
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
A noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may
be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with
noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps,
wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the
vehicle’s ABS. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the
steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensating for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS-equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
ABS warning light
The
ABSwarning light in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on after the vehicle reaches
5–10 mph (8–16 km/h), or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be
serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated. (If your parking brake warning light illuminates, have your
vehicle serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
•The ABS does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or
always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between
your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
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Tractor-trailer connections
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, use extreme
caution when making brake and light connections. Inclement
weather and accumulated road contamination deposits on handhold
and stepping surfaces require extra care to avoid slip and falls. Provide
adequate lighting of working areas.
WARNING:Do not climb on the back of the tractor unless it
has been provided with a deck plate and handholds. Use a
three-point stance when climbing up and down from a deck plate. Do
not jump from the vehicle. Whenever possible, make all connections
while standing on the ground.
Connecting and disconnecting a trailer with air suspension and air
suspension dump switch (if equipped)
When connecting to a trailer:
•Press the lower portion of the dump switch and air will exhaust from
the air suspension system.
•After making the connection to the trailer, press the upper portion of
the dump switch, then raise the landing gear.
When disconnecting the trailer:
•Lower the landing gear, then press the lower portion of the dump
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 dump 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).
WARNING: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.
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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.
WARNING:Do not coast the vehicle with the clutch pedal
pressed 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 press 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.
To go forward
With the engine idling, press the clutch pedal in 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.
R 1 3 5
4
6 2
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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. Gears 2–7 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.
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Vehicles equipped with an Allison automatic transmission (except
Allison 3000 Series applications)
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.
After the PTO is engaged, move the range selector to N (Neutral).
Increase the engine speed until the desired power take-off operation
speed is obtained. To disengage the PTO after operation with the vehicle
standing, release the throttle, allow the drive equipment to come to a
stop, and then disengage the PTO.
WARNING:When the PTO is operated with the vehicle
stationary, the transmission must be placed in N (Neutral) with
the parking brake set. If the transmission is not in N (Neutral) and is
equipped with a remote throttle control, an increase in engine speed
can overpower the parking brake and cause the vehicle to move,
possibly resulting in personal injury and/or property damage.
2 4 6
3 5 71 R
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Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when both drive
wheels are on a slippery surface.
WARNING:Sudden accelerations on slippery surfaces could
cause the wheels to spin, the vehicle to turn sideways on a
crowned road surface or in a turn, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control and personal injury.
Some drive axles have a driver-controlled differential lock. The
differential lock can lock or unlock the differential when the vehicle is
moving or stopped. When extra traction is required, the differential lock
will provide full power to both axles.
When the differential is locked, the vehicle’s turning radius will increase
(vehicle will “under-steer”)
The differential can be locked or unlocked when the vehicle is moving at
a constant speed of less than 25 mph (40 km/h) and while the wheels
are not slipping. The differential must not be locked when the vehicle is
traveling down steep grades and traction is minimal.
Note:Never use the differential lock at vehicle speeds above 25 mph
(40 km/h).
The differential lock and differential lock light will automatically
disengage at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h). The differential lock will
remain off until either the vehicle is restarted or the differential lock
switch is turned off then back on.
Axle conversions
It is not recommended, or approved, for axle conversions to be
performed. However, it is understood that, on occasion, aftermarket
add-on axles are installed by others on the truck chassis which allow
operator control for weight transfer from other axles (i.e., air lift axles).
WARNING: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.
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TWO-SPEED REAR AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
A two-speed rear axle allows the
driver to select a LO range for
greater pulling power and a HI
range for greater road speed and
fuel economy. These ranges can also
be used to provide additional steps
between transmission shifts when
driving on steep grades and/or fuel
economy may be factors.
Note:Do not shift between ranges
when the speed control is on.
WARNING:Never shift a two-speed axle when descending a
steep grade as this may cause loss of vehicle control and result
in personal injury.
Axle shifting
Manual transmissions:
•To downshift,select the next lower gear, release and press the
accelerator pedal rapidly, or while holding the accelerator pedal down,
release and engage the clutch rapidly.Note:The clutch method is
recommended when driving at slower speeds.
•To upshift,keep the accelerator pedal down, select the next higher
gear, release the accelerator and pause until the axle upshifts.Note:
De-clutch for smoother axle upshifts when driving at slower speeds.
Automatic transmissions:
•Use LO range for when you drive
a fully loaded vehicle on a severe
grade or in congested traffic. To
activate LO range, press the
upper portion of the switch.
•Use HI range for all normal
driving conditions with a lightly
loaded or partially loaded vehicle.
To activate HI range, press the
lower portion of the switch.
2SPD
LOW
HIGH
2SPD
LOW
HIGH
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WARNING:Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the originals because they may lower
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a
higher limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR
limitations.
WARNING:Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could
result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Unloaded or lightly loaded vehicles
The braking system has been designed to safely stop your vehicle when
fully loaded to its GVWR.
WARNING: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.
Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
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.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Note:Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may
occur.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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WARNING: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:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing 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.
•Use a lower gear to eliminate excessive shifting and assist in
transmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guide
chapter 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.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
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