Operator`s manual
13
SECTION 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.9 SELECTING AND CHANGING TRANSMISSION
GEARS
DO NOT CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS WHILE THE
VEHICLE IS MOVING. To change gears, bring the vehicle to
a complete stop, let the engine idle down completely, engage
hand brake and move the shift lever to the selected gear.
3.9.1 Changing Transmission Gears - Avenger and
Frontier
Avenger and Frontier models are equipped with a four position
transmission. The gearshift lever extends through the rewall
and is moved in an "H" pattern. Low Range is located to the
left of neutral, high range to the right of neutral and reverse
up and to the right of neutral. (See Figure 3-5.) PLEASE
OBSERVE CAUTIONS.
Figure 3-5. Direction of gear shift travel and gear positions.
Do not attempt to move the gearshift from the neutral (N)
starting position until the engine idles down completely.
The ARGO is equipped with an automatic clutch that
is activated by engine speed. If the engine idle speed
is too high, the transmission will grind during gear
engagement.
3.9.2 Changing Transmission Gears - HDi and HD
The HDi and HD models are equipped with two shift levers.
One gearshift lever extends through the rewall and moves
left and right. Forward gear is located to the left of neutral
and reverse gear to the right of neutral. (See Figure 3-6.)
PLEASE OBSERVE CAUTIONS. There is a second shift
lever located on the right dash of the HDi. High range is
selected when the lever is in the up position and should be
used for most driving conditions. Low range is selected when
the lever is in the down position. (See Figure 3-7.)
Do not shift from Hi to Lo range or vice versa while
vehicle is in motion. Ensure vehicle is at a complete
stop before placing the lever into the desired range.
Figure 3-6. HDi gear shift travel and gear positions.
Figure 3-7. HDi Hi/Low range positions.
Do not attempt to move the gearshift from the neutral (N)
starting position until the engine idles down completely.
The ARGO is equipped with an automatic clutch that
is activated by engine speed. If the engine idle speed
is too high, the transmission will grind during gear
engagement.
3.10 HEADLIGHTS
All ARGO vehicles are equipped with 2 headlights that are
operated through the dash mounted light switch. To turn the
lights on, push the switch.
Do not leave the lights on for any length of time when
the engine is not running. Leaving them on will drain
the battery.
Always turn the ignition switch to the ‘OFF’ position
when turning off the engine. On AVENGER models the
brake cooling system remains operational in the ‘RUN’
position after the engine has been turned off.
Avoid frequent starting of the engine and extensive
idling. Both will lead to a drain of the battery because
the electrical draw may be greater than the charging
rate at engine idle.