Allison Transmission 3000 MH Series User manual

OWNER’S
MANUAL
ALLISON
3000 MH
4000 MH
ATD 5376 Op Manual 5/15/00 11:28 AM Page 1

i
Division of General Motors Corporation
P.O. Box 894 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-0894
OM3349EN
MARCH 2000
Owner’s
Manual
Allison On-Highway
3000 MH, 4000 MH
Series Transmissions
(WTEC III Controls)
3000 MH, MHR, MHP, MHPR
4000 MH, MHR, MHP, MHPR
Printed in U.S.A. Copyright © 2000 General Motors Corp.

ii
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to be completely familiar with the warnings and
cautions described in this handbook. It is, however, important to understand that these
warnings and cautions are not exhaustive. Allison Transmission could not possibly
know, evaluate, and advise the service trade of all conceivable ways in which service
might be done or of the possible hazardous consequences of each way. The vehicle
manufacturer is responsible for providing information related to the operation of
vehicle systems (including appropriate warnings, cautions, and notes). Consequently,
Allison Transmission has not undertaken any such broad evaluation. Accordingly,
ANYONE WHO USES A SERVICE PROCEDURE OR TOOL WHICH IS NOT
RECOMMENDED BY ALLISON TRANSMISSION OR THE VEHICLE
MANUFACTURER MUST first be thoroughly satisfied that neither personal safety
nor equipment safety will be jeopardized by the service methods selected.
Proper service and repair is important to the safe, reliable operation of the equipment.
The service procedures recommended by Allison Transmission (or the vehicle
manufacturer) and described in this handbook are effective methods for performing
service operations. Some of these service operations require the use of tools specially
designed for the purpose. The special tools should be used when and as recommended.
Three types of headings are used in this manual to attract your attention. These
warnings and cautions advise of specific methods or actions that can result in personal
injury, damage to the equipment, or cause the equipment to become unsafe.
NOTE: A note is used when an operating procedure, practice, etc., is
essential to highlight.
WARNING: A warning is used when an operating procedure, practice,
etc., if not correctly followed, could result in personal injury or loss of life.
CAUTION: A caution is used when an operating procedure,
practice, etc., if not strictly observed, could result in damage to or
destruction of equipment.
TRADEMARK INFORMATION
TRANSYND
TM
is a trademark of Castrol Ltd.
DEXRON
®
is a registered trademark of General Motors Corporation.
Pro-Link
®
is a registered trademark of Micro Processor Systems, Inc.

iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
INTRODUCTION
Keeping That Allison Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
A Brief Description Of The Allison 3000 MH, 4000 MH Series Transmissions 4
WTEC III Electronic Control System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Torque Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Planetary Gears And Clutches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Cooler Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Retarder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SHIFT SELECTORS
Description of Available Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Lever Shift Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pushbutton Shift Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Range Selection — Pushbutton And Lever Shift
Selectors With Digital Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
DRIVING TIPS
CHECK TRANS Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Diagnostic Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Accelerator Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Downshift And Direction Change Inhibitor Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using The Engine To Slow The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using The Hydraulic Retarder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Range Preselection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Adapting Shifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Cold Weather Starts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Driving On Snow Or Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Rocking Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
High Fluid Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Towing Or Pushing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Turning Off The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

iv
Page
POWER TAKEOFF OPERATION
Engine-Driven Power Takeoff (PTO). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Periodic Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Prevent Major Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Importance Of Proper Fluid Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Fluid Level Check Using The Pushbutton Or Lever Shift Selector . . . . . . . . . 29
Manual Fluid Check Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Cold Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Hot Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Recommended Automatic Transmission Fluid And Viscosity Grade . . . . . . . 32
Keeping Fluid Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Fluid And Internal Filter Change Interval Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Transmission Fluid Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Transmission Fluid and Filter Change Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnostic Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Diagnostic Code Display Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Diagnostic Code Listings and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Abbreviations and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Owner Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Service Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Allison Transmission Distributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Allison Transmission Regional Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

1
MH SERIES
INTRODUCTION
KEEPING THAT ALLISON ADVANTAGE
Allison MH Series transmissions provide many advantages for the driver who must
“stop and go” or change speeds frequently. Driving is easier, safer, and more
efficient.
The MH Series transmissions are rugged and designed to provide long, trouble-
free service. This handbook will help you gain maximum benefits from your
ALLISON -equipped vehicle.
HILL
SPEED
ZONE
RR
STOP
YIELD
V01724

