When disconnecting the trailer:
•Lower the landing gear, then press the lower portion of the switch.
• Disconnect the brake hoses, trailer-side and rear light connectors,
then pull the release lever on the fifth wheel.
The upper portion of the switch must be pressed before operating with a
trailer or operating in the bobtail mode.
Suspension conversions
It is not recommended, or approved, that suspension conversions be
performed. However, it is understood that, on occasion, aftermarket add-on
suspensions are installed by others on the truck chassis which allow
operator control for weight transfer from other axles (i.e., air lift axles).
When operating a loaded vehicle, the driver must keep all
adjustable axles on the ground at all times, supporting their
share of the vehicle’s load. Failure to do so can overload other axles,
tires, wheels, springs, steering components, brakes and frames,
resulting in early component failure, loss of vehicle control, possible
property damage and personal injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Main transmission, auxiliary transmission, transfer case and power take-off
(PTO) control shift patterns can be found on a placard or decal on the
driver’s sun visor, on the instrument panel or on the shift control itself.
The main transmission control is used to select the various gear ratios or
speeds of the transmission. Selecting D (Direct Drive), does not change
the transmission gear ratio, but is used where the gear ratios in the main
transmission are adequate to handle the vehicle operation.
If the transmission fails to shift properly, check the inline 10A fuse
located in the battery cables above the battery.
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
between positions. If you don’t hold the brake pedal down, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and cause property damage, personal
injury or death.
Allison 2200 automatic transmission with park pawl feature
Note: For Allison automatic transmission-equipped vehicles, also refer to
the separate Allison Transmission Operator’s Manual.
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into one of these gears, slowly release the clutch pedal while applying
light pressure on the transmission shift lever until it shifts into gear.
Note:After engagement of 1 (First) gear, do notuse the clutch brake
for upshifting or downshifting. If you do, clutch brake life will shorten
and gear selection shift efforts may increase.
Double-clutch procedures - vehicles equipped with a
non-synchronized transmission
In order to properly upshift or downshift, perform the following steps:
1. Depress the clutch pedal to disengage the clutch.
2. Shift the transmission into neutral.
3. Release the clutch pedal.
If upshifting , wait until the engine speed matches the transmission
speed of the gear you are selecting.
If downshifting, accelerate the engine until the engine speed matches
the input speed of the gear you are selecting. Depress the clutch pedal
immediately and shift into the desired gear, then release the clutch
pedal.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: Continued use of a damaged or worn clutch, prolonged clutch
slippage or downshifting at excessive speeds can result in a failure of the
engine, transmission or clutch components.
Note: To avoid premature clutch wear and failure, do not drive with
your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use it to hold the vehicle at a
standstill on an upgrade as when waiting for a traffic light.
Manual transmission shift patterns
are displayed on either the shift
lever knob or the sun visor.
Study this information carefully before you drive the vehicle even though
you may be familiar with similar units. Do not attempt to drive the
vehicle without knowing the exact shift pattern of the transmission.
Consult your authorized dealer if any questions exist as to the shifting
instructions posted in your vehicle.
R 1 3 5
4
6
2
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Do not coast the vehicle with the clutch pedal depressed or with
the transmission in neutral. This practice could result in loss of
vehicle control.
Driving hints
The following driving hints are provided as a brief, general guide in
operating the different manual transmissions used in your vehicle.
• When shifting into 1 (First) or R (Reverse) with vehicle standing still,
quickly release and depress the clutch pedal (if necessary to complete
gear engagement).
• Always use the lowest (or most appropriate) gear to start the vehicle.
• Always use a gear ratio low enough to allow the engine to operate
above the minimum engine operation speed range.
• Do not lug the engine.
• Do not slam or jerk the gearshift lever into gear.
• When more power is required, shift to a lower gear and accelerate the
engine near the governed speed.
Shifting with a synchronized transmission
With the clutch pedal depressed, use 2 (Second) gear synchronizer to
stop the clutch disc rotation; this allows smooth engagement of 1 (First)
or R (Reverse) To complete the gear engagement, it may be necessary to
apply light pressure to the gearshift lever during initial engagement of
the clutch. It takes a second or two to match gear speeds; steady
pressure on the gearshift lever will help the synchronizer perform its job
more quickly. If the gearshift lever is forced into position, this action
defeats the purpose of the synchronizer by causing gear clash.
Shifting with a non-synchronized transmission
Refer to Clutch brake andDouble clutch procedures in theClutch
section of this chapter.
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Operating the Spicer ES56-7B and ES066-7B 7-speed
transmissions
These 7-speed transmissions are
equipped with seven forward gears
and one reverse. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th,
5th, 6th and 7th gears are
synchronized. The shift pattern is
embossed on the gear shift knob.
Do not shift the transmission into 1 (First) or R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving as this could damage the transmission.
