2. Latch handrail belt. 4.
Page 38
MANUAL WHEELCHAIR LIFT OPERATION In case of an electrical or other malfunction, passengers may be unloaded by manually operating the lift. The manual bypass valves and hand pump are located in the side service compartment directly to the rear of the w/c compartment.
Page 39
WHEELCHAIR PASSENGER SEATING Securing The Passenger The self-locking and self-tensioning features of the QRT enables the driver to secure the wheelchair beginning with either the front or rear retractors or if standing on the lift with the wall side front and rear retractors if this is more convenient.
Page 40
Securing The Passenger (cont'd) Care and Maintenance 1. Ensure a straight line from anchorage to 1. Clean the webbing periodically with mild soap wheelchair attachment. and water. After cleaning, fully extend the belts and position them to prevent water from 2.
ENGINE OPERATION, FUEL AND EXHAUST Starting the Engine Rear Start/Remote Engine Operation The controls necessary to starting and stopping the engine from the driver's area or engine compartment are mounted on the instrument panel in front of the driver and on the remote box in the engine This feature is primarily for maintenance compartment.
Page 42
Stopping the Engine 1. Bring coach to a complete stop. Shutting down the engine from high idle can 2. Place the transmission in Neutral. damage the turbine bearings. 3. Apply the parking brake. Multiplex Bypass Circuit If the engine cranks but does not start because the 4.
Page 43
ENGINE CODE RETRIEVAL Using the touch screen diagnostic interface (Optional), the operator can retrieve coach electrical or drive train diagnostics to notify the garage. (Figure 49.). There are three (3) interface port connections on the coach: 1. underneath the instrument panel, 2.
Page 44
Close filler and latch it securely tank, take care to prevent the entry of dirt and after filling. water. See the MCI Maintenance Manual and the Service and Maintenance section of this operator's manual for further information.
Page 45
EXHAUST Diesel Fuel Contamination Water is the most common contaminant. It can be introduced through poor maintenance (loose or open Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, fuel tank cap), a contaminated fuel supply or which can cause unconsciousness and condensation. death. Strictly follow safety guidelines: A fuel filter with water separator is located on the 1.
Page 46
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK July 2015...
TRANSMISSION OPERATION GEN V AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 1. Two Character Digital Display The B500 series GEN V is an electronically- 2. Mode ID controlled hydraulic auto-shifting six-speed 3. Mode ON Indicator transmission. This transmission controls all aspects of 4. Mode Button the shift function once placed into the desired drive range.
Page 48
GEN V Diagnostic Code Retrieval Diagnostic codes, displayed as two digit numbers, Observe the two digit display for codes. Press the indicate a transmission malfunction. Diagnostic MODE button to view the next code. codes can be accessed through the pushbutton Record all codes.
Page 49
ALLISON GEN V TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL CHECKS Manual Cold Fluid Level Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Do a cold check to ensure that the transmission Access the transmission dipstick and fill tube from has enough fluid for safe operation until a hot check the rear engine door.
Page 50
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK July 2015...
EMERGENCY CONDITIONS Check gauges and telltales at start-up and regularly during operation. If abnormalities arise, take action at once. If the following telltales light, action is required Regeneration (DPF) Telltale Regeneration required for 2015 engines High Exhaust Temperature Telltale Exhaust outlet temp exceeds predetermined level (HET) Malfunction Indicator (MIL) Telltale...
Page 52
EMERGENCY ESCAPE Roof Hatch Side Windows Two escape hatches are located in the roof for Select side passenger windows can be opened emergency exiting (Figure 55.). To open in case of an from inside for emergency escape purposes. These emergency, follow the instructions on the applicable non-bonded side windows are top hinged, and open roof hatch.
Page 53
EMERGENCY STARTING 5. Attach the other end of the same cable to the positive booster post on the upper frame rail below the lavatory tank. If the coach has dead batteries, it can be jump started. Negative and positive boosting posts are in the curb-side rear service compartment.
Page 54
BRAKES (EMERGENCY OPERATION) Parking Brake (Emergency Operation) Brake System Emergency Fill If the front and rear brake system air pressure falls Emergency fill provisions allow the primary or below approximately 50 5 psi (345 35 kPa), the secondary service reservoirs to be filled independently. parking brake will automatically apply.
Page 55
TOWING Only operators authorized to and experienced Route the hoses away from the steering gear in towing intercity coaches may tow coaches. and linkage. Towing Airline Connections Ensure that the tow hoses will not be pinched or damaged during towing The towing air connections are in the roadside front service compartment, along the rear wall (Figure 62.).