2
Typical 3000 MH Series Transmission
OUTPUT
SPEED
SENSOR
NAMEPLATE
INPUT
SPEED
SENSOR
ASSEMBLY PADS
MAIN-PRESSURE TAP
NOTE: Inch Series Threads
BREATHER
FEEDTHROUGH HARNESS
CONNECTOR
COOLER PORTS
NOTE: Inch Series Threads
V06341
ASSEMBLY PADS
(BOTH SIDES)
BREATHER
MAIN-PRESSURE TAP
NOTE: Inch Series Threads
FEEDTHROUGH HARNESS
CONNECTOR
TORQUE CONVERTER
WITH LOCKUP CLUTCH
AND TORSIONAL DAMPER
FILL TUBE AND DIPSTICK
(Available on both sides)

3
Typical 4000 MH Series Transmission
TURBINE SPEED
SENSOR
MOUNTING
PAD
INPUT SPEED
SENSOR
NAMEPLATE
FILL TUBE AND DIPSTICK
OUTPUT SPEED
SENSOR
FEEDTHROUGH
HARNESS
CONNECTOR
V06342
COOLER PORTS
MAIN-PRESSURE TAP
MOUNTING PAD
(BOTH SIDES)
COOLER PORTS
FEEDTHROUGH
HARNESS
CONNECTOR
BREATHER
BREATHER

4
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ALLISON
3000 MH, 4000 MH SERIES TRANSMISSIONS
Included in the Allison On-Highway Transmission family are the 3000 MH and
4000 MH Series transmissions. The transmissions described in this handbook include
the WTEC III control system, a torque converter with lockup and torsion damper, and
three planetary gear sets. These transmissions may also contain an integral retarder (the
R in the model name) or power takeoff (PTO, the P in the model name).
WTEC III ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM
The WTEC III control system is standard on all 3000 MH and 4000 MH Series. The
system consists of five major components connected by customer-furnished wiring
harnesses — Electronic Control Unit (ECU), engine throttle position sensor (or
direct electronic communication), three speed sensors, remote shift selector, and
control module (which contains solenoid valves and a pressure switch). The throttle
position sensor (or engine-to-transmission communication link), speed sensors,
pressure switch, and shift selector transmit information to the ECU. The ECU
processes this information and then sends signals to actuate specific solenoids
located on the control module in the transmission. These solenoids control both
oncoming and offgoing clutch pressures to provide closed-loop shift control by
matching rpm during a shift to a previously established desired profile that is
programmed into the ECU.
A feature of WTEC III controls is “autodetect.” Autodetect is active within the first
several engine starts, depending upon the component or sensor being detected.
These engine start cycles begin from when the transmission is installed during
vehicle manufacture. Autodetect searches for the presence of the following
transmission components or data inputs:
Seek help from your nearest Allison Transmission service outlet when any of the
above items are present, but are not responding properly.
Retarder Present, Not Present
Oil Level Sensor (OLS) Present, Not Present
Throttle Analog, J 1587, J 1939
Engine Coolant Temperature Analog, J 1939, J 1587

5
Another feature of the 3000 MH and 4000 MH Series transmission is its ability to
adapt or “learn” as it operates. Each shift is measured electronically, stored and used
by the ECU to adapt or “learn” the optimum conditions for future shifts.
TORQUE CONVERTER
The torque converter consists of three elements — pump, turbine, and stator. The
pump is the input element and is driven directly by the engine. The turbine is the
output element and is hydraulically driven by the pump. The stator is the reaction
(torque multiplying) element. When the pump turns faster than the turbine, the
torque converter is multiplying torque. When the turbine approaches the speed of the
pump, the stator starts to rotate with the pump and turbine. When this occurs, torque
multiplication stops and the torque converter functions as a fluid coupling.
The lockup clutch is located inside the torque converter and consists of
three elements — piston, clutch plate/damper, and backplate. The piston and
backplate are driven by the engine. The clutch plate/damper, located between the
piston and the backplate, is splined to the converter turbine. The lockup clutch is
engaged and released in response to electronic signals from the ECU. Lockup clutch
engagement provides a direct drive from the engine to the transmission gearing. This
eliminates converter slippage and provides maximum fuel economy and vehicle
speed. The torsional damper absorbs engine torsional vibration to prevent
transmission through the powertrain.
The lockup clutch releases at lower speeds or when the ECU detects conditions
requiring it to be released.
NOTE: If the shift quality of low mileage vehicles, or vehicles with
new or recalibrated ECUs is unacceptable, follow the procedure
explained in the ADAPTING SHIFTS section.
NOTE: Allison WTEC III electronic control systems are designed and
manufactured to comply with all FCC and other guidelines regarding radio
frequency interference/electromagnetic interference (RFI/EMI) for
transportation electronics. Manufacturers, assemblers, and installers of
radio-telephone or other two-way communication radios have the sole
responsibility to correctly install and integrate those devices into Allison
3000 MH and 4000 MH Series transmission-equipped vehicles to
customer satisfaction.
The ECU is programmed to provide the most suitable operating
characteristics for a specific application. This handbook does not
attempt to describe all of the possible combinations. The information
contained herein describes only the operating characteristics most
frequently requested by the vehicle manufacturer.

