Thermo King UT-1280 User manual

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©2020 Trane Technologies
TK 56373-1-OP Oct 2016
Operator’s Manual
Truck Edition
UT-1280
October 2016
Revision 0
TK-56373-1-OP

Copyright© 2016 Thermo King Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA
Printed in USA
UT-1280
TK 56373-1-OP (Rev. 0, 10/16)

2
Disclaimer
This manual is published for informational purposes only. Thermo King Corporation makes no
representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information, recommendations
and descriptions contained in this manual and such information, recommendations and descriptions
should not be regarded as all-inclusive or covering all contingencies. In the event you have any
questions or require further information, please contact your local Thermo King dealer.
The procedures described herein should only be undertaken by suitably qualified personnel. Failure to
implement these procedures correctly may cause damage to the Thermo King unit or other property or
personal injury.
Thermo King Corporation and its affiliates shall have no liability in contract or tort (including negligence
and/or strict liability) or otherwise, to any person or entity for any personal injury, property damage or
any other direct, indirect, special or consequential damage or liability whatsoever, arising out of or
resulting from any actions by any person that are contrary to this manual or any of the information,
recommendations or descriptions contained herein or the failure of any person to implement the
procedures described herein correctly or to follow caution and safety decals located on the Thermo
King unit.

3
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Automatic Start/Stop Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Battery Installation and Cable Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Electrical Hazard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Refrigerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Refrigerant Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
First Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
First Aid–Refrigerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
First Aid–Refrigerant Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Safety Decals and Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Model 50 Units (Electric Standby) . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Emission Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
California Emission Control System Warranty
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Your Warranty Rights And Obligations . . . . . . . . . 16
Manufacturer’s Warranty Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Owner’s Warranty Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Manufacturer Explanation Of Emission Control System
Warranty Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
EPA Emission Control System Warranty Statement . .20
Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Unit Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Design Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Unit Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Standard HMI Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Premium HMI Control Panel (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . .25
CYCLE-SENTRY™ Start/Stop System . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Unit Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Unit Component Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Unit Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
SR-3 Truck HMI Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Keys and LED Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Turning the Unit On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
The Standard Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Changing the Setpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Starting the Diesel Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Table of Contents
4
Starting the Electric Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Switching from Diesel to Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Switching from Electric to Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Selecting CYCLE-SENTRY or Continuous Mode . . . .46
Selecting the High Speed Lock-Out Feature . . . . . . . .47
Initiating a Manual Defrost Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Sending a ServiceWatch Data Logger Start of Trip . . . 51
Pretrip Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Pretrip Test Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Conditions where Pretrip Tests are not allowed . .51
Pretrip Test Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Pretrip Test Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Performing a Pretrip Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Starting a Pretrip Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Pretrip Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Display Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Electric Standby Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Electric Power Receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Loading and Enroute Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Pre-Loading Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Inspecting the Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Enroute Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Belt Tension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Refrigeration System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Electrical Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Electric Motor and Overload Relay . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Standby Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Maintenance Inspection Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Serial Number Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Recover Refrigerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Emergency Cold Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
California
Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

5
Introduction
There is nothing complicated about operating and maintaining
your Thermo King unit, but a few minutes studying this
manual will be time well spent.
Performing pre-trip checks and enroute inspections on a
regular basis will minimize on-the-road operating problems. A
regular maintenance program will also help to keep your unit
in top operating condition. If factory recommended procedures
are followed, you will find that you have purchased the most
efficient and dependable temperature control system available.
All service requirements, major and minor, should be handled
by a Thermo King dealer for four very important reasons:
• They are equipped with the factory recommended tools to
perform all service functions
• They have factory trained and certified technicians
• They have genuine Thermo King replacement parts
• The warranty on your new unit is valid only when the
repair and replacement of component parts is performed
by an authorized Thermo King dealer.
IMPORTANT: This manual is published for informational
purposes only and the information furnished herein should
not be considered as all-inclusive or meant to cover all
contingencies. If more information is required, consult your
Thermo King Service Directory for the location and
telephone number of the local dealer.

