MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
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.
Driving Hints
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.
The following driving hints are provided as a brief, general guide in
operating the different manual transmissions used in your vehicle.
•When shifting into first gear or reverse with your 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, press the clutch pedal in and shift into first gear while
the engine is idling. Engage the clutch while pressing the accelerator to
start forward. Operate the clutch and upshift as required by driving
conditions.
To go backward, put the gearshift lever in reverse and engaging the
clutch while pressing lightly on the accelerator.
Shifting with a Synchronized Transmission
With the clutch pedal pressed in, use the second gear synchronizer to
stop the clutch disc rotation; this allows smooth engagement of first gear
or 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 helps 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.
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If the transmission is equipped with a ceramic clutch, you must start the
vehicle moving in first gear and engage the clutch before pressing the
accelerator at idle. Also, do not try to slip the clutch by raising engine
RPM and riding or feathering the clutch pedal since this causes erratic
engagement which can cause engine stalling and potential serious
damage to driveline components.
Clutch Brake (Non-Synchronized Transmissions) - Vehicle
Stationary
A clutch brake is used to stop transmission input shaft rotation so that
the initial first gear or reverse gear selection can be accomplished when
the vehicle is stationary and the engine is at idle speed. Clutch brake
application occurs in the last inch (25 millimeters) of clutch pedal travel.
When using the clutch brake, fully press the clutch pedal and shift the
transmission into first gear or reverse. If the transmission won’t go 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 first gear,do notuse the clutch brake for
upshifting or downshifting. If you do, clutch brake life shortens and gear
selection shift efforts may increase.
Double-Clutch Procedures - Non-Synchronized Transmissions
In order to properly upshift or downshift:
1. Press 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. Press the clutch pedal
immediately and shift into the desired gear, then release the clutch
pedal.
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Position P
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
1. Start the engine.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear.
To put your vehicle in positionP:
1. Come to a complete stop.
2. Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in positionP.
Position R
With the gearshift lever in positionR,the vehicle moves backward. Always
come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of positionR.
Position N
With the gearshift lever in positionN,the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
Position D
This is the normal driving position for the best fuel economy. This
position allows automatic upshifts and downshifts in gears one through
six.
Position 4
This position allows automatic upshifts and downshifts in gears one
through four.
Position 2
Use position2to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
PRND 4 2 1
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Allison 2500
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 positionN.
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.
This transmission is available with a column-mounted gearshift lever. The
gear positions are displayed on the RNDL in the instrument cluster.
Allison 3000
Note:For more information regarding this transmission, see the separate
Allison 3000 Series Operator’s Manual.
The Allison 3000 series offers two shift modes: Performance and
Economy.
Performance mode gives the best all-around transmission operation. The
transmission defaults to this mode when you start the engine. Pressing
MODE on the shifter switches to Economy mode and illuminates the
Mode ON lamp.
Economy mode provides operation at lower engine RPM while
maintaining adequate performance.
If the engine speed is above idle when a gear is selected using the
shifter, the vehicle does not move; the shifter must be moved to re-select
a gear after the engine speed returns to idle.
Torque Lock
If your vehicle is parked on an incline and positionPis not properly
engaged (the parking brake is not applied before the transmission is
shifted into positionP),the weight of the vehicle may generate an
excessive amount of torque on the parking pawl, making it difficult to
shift the transmission out of positionP.Hold the brake pedal down while
shifting out of positionP,then release the parking brake.
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To shift the axle from LOW to HIGH with the vehicle stopped, place the
transmission in positionN,then press the lower part of the switch.
To shift the axle from LOW to HIGH with the vehicle moving, accelerate
to approximately 35 mph (56 km/h), press the lower part of the switch
while the transmission is in positionN,then release and apply the
accelerator.
To shift the axle from HIGH to LOW with the vehicle stopped, place the
transmission in positionN,then press the upper part of the switch.
Split-shifting (Combined Axle and Transmission Shift)
(Manual Transmission Only)
To downshift the axle to a slower ratio and shift the transmission, shift
the transmission and move the switch to the lower ratio before the
clutch is re-engaged.
To upshift the axle and shift the transmission, move the switch to a
faster ratio and make the transmission shift in the usual manner.
Split-shift Sequence
Ratio combination1234567891011
Transmission gear 1st 1st
2nd 2nd3rd 3rd 4th 4th 5th 6th 6th
Axle range LO HI LO HI LO HI LO HI LO LO HI
Ratio Extender Use
Low end:A two-speed axle can be used as a ratio-extender when
split-shifting is not necessary. For low end use, just shift the axle into
LOW to start out, and shift to HIGH when the extra torque is no longer
needed.