6
OIL LEVEL SENSOR
P2 MODULE
P1 MODULE
CONVERTER MODULE • TURBINE • PUMP • LOCKUP CLUTCH/DAMPER • STATOR
CONVERTER HOUSING MODULE • CONVERTER HOUSING ROTATING CLUTCH MODULE
• C1 CLUTCH • C2 CLUTCH • TURBINE SHAFT
CONTROL MODULE • ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC CONTROLS
MAIN SHAFT MODULE • MAIN SHAFT • P2 SUN • P3 SUN
MAIN HOUSING MODULE • MAIN HOUSING • C3 CLUTCH • C4 CLUTCH • C5 CLUTCH
FRONT SUPPORT/OIL PUMP MODULE • FRONT SUPPORT • OIL PUMP
REAR COVER MODULE • OUTPUT SHAFT • P3 • C5 PISTON
V03348.02
Typical 3000 MH Series Transmission Cross Section

7
ROTATING CLUTCH MODULE C1 CLUTCH C2 CLUTCH TURBINE SHAFT
CONTROL MODULE ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC CONTROLS
P1 MODULE P2 MODULE
MAIN HOUSING MODULE MAIN HOUSING C3 CLUTCH C4 CLUTCH C5 CLUTCH
MAIN SHAFT MODULE MAIN SHAFT P2 SUN P3 SUN
REAR COVER MODULE OUTPUT SHAFT P3 MODULE C5 PISTON
V06343
CONVERTER MODULE
TURBINE
PUMP
STATOR
LOCKUP
CLUTCH/DAMPER
CONVERTER HOUSING MODULE
CONVERTER HOUSING
FRONT SUPPORT/OIL PUMP MODULE
FRONT SUPPORT
OIL PUMP
Typical 4000 MH Series Transmission Cross Section

8
PLANETARY GEARS AND CLUTCHES
A series of three helical planetary gear sets and shafts provides the mechanical gear
ratios and direction of travel for the vehicle. The planetary gear sets are controlled
by five multiplate clutches that work in pairs to produce six forward speeds and one
reverse speed. The clutches are applied and released hydraulically in response to
electronic signals from the ECU to the appropriate solenoids.
COOLER CIRCUIT
The transmission fluid is cooled by an integral (transmission-mounted) or remote-
mounted oil cooler. Connections to the cooling circuit are located at the front or rear
of the transmission to facilitate installation of remote cooler lines. On shallow sump
models, only rear ports are available. On retarder models, only rear cooler ports may
be used. The integral cooler is located on the lower rear portion of the transmission,
replacing the remote cooler manifold. Integral cooler oil ports are internal requiring
only coolant to be routed to and from the cooler.
RETARDER
The self-contained retarder is at the output of the transmission and consists of a
vaned rotor which rotates in a vaned cavity. The rotor is splined to and driven by the
output shaft. An external accumulator holds transmission fluid until the retarder is
activated. When the retarder is activated, the fluid in the accumulator is pressurized
by the vehicle air system and directed into the retarder cavity. The interaction of the
fluid with the rotating and stationary vanes causes the retarder rotor speed, and
hence the output shaft, to decrease and slow the vehicle or to limit speed on a
downhill grade. See Page 19 for additional retarder information.
When the retarder is deactivated, the retarder cavity is evacuated and the accumula-
tor is recharged with fluid.

