Dennis POINTER User manual

Operation Guide
POINTER

Publication Number 2225 ~ Dart 4 & 6 cylinder/ Pointer
Used on & up to Chassis No 7465 (not including 7375) ~ September 2003 (03/04)

3
Introduction
The purpose of this operation guide is
to provide drivers with information to
help them to operate their vehicles
safely and efficiently. It is
recommended that it is kept with the
vehicle.
Care and attention given at the right
time will ensure efficient and
satisfactory performance. Periodic
attention is necessary, and should help
to avoid breakdowns. Never run the
vehicle in a doubtful condition, always
report back to the garage for inspection
and attention.
In all communications quote the
relevant V.I.N. and engine number.
This will ensure prompt attention.
Vehicles manufactured by TransBus
International, when delivered, comply
with all current Department of Transport
Regulations and Codes of Practice
appertaining.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure
the information given in this handbook
is correct at the time of going to print,
the TransBus International policy is one
of continuous improvement and the
right to change specifications and
equipment without notice is reserved.
Gross Vehicle Weight and Axle
loadings are based upon the maximum
seating capacity of the vehicle, as
delivered, (including Driver).
TransBus International
Customer Care
Dennis Way
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 1AF
England
Telephone: + 44 (0)1483 571271
Fax: + 44 (0)1483 301696
This operation guide is based
on the Pointer body and Dart
SLF chassis original
equipment fitted at the factory.
For this reason, you may find
illustrations and/or certain
parts of the text in this
handbook which do not
correspond exactly to the
particular situation on your
own vehicle.
Dart SLF /Pointer
4 and 6 cylinder models

4
Introduction
Please take note of the following
symbols, used throughout this manual
which identify any health hazards or
instructions to prevent any personal
injuries or damage to the vehicle.
Operational
• The maximum permitted laden
weight is identified on the VIN
plate.
• The maximum passenger
carrying capacity is identified in
the cab area.
• When a defect is identified, it
could cause serious problems
or deterioration. This must be
rectified prior to the vehicle
going into service.

Items marked with this sign are fitted
as options.
NOTE
Text with this heading and a
shaded background refers to
special methods, features or
procedures.
CAUTION
Text with this heading and a
shaded background is a
reminder of an operation
which, if not carried out with
due care, could involve the
risk of damage to material.
WARNING
Text with this heading and a
shaded background is a
reminder of an operation
which, if not carried out with
due care, could involve the
risk of personal injury.
Key to Symbols Buyer's Obligations Options
CAUTION
It is imperative that all
maintenance procedures are
complied with and records of
all work are kept and are
available to view.
NOTE
The failure to comply with
these requirements could
cause mechanical or
structural failure and will
invalidate the warranty.

5
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Key to Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Vehicle Identification Plate . . . . . . . 8
Vehicle Identification Sheet . . . . . . . 9
Controls and Instruments 10 - 31
Control Layout . . . . . . . . . . . .10 - 11
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13
Warning Lights . . . . . . . . . . . .14 - 18
Switch Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Heating & Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . .20
Multi Function Switch . . . . . . 21 - 22
Automatic Gearbox Selector . 23 - 24
Reverse Interlock Button . . . . . .24
Steering Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Accelerator Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Vehicle Lift System . . . . . . . . . .27
Suspension - Kneeling System . . . 28
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Ramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Driver’s Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Emergency Equipment 32
Break Glass Hammer . . . . . . . . . .32
Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Driver’s Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Emergency Exit Doors 33 - 35
Front Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Centre Door. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Rear Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Starting and Driving 36 - 42
CRT Exhaust - Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 - 37
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . 38 - 40
Retarder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Engine Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Engine Emergency Stop . . . . . . . . 42
Speed Control Humps . . . . . . . . . .42
Batteries & Carrier 43
Filling Points 44 - 45
Fuel Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Windscreen Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Engine Oil - Side Dip & Fill . . . .44
Hydraulic Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

6
Table of Contents
Posilock Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Cleaning 47 - 49
Body Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Exterior Paintwork . . . . . . . . . . .47
Body Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 - 49
ABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Moquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Panelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 - 49
Maintenance 50 - 61
Maintenance Points . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Maintenance Summary . . . . . .51 - 54
Body Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Air Braking System . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Hydraulic System . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Engine Oil Level Check . . . . . . . . .57
AT 545 Gearbox Oil Level . . . . . . .58
2000 Series Gearbox Oil Level . . .58
B300R Gearbox Oil Level . . . . . . .58
Voith Gearbox Oil Level . . . . . . . . .59
Ride Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Lubrication Diagram . . . . . . . . . . .60
Lubrication Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Emergency Repairs 62 - 66
Jacking Points . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 - 63
Tyre Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . 64 - 65
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Towing 67
Alphabetical Index 68 - 69