Transmission (5-speed) 1st 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Two-speed axle Axle low Axle high
High end:To use the two-speed axle as a high end ratio-extender, stay
in the LOW range for normal upshifts and only shift the axle to HIGH on
the freeway for greater road speed.
Transmission (5-speed) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Two-speed axle Low for gradeability Axle high
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Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The ABS lamp momentarily illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start-up,
remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need
to be serviced.
If the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates, have your brake system
serviced immediately.
If a PLC trailer is connected when the ignition is switched on,
the trailer ABS light also illuminates. If the light fails to
illuminate, remains on after the vehicle is started or continues
to flash, have the system serviced immediately.
FULL POWER BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING:If the red BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument
cluster remains illuminated after engine start up, this indicates a
system failure in the Full Power Brake System. Stop the vehicle safely
as soon as possible and seek service immediately.
This system incorporates standard braking, an anti-lock braking system
(ABS) and optional Power Park Brake into one fully-integrated hydraulic
brake system. With the Full Power Brake System, braking energy is
stored, similar to an air brake system, resulting in faster response times
and shorter stopping distances. This is accomplished using motor and
pump assemblies that pressurize the system by pumping brake fluid into
accumulators. This is similar to the air compressor of an air brake system
pressurizing the air tanks. The system includes a master cylinder that
provides the normal pedal feel and transfers the pedal force, via brake
fluid, to the main components of the system.
Note:The motor and pumps run momentarily with the ignition switch in
the on or run position, or in the off position with the brake pedal
pressed.
Note:During normal driving, the pump and motors may be heard
replenishing the accumulators. This is a normal function of the system.
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AIR BRAKES
After starting the engine, give the air compressor time to build up the air
pressure to 60 psi (414 kPa) before moving the vehicle.
WARNING:Do not drive or continue to drive if the low air
pressure buzzer is sounding or the brake warning light is lit.
These warnings indicate that air pressure is not to normal operating
level. Continued use of the vehicle could result in loss of braking ability.
WARNING:Avoid repeated light application of the brake pedal.
This depletes air pressure faster and could result in loss of
braking capability.
Periodically check the air pressure
gauge while driving. Pressure should
range between approximately
100–125 psi (690–862 kPa). The air
compressor governor cut-in and
cut-out pressure settings are set at
the factory and are not adjustable.
When air pressure is insufficient (below 60 psi [414 kPa]), a
warning light illuminates and a buzzer sounds when the ignition
is in the on position.
This condition may be caused by excessive brake applications depleting
the system air pressure. If this condition occurs, stop driving the vehicle
until the compressor has fully recharged the air system.
WARNING:Do not move the vehicle when the air pressure is
insufficient because the brake system may be inoperative.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehicle before descending grades.
Supplement with brakes as required to safely slow the vehicle and avoid
overspeeding the engine.
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Parking
WARNING:When parking your vehicle, do not leave the
transmission in gear; if the key is in the on position and the
vehicle rolls, the engine could start. Failure to follow these instructions
could result in an unattended vehicle moving, possibly causing personal
injury or property damage.
Always use the parking brake. When parking on a grade, block the
wheels and turn the front wheels to one side so that if the vehicle rolls,
the front tires act against the curb to stop the vehicle. The front wheels
are more effective at stopping a rolling vehicle than the rear wheels.
Cold Weather
Note:Idling in cold weather does not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
a build-up of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick which, in turn, can cause valvetrain damage.
Note:The use of winter fronts, or other air-restrictive devices mounted
in front of the radiator on vehicles with chassis-mounted charge air
coolers, are not recommended unless extremely cold weather conditions
exist. Airflow restriction can cause high exhaust temperatures, power
loss, excessive fan usage and a reduction in fuel economy. If you must
use a winter front, the device should have a permanent opening of at
least 120 square inches (774 square centimeters) directly in line with the
fan hub.
For best engine operation in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower:
•Make sure the batteries are the correct type and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to make sure they are in optimum
condition.
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from freezing.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a water-fuel separator, drain it daily.
Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent
condensation in the fuel system.
•Use the proper engine oil and maintain it at its proper level.
•At temperatures of –4°F (–20°C) or below, it is recommended that
you use a crankcase-mounted coolant heater to improve cold engine
starting.
•If operating in arctic temperatures of –20°F (–29°C) or lower, consult
your truck dealer for information about special cold weather
equipment and precautions.
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