9
MH SERIES
DESCRIPTION OF AVAILABLE TYPES
Typical WTEC III Shift Selectors
INTRODUCTION
Vehicle manufacturers may choose different types of shift selectors for their
vehicles. The shift selector in your Allison-equipped vehicle will be similar to the
lever style or the pushbutton style shown above.
1
2
3
4
5
D
N
R
MODE
R
N
D
5
4
3
2
1
MODE
R
N
D
MODE
V06344
SIX-SPEED, LEFT-HAND
LEVER SELECTOR
HOLD OVERRIDE BUTTON
DISPLAY MODE/
DIAGNOSTIC BUTTON
MODE ID
DIGITAL DISPLAY✽
MODE BUTTON
MODE INDICATOR
(LED)
SIX-SPEED, RIGHT-HAND
LEVER SELECTOR
MODE ID
MODE
INDICATOR (LED)
Push simultaneously
to enter diagnostic
mode and fluid level
check (optional)
NOTE: Number displayed is highest forward range available in selected position.
Visually check to confirm range selected. If display is flashing – shift is inhibited.
✽
DIGITAL DISPLAY✽
PUSHBUTTON
SELECTOR
SHIFT SELECTORS

10
With an Allison-equipped vehicle, it is not necessary to select the right moment to
upshift or downshift during changing road and traffic conditions. The Allison
MH Series does it for you. However, knowledge of the shift selector positions,
ranges available, and when to select them, will make vehicle control even easier. It is
recommended to select lower ranges when descending long grades (with and
without retarder) to reduce wear on service brakes. Be sure to read RANGE
SELECTION, which begins on Page 12, for related information.
LEVER SHIFT SELECTOR
General Description. The lever shift selector is an electro-mechanical control. The
typical lever positions provided are R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive) and some
number of lower forward range positions. The MH Series transmissions can be
programmed to have four, five, or six forward ranges. The shift selector positions
provided should agree with the programming of the transmission electronic control
unit. The lever selector contains a hold override button, a MODE button, a digital
display, and a display mode button.
Hold Override Button . The lever shift selector has three locked positions to prevent
accidentally selecting R (Reverse), N (Neutral), or D (Drive). Select R, N, or D by
pressing the hold override button and moving the lever to the desired position. Once
D (Drive) is selected, lower forward range positions may be selected without
pressing the hold override button.
MODE Button . The MODE button may allow the driver to enable a secondary shift
schedule or other special function that has been previously programmed into the
electronic control unit at the request of the OEM. For example, the OEM for a motor
home may have provided a secondary shift schedule for improved fuel economy.
The name of the special function (ECONOMY) should appear on the MODE ID
label adjacent to the MODE button. Pressing the MODE button activates the
ECONOMY shift schedule and illuminates the MODE INDICATOR (LED). Other
special functions which may be activated by the MODE button are D1 selection or
PTO enable. The MODE button is also used to view diagnostic code information.
Refer to the DIAGNOSIS section for further explanation. After viewing the first
diagnostic code which appears in the digital display, press the MODE button to
view the 2nd diagnostic code logged. Repeat this procedure to view the 3rd, 4th, and
5th code positions. The code displayed is active when the MODE INDICATOR
(LED) is illuminated.
Digital Display . During normal operation, when
D (Drive) is selected, the digital
display shows the highest forward range attainable for the shift schedule in use.
Abnormal operation is also indicated by the digital display. When all segments of
NOTE: Visually check the digital display whenever the lever is moved
to be sure that the range selected is shown (i.e., if the N (Neutral) button
is pressed, N should appear in the digital display).