6
Safety Precautions
Thermo King recommends that all services be performed by a
Thermo King dealer. However, there are several general safety
practices which you should be aware of:
Automatic Start/Stop Operation
This unit is capable of automatic operation and may start at any
time without prior warning.
WARNING: Always wear goggles or safety glasses
when working with or around the refrigeration
system or battery. Refrigerant or battery acid can
cause permanent damage if it comes in contact with
your eyes.
WARNING: Keep hands and loose clothing clear of
fans and belts at all times when the unit is operating
or when opening or closing compressor service
valves.
WARNING: Exposed coil fins can cause painful
lacerations. Service work on the evaporator or
condenser coils is best left to a certified Thermo King
technician.
CAUTION: Use extreme caution when drilling holes
in the unit. Drilling into electrical wiring or
refrigerant lines could cause a fire. Never drill into
structural components.
WARNING: The unit may start at any time when the
controller is turned on. The controller display lights
up when the controller is turned on.
WARNING: Units equipped with electric standby may
start at any time when the unit is connected to live
electric power and the controller is turned on.

Safety Precautions
7
Battery Installation and Cable
Routing
WARNING: Be sure to press the OFF key to turn the
controller off before opening doors or inspecting any
part of the unit.
WARNING: Improperly installed battery could
result in a fire or explosion! A Thermo King
approved battery must be installed and properly
secured to the battery tray.
WARNING: Improperly installed battery cables
could result in fire or explosion! Battery cables
must be installed, routed and secured properly to
prevent them from rubbing, chaffing or making
contact with hot, sharp or rotating components.
WARNING: Do not attach fuel lines or any
additional wiring harnesses to the battery cables as
this could cause an electrical fire!
CAUTION: Do not connect other manufacturer’s
equipment or accessories to the Thermo King unit.
This could result in severe damage to equipment
and void the warranty!
CAUTION: Set all unit electrical controls to the
OFF position before connecting battery cables to
the battery to prevent unit from starting
unexpectedly and causing personal injury.
CAUTION: Always wear protective clothing,
gloves and eye wear when handling and installing
batteries. Battery acid can cause serious burns
when exposed to eyes or skin. If battery acid
contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with
soap and water. If acid enters your eye,
immediately flood it with running cold water for at
least twenty minutes and get medical attention
immediately.

Safety Precautions
8
Electrical Hazard
Refrigerant
Although fluorocarbon refrigerants are classified as safe,
observe caution when working with refrigerants or around
areas where they are being used in the servicing of your unit.
Refrigerant Oil
Observe the following precautions when working with or
around refrigerant oil:
CAUTION: Always cover battery terminals to
prevent them from making contact with metal
components during battery installation. Battery
terminals grounding against metal could cause the
battery to explode.
CAUTION: Be sure to turn off the high voltage
power supply, and disconnect the electric cable before
working on the unit. Units with electric standby
present a potential electrical hazard.
DANGER: Fluorocarbon refrigerants may produce
toxic gases. In the presence of an open flame or
electrical short, these gases are severe respiratory
irritants CAPABLE OF CAUSING DEATH.
DANGER: Fluorocarbon refrigerants tend to
displace air and can cause oxygen depletion which
could result in DEATH BY SUFFOCATION. Provide
adequate ventilation in enclosed or confined areas.
WARNING: Fluorocarbon refrigerants evaporate
rapidly, freezing anything they contact if accidentally
released into the atmosphere from the liquid state.
WARNING: Always wear goggles or safety glasses to
protect eyes from refrigerant oil contact.
WARNING: Protect skin and clothing from
prolonged or repeated contact with refrigerant oil.
Rubber gloves are recommended.
WARNING: Wash thoroughly immediately after
handling refrigerant oil to prevent irritation.