7
General Description
The Pointer Body and Dart SLF chassis
are available in various body lengths.
They are powered by either a 4 or 6
cylinder turbo charged diesel engine
driving a single reduction rear axle
through a four speed automatic
transmission.
The air operated braking system is
powered by an engine-driven
compressor supplying five reservoirs
through an air dryer which also
regulates pressure. Service One and
Service Two reservoirs each supply a
separate system for the front and rear
brakes. The park reservoir supplies the
spring-applied, air released rear
brakes. The Auxiliary reservoirs supply
the air suspension and body services
such as the doors.
The hydraulic system is powered by an
engine driven tandem pump which
supplies the steering box and cooling
fan.
The front and rear suspension consists
of trailing taper leaf springs and a
panhard rod supported by air springs
and hydraulic dampers.
The 24 volt electrical system is
powered by an engine driven alternator
and two batteries. The system supplies
the usual lighting, warning and
indicating systems.
An electronically controlled air system
is installed which allows a kneeling
system to operate. The kneeling
system allows the front suspension air
springs to be deflated, to lower the
entrance of the vehicle almost to kerb
level. The system will not operate if the
doors are open, if the handbrake is not
on, if the vehicle is moving or if the
system air pressure is too low.
Conversely, the system will prevent the
doors from opening if the vehicle is
moving or if raising or lowering process
is operating.

8
Vehicle Identification Plate
Key to Labels
AType Approval Number
BVehicle Identification
CGross Weight
DTrain Weight
EAxle 1 Weight
FAxle 2 Weight
GAxle 3 weight
Key to V.I.N. Number
SFD World Manufacturer's Identity
2Wheelbase
BEngine
2Transmission
CAir Conditioning
RHand of Drive
3Series/mark
1Build Year
GBuild Plant
WModel
1Frame type
1234 Serial Number
W.P.O.
VEHICLE
TYPE
ENGINE
TYPE
CAB
TYPE
52646
DART SLF
CUMMINS ISBe 135PS
0.49
DENNIS
GUILDFORD, ENGLAND
SFD2B2CR31GW11234
V.I.N.
4480
11500
8000
4500
8000
Kg
Kg
Kg
Kg
Kg
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
PLATED WEIGHTS DESIGN WEIGHTS
11500
Vehicle details can be identified from the V.I.N. plate; a typical example is shown
above.
Please quote the V.I.N. number with any enquiries concerning the vehicle.

9
Vehicle Identification Sheet
Chassis
V.I.N. No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Registration No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date into service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gearbox Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gearbox Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Tyre Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bodywork
Bodybuilder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Body Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Body Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator
Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Out of Hours Telephone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fax Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10
Control Layout
WAITTO
START
BAR BAR
2
150
85
55 km/h
Drivecan only be
selectedwhen the
footbrakeis depressed
CAUTION
OFF HANDBRAKE ON
WHEELCHAIR RAMP
Maximum safe
working load - 300kg
OPEN
DOOR
CLOSE
DOOR
OPEN
DOOR
CLOSE
DOOR
LOWER RAISE
FRONT SUSPENSION
EXTEND RETRACT
WHEELCHAIR RAMP
24
6
1
7
5
8
R
N
D
3
2
1
MORSE
CONTROLS
910 11 12 13
3

11
Control Layout
1. Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 10 - 11
2. Warning Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 - 18
3. Multi Function Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21 - 22
4. Switch Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19
5. Parking Brake Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26
6. Steering Column Adjust Button . . . . . . .Page 25
7. Footbrake Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26
8. Accelerator Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26
9. Door Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29
10. Suspension Kneel Buttons . . . . . . . . . .Page 28
11. Wheelchair Ramp Controls . . . . . . . .Page 30
12. Automatic Gearbox Range Selector . . . . . . . 23 - 24
13. Reverse Interlock Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

12
Instrument Panel
BAR BAR
2
km/h
F260
120
Drive can only be
selected when the
footbrake is depressed
CAUTION
24
8
7
6
5
3
1
10 11 12
WAIT TO
START
913

