When a trailer is hooked-up
correctly and system pressure
reaches 448 kPa (65 psi), the red
control (trailer supply) may be
pushed in and should stay in,
charging the trailer system and
releasing the trailer brakes.
The yellow control (parking brake)
may now be pushed in, which will
supply air to the tractor spring
brakes, releasing them.
Normal operating position
With both controls pushed in, air is supplied to the trailer and to the
tractor spring brakes; all brakes are released.
Actuation of trailer parking or emergency brakes
To actuate the trailer brakes only,
pull out the red control (trailer air
supply), exhausting the trailer
supply line. The trailer brakes are
now applied either by air emergency
or spring brakes, depending on the
type of trailer system. This mode
would be used to uncouple from the
trailer during bob-tail operation.
TRAILER
AIR SUPPLY
NOT FOR PARKING
PULL
TO
TOEVACUATE
PUSH
SUPPLY
PARKING
BRAKE
PULL
TOAPPLY
PUSH
TORELEASE
TRAILER
AIR SUPPLY
NOT FOR PARKING
PULL
TO
TOEVACUATE
PUSH
SUPPLY
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System park
With both controls in for normal run modes, the parking brakes on both
tractor and trailer may be actuated by pulling the yellow control (parking
brake) out, which exhausts the air from the tractor spring brakes and
simultaneously causes the red control (trailer supply) to pop out,
applying the trailer brakes. This complies with federal regulations stating
one control must apply all the parking brakes on the vehicle.
Trailer charge
If both controls are out when parking the combination vehicle and it is
desired to recharge the trailer (leaving the tractor spring brakes
applied), the trailer air supply control may be pushed in, repressurizing
the trailer supply line. This mode could also be used to park a
combination vehicle with air actuated emergency brakes on the trailer to
provide demonstrated parking capability with tractor spring brakes only.
Automatic application
With both controls in (in the normal run configuration), if the supply
pressure to the push-pull valves is reduced to approximately 240 to 310
kPa (35-45 psi), the red control (trailer supply valve) must pop out,
applying the emergency or parking brakes on the trailer. If the red
control is held in manually and the pressure decreases to approximately
172 to 240 kPa (25-35 psi), a tripper piston within the MV-3 valve will
move upward. This will exhaust the trailer supply, causing the required
non-override feature. The yellow control (parking brake) will pop out at
approximately 138 to 207 kPa (20-30 psi).
Reservoir selection
The number one service reservoir will at all times be selected as the
primary supply source for the MV-3. This is accomplished automatically
by the function of the dual circuit supply valve contained in the body of
the MV-3. Only in the event of a pressure drop of more than 207 kPa (30
psi) below that of the number two service reservoir will the dual circuit
supply valve shuttle and establish the front service reservoir as the
supply.
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Exhaust brake (if equipped)
An exhaust brake is an optional
auxiliary braking system that assists
but does not replace the primary
service brake system. An on-off
switch on the instrument panel, in
combination with the accelerator
and clutch pedal switches, allows
the operator to make maximum use
of the exhaust brake in the
following conditions:
²off-highway driving
²mountain driving
²heavy traffic
²high speed highway driving
It is not available with automatic transmissions.
The exhaust brake is a butterfly
type valve mounted in the exhaust
pipe. When the operator's foot is not
on the accelerator pedal and the
exhaust brake switch is in the ON
position, an air cylinder shuts the
butterfly valve, restricting the flow
of exhaust gases and retarding the
engine. This retarding action is
carried through the engine and drivetrain, slowing the vehicle and
reducing the need for frequent service brake applications.
Exhaust brakes are not intended for use as the primary braking system
during vehicle operation.
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127
Operation
Push the rocker switch up to turn
the exhaust brake on. The switch
will illuminate in the ON position.
Push the switch down to turn the
brake off.
Starting engine
Before starting the engine, make sure that the exhaust brake switch is in
the OFF position. Do not turn the exhaust brake on until the engine has
reached normal operating temperatures.
Driving downhill
While approaching a steep grade, make sure that the exhaust brake
switch is in the ON position. The exhaust brake actuates as soon as you
remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. While going down the
grade, use a low enough gear to descend safely with a minimum
application of the service brakes. As a general guideline, use the same
gear as you would to ascend the hill.
Before descending a hill or steep grade always select the proper gear. If
the transmission is taken out of gear while descending it is possible that
you will not be able to select another gear because of maximum RPM
being governed.
Make sure the engine speed does not exceed the maximum allowable
engine RPM. Exceeding the maximum allowable engine RPM will result
in damage to the engine. Apply the service brakes to reduce the engine
RPM or make a slower descent by using a lower gear.
The exhaust brake is not recommended for use on slippery or
low traction road surfaces. Under these conditions a loss of
vehicle control could possibly occur.