Safety Precautions
9
First Aid
First Aid–Refrigerant
Eyes: For contact with liquid, immediately flush eyes with
large amounts of water. Get prompt medical attention.
Skin: Flush areas with large amounts of warm water. Do not
apply heat. Wrap burns with dry, sterile, bulky dressing to
protect from infection or injury. Get prompt medical attention.
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air and restore breathing if
necessary. Stay with victim until arrival of emergency medical
personnel.
First Aid–Refrigerant Oil
Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for
at least 15 minutes while holding the eyelids open. Get prompt
medical attention.
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash thoroughly with
soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation persists.
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air and restore breathing if
necessary. Stay with victim until arrival of emergency
personnel.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Immediately contact
local poison control center or physician.
Safety Decals and Locations
Figure 1: Antifreeze Caution
(Attached near Expansion Tank fill cap)

Safety Precautions
10
Figure 2: Belt Caution (Locations vary depending on
model. Decals are located near areas that contain
belts and fans which can cause severe injuries if
hands or clothing become tangled.)
Figure 3: Automatic Start Caution (Locations vary
depending on model. Decals are located near areas
that contain moving parts which can cause severe
injuries if hands or clothing become tangled when the
unit automatically starts.)

Safety Precautions
11
Figure 4: Fan Caution (Locations vary depending on
model. Decals are located near areas that contain
fans which can cause severe injuries if hands or
clothing become tangled.)
Model 50 Units (Electric Standby)
Figure 5: Electrical Hazard (Locations vary
depending on model. Typically located near power
receptacle, high voltage tray cover and interface
board.)
CAUTION FAN
ATTENZIONE VENTILATORE
ATTENTION VENTILATEUR
ACHTUNG VENTILATOR
CUIDADO VENTILADOR
91-4815

Safety Precautions
12
Figure 6: High Voltage Caution
(Located near high voltage box.)

13
Emission Control
In compliance with the California ULG (Utility, Lawn and
Garden) Rules, the following information is provided:
1. Selection Of Fuel Oil: Use diesel fuel only.
2-1. Modification To Any Engine Component:
Modifications to any engine component which many cause
engine exhaust emission output changes are not allowed.
Any engine modification not in compliance with regulation
will be the responsibility of the engine manufacturer, dealer or
customer who made the modification.
2-2. Air Induction System: Air induction system must
remain intact and receive regular prescribed maintenance.
Example: Air cleaner element replacement at required
operation hour interval.
2-3. Exhaust System: Exhaust system must remain intact
and cannot be modified in any manner that will further restrict
exhaust flow.
2-4. Fuel Oil System: Fuel oil system must remain intact
and receive regular prescribed maintenance. Example: Fuel
filter replacement at required operation hour interval.
3. Engine Identification: Engines must be identified in a
manner that will determine when they were built and what
regulations they comply with. The engine must be labeled with
an emission control label and the engine family name, both
described below.

Emission Control
14
a. Emission control label: a new label, shown in
Figure 7, contains important engine information.
Figure 7: Emission Control Label
b. Engine Family Name, as assigned by the California
Air Resources Board, identifies engine family group,
by largest displacement, within an engine family, and
is shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8: Engine Family Name
AMA04
AMA06

Emission Control
15
3-1 Emission Control Labels: Emission control labels are
a requirement of the California ULG Rules. In the event the
emission control label provided on the engine is inaccessible,
there will be a supplemental label containing the same
information, provided by the equipment manufacturer, located
in a readily accessible location, shown in Figure 9:
Figure 9: Emission Control Label Location
All engine labels and supplementary labels will contain the
following information:
• Engine Family Name
• Displacement
• Manufacturer
The above information, along with the engine serial number,
will be required to obtain proper service information and
correct service repair parts. Figure 10 identifies the engine
model.
Figure 10: Engine Model
Engine Model
TK380U (Tier 4)
Note: Design parameters to bring engine family
into compliance were utilized; no after treatment
measures incorporated.