11
the digital display are illuminated for more than 12 seconds, the ECU did not
complete initialization. When the digital display is blank, there is no power to the
selector. When the display shows a “ ” (cateye), a selector-related fault code has
been logged. Conditions which illuminate the CHECK TRANS light will disable the
shift selector and the digital display will show the range actually attained. See
Page 16 for detailed explanation of the CHECK TRANS light. The transmission will
not shift into range if a CHECK TRANS code is active. When the display shows
either R or D has been requested and the display is flashing, the requested range has
not been achieved due to an inhibit function. Some inhibit functions are vehicle-
related and will not result in diagnostic codes. Some examples are mentioned in the
Range Selection section which follows. Check for active codes if no other inhibit
function has been located. Refer to the DIAGNOSIS section for information on
accessing codes using the shift selector. Once
D (Drive) is attained, the transmission
will shift into the lowest range programmed for the D (Drive) position, usually first.
Display Mode/Diagnostic Button. Allows access to optional fluid level check
information and diagnostic code information. Press the display mode/diagnostic
button once to obtain transmission fluid level information (when oil level sensor is
present) and a second time to obtain diagnostic code information.
PUSHBUTTON SHIFT SELECTOR
General Description . The pushbutton shift selector has R, N, D,  ,  , a MODE
button, and a digital display.
R Pushbutton . Press this button to select Reverse.
N Pushbutton . Press this button to select Neutral.
D Pushbutton . Press this button to select Drive. The highest forward range available
will appear in the digital display window. The transmission will start out in the
lowest available forward range and advance automatically to the highest range.
 ,  (Arrow) Buttons . When a lower range is desired, after D (Drive) has been
pressed, press the  (Down) arrow button until the desired range is shown in the
display window. Likewise, if the transmission is held in a low range by the
 (Down) arrow, press the  (Up) arrow to request the next higher range.
Continuous pressing of either the  (Up) or  (Down) arrow buttons will request
the highest or lowest range available.
Access fluid level data and diagnostic codes with the pushbutton selector by
pressing the  (Up) and  (Down) arrow buttons at the same time. Refer to
Page 29, FLUID LEVEL CHECK USING THE PUSHBUTTON OR LEVER
SHIFT SELECTOR, or Page 41, DIAGNOSIS for further information. Fluid level
information is displayed (if optional oil level sensor is present) after the first
simultaneous press. Press both buttons again to obtain diagnostic data.
MODE Button and Digital Display . Same function as described in the lever
selector above.

12
RANGE SELECTION — PUSHBUTTON AND LEVER SHIFT
SELECTORS WITH DIGITAL DISPLAY
RANGE
SELECTION
NOTE: Visually check the digital display window whenever a button is
pushed or the lever is moved to be sure that the range selected is shown
(i.e., if the
N (Neutral) button is pressed, N should appear in the digital
display). A flashing display indicates that the range selected was not attained
due to an active inhibit.
R
Completely stop the vehicle and let the engine return to idle before shifting
from a forward range to
R everse or from R everse to a forward range. The
LED window on the
R everse pushbutton will illuminate and R everse will be
attained.
1
2
3
4
5
D
N
R
MODE
R
N
D
MODE
V03497.01
PUSHBUTTON
SELECTOR
TYPICAL
LEVER
SELECTOR
WARNING: If you leave the vehicle and the engine is running, the
vehicle can move suddenly and you or others could be injured. If you
must leave the engine running, do not leave the vehicle until you:
• Put the transmission in N(Neutral)…and
• Ensure that the engine is at low idle rpm (below 1000)…and
• Apply the parking brake and emergency brakes and make sure
they are properly engaged…and
• Chock the wheels and take any other steps necessary to keep the
vehicle from moving.
WARNING: R(Reverse) may not be obtained due to an active
inhibitor. Always be sure that “R” is not flashing whenever
R(Reverse) is selected. See DOWNSHIFT AND DIRECTION
CHANGE INHIBITOR FEATURE on Page 17. Check for active
diagnostic codes if R(Reverse) is not attained.
CAUTION: Do not idle in R(Reverse) for more than five minutes.
Extended idling in R(Reverse) may cause transmission overheat-
ing and damage. Always select N(Neutral) whenever time at idle
exceeds five minutes.
(continued on next page)