To go forward
With the engine idling, depress the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First).
Engage the clutch while pressing the accelerator to start forward.
Operate the clutch and upshift as required by driving conditions.
To go backward
Reverse is obtained by putting the gearshift lever in R (Reverse) and
engaging the clutch while pressing lightly on the accelerator.
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) OPERATION
Vehicles equipped with an Allison automatic transmission (except
3000 Series applications and vehicles equipped with a Caterpillar
engine)
The PTO can be operated while the vehicle is standing or moving. To
engage the PTO, apply the brakes and shift to any gear other than N
(Neutral), then engage the PTO.
If engagement is prevented by the gear teeth not meshing properly,
release the brakes and allow the vehicle to creep slightly or shift the
selector to N (Neutral) and then back into gear. The PTO should never
be engaged by clashing the gear teeth as this may damage the PTO unit
and the transmission PTO drive gear teeth. This could result in further
damage to the transmission and PTO.
PTO operation with vehicle stationary
Stop the vehicle, idle the engine and set the parking brake. Make sure
the gear selector is in any forward drive range, then engage the PTO.
2 4 6 3 5 7 1
R
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•Canada
Under no circumstances should your vehicle be loaded in excess of the
GVWR or GAWR. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that neither
the axle capacities, spring capacities, tire capacities nor the vehicle rated
GVWR is exceeded. For tire capacities, refer to Maintenance and
Specifications chapter.
Unloaded or lightly loaded vehicles
The braking system has been designed to safely stop your vehicle when
fully loaded to its GVWR.
When operating empty or lightly loaded, sudden or hard braking
may induce wheel lockup with loss of vehicle control and the
possibility of accident and serious injury, especially on wet or slippery
road surfaces.
TRAILER TOWING
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully prior to and after any towing operation.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
2nd unit bodies are not included in maximum trailer weight ratings. The
weight of the additional “body” must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
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Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Your vehicle may be
equipped with one of two possible trailer wiring designs. Make sure all
running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
• Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) during the first
500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don’t make full throttle
starts.
• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, use a lower gear. This will
also assist in transmission cooling.
• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
• Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
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•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
• If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to Lubricant specifications in theMaintenance and
Specifications chapter for the lubricant specification. Remember that
regardless of the rear axle lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first
500 miles (800 km) of a new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800
km) of towing be done at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no
full throttle starts.
• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(if available on your automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual
transmissions and automatic transmissions withou taP[Park]
position).
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
FIFTH WHEEL OPERATION
Failure to follow the fifth wheel manufacturer’s instructions for
hooking and unhooking as well as sliding the fifth wheel could
result in an accident, personal injury or death.
When the tractor and trailer are parked unattended, the trailer
brake hand control should never be used to apply the brake,
since air may leak from the system, allowing vehicle movement,
resulting in possible property damage, personal injury or death.
Before hook-up, make sure:
• The fifth wheel jaws are fully opened.
• The fifth wheel is fully tilted back to prevent body damage when the
tractor is backed under a trailer.
• The trailer wheels are blocked and the trailer spring brakes are
adjusted and applied. Never chase a trailer.
• The brake hoses and light cords are clear of the fifth wheel.
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Hook-up
1.
Back the tractor squarely under the trailer, engaging the fifth wheel jaws
on the kingpin. Always back-up slowly, making sure the trailer is neither too
high nor too low. Avoid backing under the trailer from an angle.
2. Connect the service and emergency brake hoses and trailer light
connector. Refer to Tractor-trailer connection in this chapter, adhering
to the warning and using the three-point stance while connecting and
disconnecting the trailer.
3.
Inspect the jaws of the fifth wheel to be sure they have fully closed on
the trailer kingpin and the trailer plate is resting securely on the fifth wheel.
4. Be sure the coupler release lever is in the locked position.
5. Charge the trailer brake system. Set the trailer brakes, either with the
hand valve or tractor protection valve. Pull against the trailer for an
additional check of proper hook-up. Do not pull hard enough to damage
or strain the equipment.
6. Set the tractor parking brakes and fully raise the trailer landing gear.
Refer to Brakesin this chapter for proper operation of the parking brake
and trailer brakes.
7. Check the operation of all trailer lights and correct any lights that may
be faulty.
Un-hook
1. Try to keep the tractor and trailer in a straight line.
2. Apply the parking brakes.
3. Lower the trailer landing gear, making sure it is on solid, level ground.
The weight of the trailer is to be on the landing gear.
4. Block the trailer wheels.
5. Disconnect the brake hoses and light cords. Be sure hoses and cords
are clear.
6. Pull coupler release lever to disengage the fifth wheel jaws.
7. Release the tractor parking brakes.
8. Pull out from the trailer slowly, allowing the landing gear to take the
load gradually.
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