13
Instrument Panel
1. Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge 
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant.
2. Fuel Gauge
Shows fuel content when ignition
is at RUN.
3. Speedometer or Tachograph
4. Warning Lights
See Pages 14 to 17.
5. Air Pressure Gauge 1
Shows the pressure in the front
brakes air reservoir.
6. Air Pressure Gauge 2
Shows the pressure in the rear
brakes air reservoir.
7. Vehicle Lift Switch 
See Page 27.
8. Master Switch
Operates the master solenoid
which disconnects and connects
the batteries from all circuits
except the tachograph (where
fitted). Do not switch off while the
engine is running.
9. Range Inhibited Light
Illuminates to advise when the
transmission is being inhibited.
Range shifts requested by the
operator may not occur.
10. Ignition Switch
Off - All circuits inoperable except
head and side lights, horn,
washer, wiper, bulb test and
hazard lights.
Run - All circuits operable
Start - Starter motor engaged
Not used on this application
11. Hazard Warning Switch
Operating the switch causes all
the direction indicators to flash
simultaneously. A warning lamp in
the switch indicates that the
hazard lights are in operation.
12. Rear Fog Light Switch
Operates when the sidelights are
turned on. A warning lamp
indicates that the fog lights are on.
13 . Side and Headlights Switch
This is a two position switch. The
first position operates the
sidelights. The second position
operates the side lights and head
lights.

Warning Lights
WAIT TO
START
14
Centre Door (Red)
Illuminates when the centre
door is open.
Emergency Exit (Red)
Illuminates when the
emergency exit is open.
ASR (Blue)
Not used
Main Beam (Blue)
Illuminates when the
headlights are on and main
beam is selected or headlight
flash is operated.
Engine Check (Yellow)
If this light illuminates, a minor
fault has occurred which may
result in reduced power. The
vehicle can still be driven but
the fault must be rectified as
soon as possible.
Wait to Start (Yellow)
Engine system check in
progress. Start when
extinguished.
Left Turn Signal (Green)
Flashes to indicate a left turn,
or if permanently on indicates
bulb failure.
Master Warning (Red)
If this light comes on, the
vehicle must be stopped as
there is a problem with one of
the following: low air pressure
or low coolant level.
Right Turn Signal (Green)
Flashes to indicate a right turn,
or if permanently on indicates
bulb failure.
WAIT TO
START

15
Warning Lights
WAIT TO
START
Parking Brake (Red)
Illuminates when the Parking
Brake is applied.
ABS (Red)
illuminates when the ignition is
switched on, then goes out. If it
comes on whilst driving or fails
to go out, a fault is present in
the system.
High Coolant Temperature
(Red)
Not used. Function is part of
the engine warning light
system. An engine protection
fault is indicated by
illumination of the red engine
check light.
High Gearbox Temperature
(Red) 
Illuminates when the gearbox
oil temperature is too high.
Battery Charging (Red)
Light illuminates then goes out
when engine is started and
battery is being charged.
Brake Pad Wear (Yellow)
Not used
Bus Stop Indicator (Red)
Indicates the bus stop button
has been pressed.
Engine Door (Red)
Illuminates if the engine rear
door is not closed.
Rear Fog Light (Yellow)
Illuminates when the rear fog
lights are switched on.
Engine Protection Lamp
(Yellow)
Not used. Function is part of
the engine warning light
system. An engine protection
fault is indicated by
illumination of the red engine
check light.

16
Warning Lights
WAIT TO
START
Engine Check (Red)
If this light illuminates, a major
fault has occurred. The vehicle
should be driven to the side of
the road as soon as it is safe to do
so and the engine switched off.
Oil Pressure (Red)
Illuminates with ignition then
goes out when engine is
started. Does not function as
oil pressure warning light. Low
oil pressure is indicated by
illumination of the red engine
check light.
Low Air Pressure (Red)
illuminates and a buzzer
sounds when the air pressure
in the air system is too low.
Water in Fuel (Yellow)
Illuminates when water is
detected in the fuel filter. Used
when chassis sensed system
is used.
Low Coolant (Red)
Illuminates and a buzzer
sounds when the coolant level
is low.
Transmission Fault (Red)
Indicates the transmission has
developed a fault.
(B300, Voith, & Allison2000)
Retarder (Yellow)
Illuminates when the retarder
is in operation.
Air Suspension (Yellow)
Illuminates when vehicle is in
kneeling mode.

