Operator Cab and Controls - Section 32 08/11 OM3212 Page 32-8 Transmission Range Selector Transmission range selector (2, Figure 32-4) is mounted to the right of the operator's seat. L - LOW position - Use this range position when maneuvering in tight spaces and when pulling through mud or deep snow. Use this range position also when driving up and down steep grades where maximum driving power or maximum retarding is required. When the range selector is placed in L, the transmission starts in F1, and will only upshift to F2. (If the shift limiter function has been activated, sec- ond gear can not be engaged.
Refer to Shift Limiter Switch.) When conditions permit, select position D for normal operation. The transmission range selector has seven positions (R, N, D, 5, 4, 3, and L). When moving the range selector lever from N to R, or from D to 5, press the lock button on the end of the handle to release the lever and allow a gear change. R - REVERSE position - is used to move the truck backwards. Bring the truck to a complete stop before shifting from DRIVE to REVERSE or vice-versa. The Reverse warning horn is activated when the REVERSE position is selected. N - NEUTRAL position - is used when starting the engine, during loading operations and parking the truck with the engine running.
The truck cannot be started unless the range selector is in the N - NEU- TRAL position. DO NOT move the shift lever to the N position while the truck is in motion. If the selector is shifted to N while in motion or while descending a hill the following may occur: D - DRIVE position (F1-F7) - When starting from a stationary position, the transmission will shift auto- matically to second gear. As the truck ground speed increases, the transmission will automatically upshift through each gear to seventh gear operation. (If the shift limiter function has been activated, seventh gear can not be engaged.
Refer to Shift Limiter Switch.) As the truck ground speed slows down, the transmis- sion will automatically downshift to the correct gear (including F1) for grade/load/engine conditions. When conditions permit, select position D for normal operation. Steering may be more difficult. A lack of cooling oil may cause the braking system to overheat and fail. Damage to the transmission may occur. The engine cannot provide braking when the transmission is not in gear. 5, 4, 3 positions - Road and load conditions some- times make it desirable to limit the automatic up-shift- ing to a lower range. These positions provide more effective retarding on grades.
When the range selec- tor is placed in any one of these positions, the trans- mission starts in F1, and will not shift above the highest gear range selected. As the truck ground speed slows down, the transmission will automati- cally downshift to the correct gear (including F1) for grade/load/engine conditions. When conditions per- mit, select position D for normal operation.