Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, pull handle up until it
snaps into the locked position.
WARNING:Do not use the
gearshift selector in place of
the parking brake. Always set the
parking brake fully AND make
sure the gearshift selector is in R
(Reverse) for vehicles equipped
with manual transmission, P
(Park)(if equipped)or N
(Neutral) for vehicles with
automatic transmission. Use of
wheel chocks is also
recommended in hilly or off-road
usage.
WARNING:Unexpected
and possible sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these
precautions are not taken.
When the parking brake is out of adjustment, seek service immediately.
The parking BRAKE warning lamp
in the instrument cluster illuminates
and will remain illuminated (when
the ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is released.
P
BRAKE
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Applying the parking brake
To apply the parking brake, pull the yellow, dash-mounted parking brake
knob. A red light on the dash panel should illuminate indicating that the
parking brake has been successfully set.
Note:If the park brake indicator light blinks and a warning chime
sounds when the control knob is pulled, the parking brake is not
functioning properly; seek immediate service from your dealer. Refer to
Parking Brake Warning Systemin this section.
Releasing the parking brake
Note:Read and understand the following steps and perform them
whenever you prepare to drive the vehicle.
Note:The parking brake will not disengage unless sufficient system air
pressure is available.
For vehicles with automatic transmissions - dash-mounted push
button (Allison 3000 Series) and steering column-mounted
(Allison 2200 and 2500) gear selection:
1. With the engine running, press and hold the service brake pedal.
2. Select the appropriate drive gear.
3. Push and hold the yellow, dash-mounted parking brake knob until the
Park Brake indicator goes out, then release.
For vehicles with manual transmissions -
(TTC 7–speed, Eaton/Fuller 5–speed and 6–speed):
1. With the engine running, press and hold the service brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the clutch pedal.
3. Select the appropriate drive gear.
4. Push and hold the yellow, dash-mounted parking brake knob until the
Park Brake indicator goes out, then release.
WARNING:Hold the brake pedal down while moving the
gearshift lever from position to position. If the brake pedal is not
held down, the vehicle may move unexpectedly resulting in property
damage, personal injury or death.
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Air brake reservoir draining
WARNING: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.
Drain all the air brake reservoirs
daily, completely to 0 psi/kPa, by
opening the draincock at the ends
of the tanks (where accessible.
Pull-chains are used when the
drains are undercab or otherwise
inaccessible). 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.
Parking brake
WARNING:Do not use the gearshift selector in place of the
parking brake; unexpected and possible sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these precautions are not taken. Always set
the parking brake fully AND make sure the gearshift selector is in R
(Reverse) for vehicles equipped with manual transmission, N (Neutral)
for vehicles with automatic transmission (except Allison 2200
transmission) or P (Park) (Allison 2200 transmission).
If the service brakes should fail to operate while the vehicle is in motion,
you can make an emergency stop with the parking brake. Since the
parking brake only applies stopping power to the rear wheels, the
vehicle’s stopping distance will greatly increase and the handling of the
vehicle will be adversely affected. Repairs should be made immediately
to an inoperative air brake system circuit.
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Parking brake control (knob)
Pull the yellow parking brake knob
out to apply the parking brake. Push
the knob in to release the parking
brake.
WARNING:This control is
used for parking only. Do
not leave the vehicle unattended
after setting the parking brake
without placing the transmission
in R (Reverse) for manual
transmission, N (Neutral) for
automatic transmission (except
Allison 2200 transmission) or P
(Park) (Allison 2200
transmission). Use of wheel
chocks is also recommended in
hilly or off-road usage.
The parking BRAKE warning light in
the instrument cluster illuminates
and remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned to the on position)
until the parking brake is released.
Releasing spring brake with air pressure
The air system in all vehicles with spring-actuated rear wheel parking
brakes is equipped with a tank valve located on the supply or service air
tank for connection to an outside air supply. The valve permits the
system to be recharged with air from an outside source, releasing the
spring-actuated parking brakes. The vehicle may then be towed in an
emergency.