17
Warning Lights
Warning Light Function
The warning lamp informs the driver of
the system condition and to transmit
blink codes for system and diagnostic
information.
If the warning lamp fails to go out when
the vehicle is driven off, or if it comes
on shortly after drive off, this is an
indication that the ABS system is either
disabled or partially disabled due to a
fault. If the system is disabled the driver
still has full use of the conventional
braking system. When the warning
lamp lights up this indicates increased
danger of wheel lock-up. The driver
should exercise caution when braking
to avoid loss of control due to wheel
skid.
The warning lamp is switched on (bulb
check) after “ignition on”. If a wheel
speed sensor fault was not stored in
the fault memory before the last
“ignition off”, the warning lamp will be
switched off about 2 seconds after
“ignition on”, provided the static system
test was successfully completed. The
warning lamp the remains switched off
when the dynamic system test has
successfully concluded
If a wheel speed sensor fault was
stored before the last “ignition off”, the
warning lamp remains on until the
static and dynamic system test has
successfully been completed - a stored
fault.
• The driver is responsible for
taking note of the warning
lamp. If the warning lamp fails
to light up immediately after
“ignition on” this indicates that
the lamp bulb is defective. It
MUST be replaced without
delay.
• When a fault occurs, it is
essential that the ABS is
checked immediately in an
authorised workshop in order to
repair the fault and return the
system to normal operation.
Failure to do so may result in
unforeseen consequences.
Safety Instruction
While the ABS increases the vehicle
safety, it is not able to overcome natural
physical laws. ABS can only optimise
the utilisation of the available traction
between the tyres and the road. ABS is
not able to compensate for poor
driving, to avoid the consequences of
driving too close to the vehicle in front,
and/or driving into a bend with
excessive speed.
ABS

18
Warning Lights
1. Passenger Stop Request
Illuminated when a passenger
requests stop by pushing stop
button.
2. Blank Cover
3. Wheelchair Pasenger Request
Stop
Illuminated when the push button
at the wheelchair location or the
external push to rear of entrance
door has been pressed.
4. Ramp Extended
Illuminated whilst the ramp is in
the extended position. Audible
warning also sounds.
Body Functions
3
1
24

19
Controls
Saloon Lights
Switch on to
illuminate either:
LH - Standard Lighting.
2nd & 4th -Single row.
LHrear - two row
continuous.
Saloon Lights
Switch on to
illuminate either:
RH - Standard Lighting.
3rd & 5th - Single row.
RHrear - two row
continuous.
Cab/ Light
Switch on to illuminate
the cab light.
Demister
Press to operate two
speed fan to demist.
Also set temperature
control to Hot position.
Destination Light
When switched on
iluminates destination
sign.
Saloon Heating
Activates heating to
saloon.
Air Conditioning
Activates the cab air
conditioning system.
Two position switch
giving slow and fast
air to cab. Can only
be operated when
cab temperature
exceeds 15°C.
Driver’s Alarm
Operates assault
alarm and hazard
warning lights.
Switch Bank

20
Controls
General
The system consists of two parts:
1. Saloon - heating provided by
convectors running along both
sides of the vehicle.
2. Cab and entrance area -
demisting, heating and ventilation
provided by radiator/fan unit
located below the LH front dash.
Permanently open outlets are
positioned across the front of the
dash for efficient windscreen
demisting.
A permanently open outlet is
positioned at floor level, in the
entrance area for heating and
ventilation.
Adjustable rotary vents are
positioned in the driver’s cab.
These provide heat or ventilation
to the cab or heat or ventilation to
the driver’s footwell . . . . . area.
Operation
Saloon Heating
Switch to On position.
Cab and Entrance Area
The temperature of the air delivered
through the outlets is controlled by
the slide control. This slide control
enables the air flow to be directed to
the windscreen demister outlets, the
adjustable vents or the entrance
/gangway outlet, or divided between
them.
Toggle Switch
The three position
switch (Off, Normal,
Boost) controls the
amount of air
delivered through the
outlets.
Heating & Ventilation
NOTE
Use Boost for initial warm up
or severe weather conditions
only. Using the Normal speed
will extend the life of the fan.