13
RANGE
SELECTION
N
Use N eutral when you start the engine, to check vehicle accessories, and for
extended periods of engine idle operation (longer than five minutes). For
vehicles equipped with the pushbutton selector,
N eutral is automatically set
by the ECU during startup. For vehicles equipped with the lever selector, the
vehicle will not start until
N eutral has been manually selected. If the vehicle
starts in any range other than
N eutral, seek service immediately. Neutral is
also used during stationary operation of the power takeoff (if your vehicle is
equipped with a PTO). The digital display will show Nwhen Neutral is
selected. Be sure to select N(Neutral) before turning off the vehicle engine.
RANGE SELECTION — PUSHBUTTON AND LEVER SHIFT
SELECTORS WITH DIGITAL DISPLAY (cont’d)
1
2
3
4
5
D
N
R
MODE
R
N
D
MODE
V03497.01
PUSHBUTTON
SELECTOR
TYPICAL
LEVER
SELECTOR
WARNING: When starting the engine, make sure the service
brakes are applied. Failure to apply the service brakes may result in
unexpected vehicle movement.
WARNING: Vehicle service brakes, parking brake, or emergency
brake must be applied whenever N(Neutral) is selected to prevent
unexpected vehicle movement. Selecting N(Neutral) does not
apply vehicle brakes, unless an auxiliary system to apply the
parking brake is installed (see Operator’s Manual for the vehicle).
WARNING: If you let the vehicle coast in N(Neutral), there is no
engine braking and you could lose control. Coasting can also cause
severe transmission damage. To help avoid injury and property
damage, do not allow the vehicle to coast in N(Neutral).
(continued on next page)

14
RANGE
SELECTION
NOTE: Turn off the vehicle HIGH IDLE switch, if present, before shifting
from N(Neutral) to D(Drive) or R(Reverse). D(Drive) or R(Reverse) will
not be attained unless the shift is made with the engine at idle. Also, be aware
of other interlocks that would prevent obtaining D(Drive) or R(Reverse).
Examples are “wheelchair lift not stored” and “service brakes not applied”
(service brake interlock present).
DThe transmission will initially attain first range when Drive is selected. As
speed increases, the transmission automatically upshifts through each range.
As the vehicle slows, the transmission automatically downshifts. The light
on the Drive pushbutton will illuminate and the appropriate range of Drive
will be attained.
RANGE SELECTION — PUSHBUTTON AND LEVER SHIFT
SELECTORS WITH DIGITAL DISPLAY (cont’d)
1
2
3
4
5
D
N
R
MODE
R
N
D
MODE
V03497.01
PUSHBUTTON
SELECTOR
TYPICAL
LEVER
SELECTOR
WARNING: Even though D(Drive) is selected, it may not be
obtained due to an active inhibitor. Always be sure that “D” is not
flashing whenever D(Drive) is selected. See DOWNSHIFT AND
DIRECTION CHANGE INHIBITOR FEATURE on Page 17.
Check for active diagnostic codes if D(Drive) is not attained.
CAUTION: Do not idle in D(Drive) for more than five minutes.
Extended idling in D(Drive) may cause transmission overheating
and damage. Always select N(Neutral) if time at idle is longer than
five minutes.
(continued on next page)

15
RANGE
SELECTION
6*
5*
4*
3
2
Occasionally, road conditions, load, or traffic conditions will make it
desirable to restrict automatic shifting to a lower range. Lower ranges
provide greater engine braking for going down grades (the lower the range,
the greater the braking effect).
The pushbutton selector utilizes arrow buttons to select individual forward
ranges. Push the  (Up) or (Down) arrow to the desired range. The
digital display will show your choice of range. Even though a lower range
was selected, the transmission may not downshift until vehicle speed is
reduced (this prevents excessive engine speed in the lower range).
* Actual ranges available depend on programming by vehicle manufacturer.
1Use this range when pulling through mud and deep snow, when
maneuvering in tight spaces, or while driving up or down grades. First range
provides the vehicle with its maximum driving torque and maximum engine
braking effect. For vehicles equipped with the pushbutton selector, push the
(Down) arrow until first range appears in the select window.
RANGE SELECTION — PUSHBUTTON AND LEVER SHIFT
SELECTORS WITH DIGITAL DISPLAY (cont’d)
1
2
3
4
5
D
N
R
MODE
R
N
D
MODE
V03497.01
PUSHBUTTON
SELECTOR
TYPICAL
LEVER
SELECTOR
WARNING: If you just downshift or just use service brakes when
going downhill, you can lose control and cause injury and property
damage. To help avoid loss of control, use a combination of
downshifting, braking, and other retarding devices. Downshifting
to a lower transmission range increases engine braking and helps
you to maintain control. The transmission has a feature to prevent
automatic upshifting above the lower range selected. However,
during downhill operation, if engine governed speed is exceeded in
the lower range, the transmission may upshift to the next higher
range. This will reduce braking and could cause a loss of control.
Apply the vehicle brakes or other retarding device to prevent
exceeding engine governed speed in the lower range selected.