Allison Model 2000 Series Transmission - Blue Bird D3RE 2014 Driver's Handbook Manual

Allison Model 2000 Series Transmission

The Allison transmission provides five forward speeds and one reverse. The transmis-
sion is controlled with the selector lever located to the driver's right. The selector
lever must be in the "N" position (neutral) to start the engine. If the engine starts in
any other position, the neutral start switch is malfunctioning and should be repaired
immediately. Use "D" (drive) for all normal driving conditions. The service brake must
be applied before the transmission will shift from neutral to drive or reverse. If an
attempt is made to shift the transmission into drive or reverse without applying the
service brake it will remain in neutral, an audible alarm will sound, and the Range In-
hibit light on the instrument panel will come on. If this occurs, apply the service bake
and then select the desired gear. The vehicle will begin to move in first gear, and as
you press the accelerator, the transmission will upshift automatically. As the vehicle
slows down, the transmission will automatically downshift to the correct gear. Use
"1" and "2" when the road, load, or traffic conditions make it desirable to restrict the
automatic shifting to a higher range. When the conditions improve, return the range
selector to the normal driving position D. These positions also provide progressively
greater engine braking power (the lower the gear range, the greater the braking ef-
fect). Use "1" when pulling through mud or snow or driving up steep grades. This
position provides maximum engine braking power. Use "R" (reverse) for backing the
bus. The bus should be completely stopped before shifting from a forward gear to
reverse. Reverse gear provides the greatest traction.
Allison 2000 Series Transmission Gear Selection
[WARNING] When leaving the vehicle while the engine is running, the opera-
tor must be sure the transmission is in Neutral, the parking brake is engaged,
and the wheels are chocked. The vehicle may move unexpectedly without
these precautions.
R—Reverse. Use reverse to back up the vehicle. The vehicle must stop completely,
with the engine returning to idle speed, before shifting from forward to reverse or
from reverse to forward. If your bus is equipped with a reverse warning signal, it will
activate when shift selector is in reverse.
[CAUTION] Do not idle in "R" (reverse) for more than five minutes. Extended
idle time in "R" (reverse) may cause transmission overheating and damage.
Always select "N" (neutral) whenever time at idle exceeds five minutes.
N—Neutral. Use neutral to start the engine, to check vehicle accessories, and for
extended periods of engine idle operation. If the vehicle starts in any other range,
seek service immediately.
[WARNING] Do not allow your vehicle to coast in neutral. This practice can
result in transmission damage. Engine retarding and braking assistance is not
available when the transmission is in neutral. It may not be possible to get the
transmission back into gear while the bus is moving.
D—Drive. When "D" is selected, the vehicle will begin to move in first gear and the
transmission will upshift automatically through each gear as speed increases. As the
vehicle slows down, the transmission will downshift automatically.
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DRIVER'S HANDBOOK