An outside air source can be used only if the protected system is in
operating condition. If air pressure cannot be restored in the protected
air system, the spring-actuated brakes must be released manually.
P
BRAKE
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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.
Note:Maximum exhaust brake performance is related to the type of
transmission your vehicle is equipped with.
Note:Manual transmissions should be downshifted to the lowest gear
possible, without exceeding the maximum RPM limit of the engine. This
will maximize the exhaust brake’s retarding effect.
Note:Exhaust brakes will operate effectively with automatic
transmission, but performance will vary with engine speed and the gear
selected by the transmission.
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.
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Note:Engine speed has a major influence of retarding performance.
When engine speed is maintained at the maximum allowable level, the
exhaust brake will operate at peak performance.
WARNING:The exhaust brake is not recommended for use on
slippery or low traction road surfaces. Under these conditions a
loss of vehicle control could occur.
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:
•A slight change in the sound of the engine when the exhaust brake is
activated.
•Engine temperature remains in the normal operating range.
•Road 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.
•During a descent, the tachometer usually shows a drop in RPM
depending on the grade and the vehicle load.
•Do 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.
•Depending 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.
•Engine speed has a major effect on retarding performance, with higher
engine speeds permitting greater retarding ability.
•Engine brake performance is closely related to the type of
transmission your vehicle is equipped with. Downshifting of manual
transmission to the lowest gear possible, without exceeding the
maximum engine RPM limit, will maximize retarding performance.
Exhaust brakes will operate effectively with automatic transmissions,
but performance will vary with engine speed and the gear selected by
the transmission.
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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.
WARNING: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 with park pawl feature
Note:For Allison automatic transmission-equipped vehicles, also refer to
the separateAllison Transmission Operator’s Manual.
A parking pawl effectively grounds the transmission’s output shaft
preventing rotation of the driveline. If the vehicle is stationary, selecting
the P (Park) position places the transmission in neutral and engages the
parking pawl (always use the parking brake, also).
Note:If the P (Park) position is selected when the vehicle is in motion,
the parking pawl mechanism will ratchet andNOThold the truck.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully. Do not use the
gearshift in place of the parking brake.
WARNING: To avoid sudden, unexpected vehicle
movement and possible personal injury or death:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift the transmission into P (Park). Slowly lift your foot from the
brake pedal to engage the transmission parking pawl mechanism.
3. Apply the parking brake and make sure it is holding properly. Do not
rely solely on the parking mechanism of the transmission.)
4. Turn the engine off when you leave the vehicle.Never leave the
vehicle unattended when the engine is running.
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Allison 2500
This transmission is available with a column-mounted gearshift lever. The
gear positions are displayed on the RNDL in the instrument cluster.
WARNING: To avoid sudden, unexpected vehicle
movement and possible personal injury or death:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift the transmission into N (Neutral).
3. Apply the parking brake and make sure it is holding properly.
4. Turn the engine off when you leave the vehicle.Never leave the
vehicle unattended when the engine is running.
Allison 3000 series
Two modes are available for the Allison 3000 Series: Performance and
Economy. Performance mode will give you the best all-around
transmission operation; Economy provides operation at lower engine
RPM while maintaining adequate performance. The transmission will
automatically default to Performance mode when you start the engine.
Pressing MODE on the shifter will activate the Economy mode; this will
also illuminate the Mode ON lamp.
If the engine speed is above idle when a gear is selected using the
shifter, the vehicle will not move. To move the vehicle, the shifter must
be moved to re-select a gear after the engine speed returns to idle.
Note:For more information regarding the Allison 3000 Series, refer to
the separateAllison 3000 Series Operator’s Manual.
Torque lock
If your vehicle is parked on an incline and P (Park) is not properly
engaged (The parking brake is not applied before the transmission is
shifted into P [Park]), the weight of the vehicle may generate an
excessive amount of torque on the park pawl. In this situation, it may be
difficult to shift the transmission out of P (Park). Hold the brake pedal
down while shifting out of P (Park), then release the parking brake.
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