Regional Haul Model Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company

PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION
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 surfaces.
Carefully observe the free travel in the clutch for the first
few hundred miles. As the clutch lining wears and high
spots get worn smooth, you will get less free travel.
Clutch Brake and Travel (9–, 10–, and 11–Speed
Transmissions only)
These transmissions utilize a clutch brake, rather than
synchronizers. The clutch brake works by stopping all of
the gears in the transmission, allowing you to easily shift
STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE
into first gear or reverse without grinding gears. The total
stroke of the clutch pedal is about 10 inches. The first part
is the release stroke: the part that fully releases the clutch.
The last inch engages the clutch brake.
During hard-shifting with vehicle not moving
To apply the clutch brake (while the vehicle is stopped)
fully depress the clutch pedal to the floorboard to stop the
gears. With the throttle at idle, select first gear then
release the clutch pedal to let the vehicle start forward,
until the clutch is fully engaged. See the transmission
manufacturer's manual that is included with your vehicle
for further details.
During Normal Driving
If you want to shift directly into any gear other than first or
reverse, depress the clutch pedal only far enough to
release the clutch. Pushing the clutch to the floor applies
the clutch brake and could cause gear hang-up.
– 98 – Y53-6033 Regional Haul (R05/10)