Medium Duty Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company
Medium Duty Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company
Medium Duty Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company
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STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE<br />
Putting the Vehicle in Motion<br />
After making sure the vehicle's oil and air pressure are<br />
correct and all other parts and systems are in proper<br />
working condition:<br />
1. If your truck is equipped with a hand throttle, disengage<br />
the hand throttle before driving the vehicle.<br />
2. Fully depress the clutch pedal until the clutch brake<br />
makes contact (see page 98). The contact will occur<br />
at about 1 inch or less from the floorboard.<br />
• The total stroke of the clutch pedal is about 10<br />
inches. The first 1½ inches is free travel. After the<br />
free travel comes the release stroke, which is the<br />
part that fully releases the clutch. The last inch<br />
engages the clutch brake.<br />
• Always start out in a low gear. Starting in a higher<br />
gear, even with a light load, will cause a very jumpy<br />
start and excessive wear.<br />
CAUTION: Always use first gear or a low<br />
speed range to start the vehicle in motion.<br />
The use of a higher gear or speed range<br />
forces undue strain on the engine, clutch,<br />
other transmission components, and may<br />
cause damage.<br />
OPERATING THE TRANSMISSION<br />
3. Evaluate the road surface conditions and terrain your<br />
vehicle is on. Select a gear low enough to let your<br />
vehicle start forward with the throttle at idle.<br />
4. Push the parking brake valve handle (Yellow) against<br />
the dash panel to release the brakes.<br />
5. Release the clutch pedal, then gradually accelerate to<br />
permit smooth starting,<br />
6. Do not allow your vehicle to roll (even a little) in the<br />
opposite direction during clutch engagement. If you<br />
need to start up on an incline, apply your service<br />
brakes before you release the parking brake. Then<br />
release your service brakes as you engage the clutch<br />
and apply throttle.<br />
For further instructions on operating your transmission, see<br />
the transmission manufacturer's manual that is included with<br />
your vehicle.<br />
If you have a misaligned gear condition in your vehicle's<br />
transmission and cannot start, gradually release the<br />
clutch, allowing the drive gear teeth to line up properly.<br />
Then the drive gear can roll enough to allow the teeth to<br />
line up properly and complete the shift.<br />
<strong>Medium</strong> <strong>Duty</strong> (R05/09) Y53-6008A – 97 –
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