Specifications

STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE OPERATING THE TRANSMISSION
Medium Duty
(R05/09) Y53-6008A – 97 –
Putting the Vehicle in Motion
After making sure the vehicle's oil and air pressure are
correct and all other parts and systems are in proper
working condition:
1. If your truck is equipped with a hand throttle, disen-
gage the hand throttle before driving the vehicle.
2. Fully depress the clutch pedal until the clutch brake
makes contact (see page 98
). The contact will occur
at about 1 inch or less from the floorboard.
• The total stroke of the clutch pedal is about 10
inches. The first 1½ inches is free travel. After the
free travel comes the release stroke, which is the
part that fully releases the clutch. The last inch
engages the clutch brake.
• Always start out in a low gear. Starting in a higher
gear, even with a light load, will cause a very jumpy
start and excessive wear.
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 components, and may
cause damage.
3. Evaluate the road surface conditions and terrain your
vehicle is on. Select a gear low enough to let your
vehicle start forward with the throttle at idle.
4. Push the parking brake valve handle (Yellow) against
the dash panel to release the brakes.
5. Release the clutch pedal, then gradually accelerate to
permit smooth starting,
6. Do not allow your vehicle to roll (even a little) in the
opposite direction 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 manual that is included with
your vehicle.
If you have a misaligned gear condition in your vehicle's
transmission and cannot 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.