Page 56
EMERGENCY STOPS If you must stop the coach because of a breakdown or unsafe condition, ensure that it is safely parked. 1. Pull the coach as far out of traffic as possible. 2. Turn on the hazard lights. 3. Place reflector triangles in front of and behind the coach (refer to Figure 63.
Page 57
EMERG tell-tale and activate a buzzer. Releasing the button cancels the tell-tale and buzzer. Figure 69. The multiplex modules installed on MCI coaches have been programmed with a system sleep mode. After thirty (30) minutes of no coach system activity,...
Page 58
AMEREX FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM In the event of a fire, the engine will shutdown 15 seconds after the fire system is activated. If more than The AMEREX fire suppression system is an 15 seconds are required to move the coach to a safe automatic system that continuously monitors the parking area, the operator can push the ENGINE engine compartment for fires.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING MICROMAX HVAC DISPLAY 5. Micromate Control Panel - The Micromate Control Panel displays the set point temperature, interior (return air) temperature and exterior temperature. To read interior or exterior temperature, press the TEMPERATURE display button to illuminate the indicator light.
Page 60
START-UP AND SETTINGS Alarms The HVAC system self tests and starts The display will toggle between an alarm and the automatically after the engine speed reaches idle. If the temperature setting when there is a system coach ignition key is ON, but the engine does not start malfunction.
AUDIO AND VIDEO SYSTEMS The REI Dual Zone system has the following features: • DVD/CD/MP3/MP4/Radio/MIC Player with USB Input, • Aux / IPod/ USB Playback • Bluetooth Hands Free Calling and Wireless Audio Streaming • The CD/AM/FM radio has built-in amplifier for powering driver’s speakers •...
Page 62
Figure 79. REI EC-750 Dual Zone controls. July 2015...
Page 63
Figure 80. REI DVD Player Dual Zone controls. July 2015...
Page 64
Figure 81. REI ECD-5500 Dual Zone controls. July 2015...
Page 65
REI Video Monitors Six (6) 15.4 inch LCD monitors are installed throughout the coach cabin. The LCD monitors have a self protection feature against extreme climate temperatures. Figure 82. Figure 83. July 2015...
Page 66
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK July 2015...
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Take care when inspecting or servicing the coach to avoid being injured. Some components may be hazardous if handled improperly. Poor maintenance could also lead to malfunctions, which could cause personal injury or damage to the coach. Figure 84.
Page 68
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (Figure 84.) Front Service Compartment a. Headlights The T-handle, located at the rear of the drivers lower, LH console, is utilized to release the front b. Multi-function LED (sweep style), Directional Light / Hazard Light / service compartment door. Daytime Running Light In addition to the T handle, there is a provision for c.
Page 69
Fuel Tank COOLING SYSTEM Access the fuel tank assembly through the fuel The engine cooling system controls the engine tank door on the curb side. temperature and supplies water for the heating system. The cooling system is filled through the Fuel Tank Filler Doors surge tank filler neck.
Page 70
2. Place the bottle jack under the drive axle (Figure 91.) so that the jack ram pad fits the recess at the bottom of the jacking pad. The jack pad is on the rear face of the drive axle beam below the suspension support structure attachment.
Page 71
FUELING Diesel Fuel Specification Two diesel (ULSD) fuel fillers are installed on the Engines must comply with EPA mandated low coach. One is located behind a filler door in the fuel emission guidelines by using ULSD (ultra low tank compartment door on the curbside and the sulfur diesel) fuel.
Page 72
FLUID REPLACEMENT Engine Lubricating Oil The engine oil dipstick is accessible through the rear engine access door (Figure 100.). Always check the engine oil level with: • the engine at normal operating temperature • the coach on level ground • the engine OFF.
Page 73
LAVATORY TANK SERVICE PROCEDURES Refer to local health regulations for proper disposal procedures and equipment. Lavatory waste must be disposed of according to the instructions on the “Lavatory Waste” decal. The decal is located on the inside of the curbside rear service door (Figure 98.). Figure 99.
Page 74
Figure 100. 1. Coolant Fill, 15 psi Rad Cap 10. Alternator Belt 2. Remote Electrical Control Box 11. Fan Belt 3. Back-up Alarm 12. Aux Heater 4. Air Filter 13. Engine Oil Fill Tube / Dipstick 5. Power Steering Reservoir 14.
Page 75
Figure 101. 1. Coolant Fill, 15 psi Rad Cap 9. A/C Belt 2. Remote Electrical Control Box 10. Alternator Belt 3. Back-up Alarm 11. Fan Belt 4. Air Filter 12. Aux Heater 5. Power Steering Reservoir 13. Engine Oil Fill Tube (2 locations) 6.
