Operating the Transmission Driving
– 60 –
CAUTION: Always use first
gear or a low speed range to
start the vehicle in motion.
The use of a higher gear or
speed range forces undue
strain on the engine, clutch,
other transmission compo-
nents, and may cause dam-
age.
After making sure the vehicle’s oil and
air pressure are correct and all other
parts and systems are in proper work-
ing condition:
1. Fully depress the clutch pedal and
shift the transmission into first gear.
2. Lift the sleeve on the parking brake
handle and push the handle fully
forward to release the brakes.
3. Release the clutch pedal, then
gradually accelerate.
4. Do not allow your vehicle to roll
(even a little) in the opposite direc-
tion during clutch engagement. If
you need to start up on an incline,
apply your service brakes before
you release the parking brake.
Then release your service brakes
as you engage the clutch and apply
throttle.
For further instructions on operating
your transmission, see the transmission
manufacturer’s
Driver/Operator’s
Instruction Manual
.
If you have a misaligned gear condition
in your vehicle’s transmission and can-
not start, gradually release the clutch,
allowing the drive gear teeth to line up
properly. Then the drive gear can roll
enough to allow the teeth to line up
properly and complete the shift.
The best engine performance and max-
imum economy is obtained if gears are
properly selected. This efficiency is
achieved by always selecting gears
within optimum engine rpm, which is
where maximum torque and power are
obtained.
Shifting Gears in a New Vehicle
Shift carefully in a new vehicle. The
transmission may be a little stiff at first.
Avoid gear clashing by closely following
these procedures.
When you are operating a new vehicle
or one that has been exposed to cold
weather, you want the transmission
lubricant (fluid) to circulate and coat the
contacting surfaces of the gears. Metal
contacting metal in moving parts may
seriously damage your transmission—
do not drive in one gear for long periods
of time until the transmission lubricant
has a chance to coat all contacting sur-
faces.
PB1340A.book Page 60 Friday, September 1, 2000 7:40 AM