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Exhaust brake operating characteristics
When you remove your feet from both the accelerator and clutch pedals
and the exhaust brake switch is in the ON position, the exhaust brake is
activated. The following conditions should exist if the brake is operating
properly:
²A slight change in the sound of the engine when the exhaust brake is
activated.
²Exhaust smoke appears normal.
²Engine temperature remains in the normal operating range.
²Road speed usually decreases when the exhaust brake is applied
during a descent, except when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load or
the grade is extremely steep. In these instances, you may need to
apply the service brakes occasionally.
²During a descent, the tachometer usually shows a drop in RPM
depending on the grade and the vehicle load.
²Do not expect a retarding effect similar to sudden hard application of
the service brakes. The exhaust brake retards the vehicle with a
smooth braking effect.
²Depending on the grade and vehicle load, you may or may not feel the
retarding force acting against your body when the brake is applied.
The brake's retarding force is actually preventing the vehicle from
going much faster.
Make sure the exhaust brake is turned off before shutting off the engine.
Installing an exhaust or auxiliary brake should never allow the
engine to exceed maximum governed speeds under any
conditions.
Air brake reservoir draining
Failure to drain air brake reservoirs can result in a reduction or
loss of braking ability due to fluid accumulation in the reservoir
and/or possible freeze-up during cold weather.
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129
Drain all the air brake reservoirs
daily, completely to 0 kPa/psi, by
opening the draincock at the bottom
of the tanks. Close draincock after
complete draining. Air tanks
equipped with automatic moisture
ejector valves may also be drained
manually as required to maintain a
dry air system. Contact your dealer
if you are unsure of the air reservoir
locations or the draining procedure.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. This action
could damage the power steering pump.
Suspension and steering
The suspension and steering linkage in your vehicle should be inspected
periodically for the following:
²Spring leaf damage
²Spring sag
²Abnormal looseness
²Damaged seals
The following changes indicate a need to inspect and service your
vehicle:
²Changes in steering action
²Hard steering
²Excessive free play
²Unusual sounds when turning or parking
If the steering wanders or pulls
This condition can be caused by any of the following conditions:
²Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
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130
Air suspension dump valve
The dump valve switch activates the
dump valve. The dump valve
releases air from the air springs and
lowers the rear suspension, allowing
you to back under a low trailer
when necessary.
DRIVING WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)
Allison automatic transmission
Do not allow your vehicle to coast in N (Neutral). Transmission
braking is not available in N (Neutral). Allowing the vehicle to
coast in N (Neutral) could result in loss of vehicle control and severe
transmission damage.
The Allison automatic transmissions are a torque converter type, full
power shifting and fully automatic. They also have the added flexibility
of manually selecting and holding in the lower drive ranges which permit
the drive selection of the most suitable gear range to match varying road
and load conditions. To prevent destructive overspeeding of the engine,
the hold feature is not infinite, resulting in upshifts from the hold range
to the next higher range at some speed above the no-load governed
speed of the engine.
Allison AT-545
These transmissions have no P (Park) position. Before leaving
the driver's seat, always shift into N (Neutral) and set the
parking brake. Shut off the engine and remove your ignition key.
Always use wheel chocks for hilly or off-road parking. Unexpected and
possibly sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are
not taken.
This transmission provides four forward speeds and one reverse range.
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132
R (Reverse)
Use this position to back the vehicle. Completely stop the vehicle before
shifting from R (Reverse) to any forward gear (1, 2, 3 or D). The reverse
warning signal will sound when the selector is in R (Reverse). Reverse
has only one gear and provides the greatest gear reduction.
N (Neutral)
Place the selector in N (Neutral) before starting the engine. Shift to N
(Neutral) and set the parking brake any time the engine is to be running
while the operator is not at the controls. The engine should be at idle
speed when any shift from N (Neutral) to a drive range is made.
D (Drive-Normal driving position)
The transmission starts in first gear and automatically shifts through
second, third and fourth depending on load and speed demands. This
range is used for highway driving under normal conditions.
3 and 2 (Third and Second)
Use these ranges when road, load or traffic conditions require a lower
gear. These ranges provide greater engine braking than D (Drive). When
conditions are improved that no longer require these lower gears, shift
back to D (Drive).
1 (First)
The transmission has to be manually shifted into 1 (First) and will not
shift into a higher gear. This range is used for extra heavy loads or where
maximum reduction is required.
Allison MD Series transmissions
These transmissions have no P (Park) position. Before leaving
the driver's seat, always shift into N (Neutral) and set the
parking brake. Shut off the engine and remove your ignition key.
Always use wheel chocks for hilly or off-road parking. Unexpected and
possibly sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are
not taken.
These transmissions are electronically controlled and have a push button
shifter. MD transmissions are available in five- or six-speed driving
ranges.
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