Page 76
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK July 2015...
Page 80
TIRE SPECIFICATIONS The tires listed below meet GHG regulations as LRR tires. It is the owner's responsibility for tire maintenance. Replacement Tires Always replace the tires with the same rating, size and the same or better rolling resistance coefficient (CRR). Contact the tire manufacturer for tires' CRR rating.
DIAGNOSTIC CODES / ENGINE DD13 DIAGNOSTIC CODES CODE DESCRIPTION Intake Throttle Position Deviation Error Intake Air Throttle Circuit Failed High Intake Air Throttle Circuit Failed Low J1939 Park Brake Switch Signal from Source #1 is missing J1939 Park Brake Switch Signal from Source #1 is erratic Vehicle Speed Above Programmable Threshold1 While Driving J1939 Wheel-Based Vehicle Speed Signal from Source#1 is erratic VSS Anti Tamper Detection via Virtual Gear Ratio...
Page 82
DD13 DIAGNOSTIC CODES CODE DESCRIPTION Engine Coolant Outlet Temperature Circuit Failed Low Coolant Temperature Signal Not Available via CAN Coolant Temperature / Engine Oil Temperature Plausibility Fault Coolant Temperature High Coolant Level Very Low Coolant Level Circuit Failed High Coolant Level Circuit Failed Low Coolant Level Low Coolant Level Low (CAN) J1939 Retarder Fluid Message is missing...
Page 83
DD13 DIAGNOSTIC CODES CODE DESCRIPTION J1939 Transmission Output Shaft Speed Signal is missing J1939 Transmission Output Shaft Speed Signal is erratic J1939 Transmission Output Shaft Speed Signal is erratic MCM Engine Hours Data higher than expected MCM Engine Hours Data lower than expected MCM Engine Hours Data not received or stopped arriving MCM Engine Hours Data increasing at an implausible rate MCM Reported Ash Mileage is Lower then the CPC Stored Value...
Page 84
DD13 DIAGNOSTIC CODES CODE DESCRIPTION XFLASH Static Fault Code Memory Page Read Write Failure 1000ms ECU OS Task Timed out Prior to Completion CPC Hardware/Software Mismatch DDEC Data X flash Write Error. Replace CPC2. SCR Number Out of Range Crankshaft Position Sensor Signal Voltage Too Low No Match of Camshaft and Crankshaft Signals Crankshaft Position Sensor Open Circuit Crankshaft Position Sensor Time Out...
Page 85
DD13 DIAGNOSTIC CODES CODE DESCRIPTION Digital Output 1 13 Circuit Failed High Digital Output 1 13 Circuit Failed High Digital Output 1 13 Circuit Failed Low Digital Output 1 13 Circuit Failed Low Digital Output 3 10 Circuit Failed High Digital Output 3 10 Circuit Failed Low Digital Output 2 10 Circuit Failed High (CEL / AWL Lamp) Digital Output 2 10 Circuit Failed Low (CEL / AWL Lamp)
Page 115
DIAGNOSTIC CODES/AMEREX AMEREX FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC CODES AMEREX Code - Blinking LED's on the Amerex control panel indicates diagnostic codes. Record all codes. 1. The blinking Service System LED indicates Service System Blink Codes. 2. The blinking FIRE LED indicates Alarm Blink Codes. July 2015...
Page 116
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK July 2015...
Page 119
Fast Idle 39 Hazard Light, Switch 16 Switch 17 Hazard/Warning Lights, Switch 16 Fire Alarm Telltale 13, 49 Headlights Fire Extinguisher 54 High Beam Control 26 High Beam Telltale 12 Flashers, (see Hazard/Warning Lights) 16 Heating and Air Conditioning (See HVAC) 57 Fluid Horn Capacities 75...
Page 120
Interior 16 Interlocks 19 Reading 16 Normal Operation 19 Step-well 16 Telltale 11 Phone Number, MCI Service 1 Power Source, 12-Volt 18 Main Battery Disconnect Switch 55 Power Steering Fluid 70 Maintenance 65 Compartment Access 66 Power Steering System 51...
Page 121
Stopping the Coach, In an Emergency 54 Safety Equipment 54 Stopping the Engine 40 Seat Belt 7 Supply Air Low, Telltale 49 Inspection 7 Surge Take, Coolant 67 Service Brakes Switch Panels Emergency Operation 52 Left hand 15 Normal Operation 28 Right hand 16 Service Fill 52 Switch, Regeneration Toggle Switch 19, 40...
Page 123
United States Operators please notice: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has requested that the following statement be provided for your information. If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Motor Coach Industries, Inc.