Emission Control
16
4. Emission Control Related Parts: The California ULG
Rules require a manufacturing defect warranty on all emission
control parts, including:
• Fuel Injection Pump
• Fuel Injection Nozzle
• High Pressure Oil Line
• Air Cleaner Element1
• Fuel Filter Element1
•AirCleanerGasket
• Air Intake Pipe (Manifold) Gasket
•MufflerGasket
The warranty period is two years and complete details are
included in the section of this manual titled “California
Emission Control System Warranty Statement, Your Warranty
Rights And Obligations.”
1Any warranted part which is scheduled for replacement as
required maintenance shall be warranted for the period of time
up to the first scheduled replacement point for that part.
5. Maintenance Schedule: To maintain optimum engine
performance and compliance with the California ULG Rules,
the maintenance schedule must be adhered to.
Regular scheduled maintenance is the major key to engine
service life and emission regulation compliance. Scheduled
maintenance requirements must be performed regularly. See
the Maintenance Schedule provided in this Operator’s Manual.
California Emission Control
System Warranty Statement
Your Warranty Rights And
Obligations
The California Air Resources Board and Thermo King are
pleased to explain the California emission control system
warranty on your 1996 and later utility equipment (ULG)
engine. In California, new utility equipment (ULG) engines
must be designed, built, and equipped to meet the state’s
stringent anti-smog standards. Thermo King must warrant the
California emission control system on your utility equipment

Emission Control
17
(ULG) engine for the time listed below, provided there has
been no abuse, neglect or improper maintenance of your utility
equipment (ULG) engine.
Your California emission control system includes parts such as
the fuel injection pump, the fuel injection nozzle, and the
high-pressure fuel line. Also included are the air filter element
and the fuel filter element which are covered under this
California emission control system warranty only up to the first
scheduled maintenance replacement.
Where a warrantable condition exists, Thermo King will repair
your utility equipment (ULG) engine with California emission
control system parts or components at no cost to you, including
diagnosis, parts and labor.
Manufacturer’s Warranty Coverage
1996 and later utility equipment (ULG) engines: California
emission control system parts and components are warranted
for the period of two years (24 months). If any California
emission control system part or component on your utility
equipment (ULG) engine is defective, the part or component
will be repaired or replaced by Thermo King.
Owner’s Warranty Responsibilities
As the utility equipment (ULG) engine owner, you are
responsible for the performance of the required maintenance
listed in this Operator’s Manual. Thermo King recommends
that you retain all receipts covering maintenance on your utility
equipment (ULG) engine, but Thermo King cannot deny
warranty solely for the lack of receipts or your failure to ensure
the performance of all scheduled maintenance.
As the utility equipment (ULG) engine owner, you should be
aware that Thermo King may deny you warranty coverage if
your utility equipment (ULG) engine, or a part or component,
has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or
unapproved modifications.
You are responsible for presenting your utility equipment
(ULG) engine to an authorized Thermo King dealer as soon as
a problem exists. The emission control system parts or
component repairs should be completed in a reasonable
amount of time not to exceed 30 days.
If you have any questions regarding your warranty rights and
responsibilities, contact a Thermo King service representative
at 952-887-2337.

Emission Control
18
Manufacturer Explanation Of
Emission Control System
Warranty Coverage
A. Warranty Commencement Date
The California emission control system warranty period begins
on the date the engine or equipment is delivered to the original
retail purchaser.
B. Length Of Coverage
Thermo King warrants to the original purchaser, and each
subsequent purchaser, that the engine emission control system
is free from defects in material and workmanship that cause the
failure of the warranted California emission control system
part or component for a period of two years (24 months)
beginning on the day the utility equipment (ULG) engine is
delivered to the original purchaser.
C. What Is Covered
1. Repair or Replacement of Parts: Repair or replacement
of any California emission control system warranted part
or component will be performed at no charge to the owner
at a Thermo King authorized service dealer. To obtain the
phone number of your nearest Thermo King authorized
service dealer, call the Cold Line at: 952-887-2202.
2. Warranty Period: Any warranted California emission
control system part or component that is not scheduled for
replacement as required maintenance, or that is scheduled
only for regular inspection to the effect of repair or
replacement as necessary, shall be warranted for the
warranty period. Any warranted part that is scheduled for
replacement as required maintenance shall be warranted
for the period of time up to the first scheduled replacement
point for that part or component.
3. Diagnosis: The owner shall not be charged for diagnostic
labor which leads to the determination that a California
emission control system warranted part or component is
defective, if the diagnostic work is performed at a Thermo
King authorized service dealer.
4. Consequential Damages: Thermo King is liable for
damages to other engine parts or components caused by
the failure of an emission control system part or
component within the above stated California emission
control system warranty period.