How To Operate The Hydra-Matic Drive; To Start Engine - Pontiac 1953 Owners Service Manual

DUAL-RANGE
HYDRA-MATIC DRIVE
The Hydra-Matic Drive is an automatic means of transmitting the
engine power to the vehicle propeller shaft, through which it is
transferred to the rear axle and wheels in the conventional manner.
The Hydra-Malic Drive consists of a fluid coupling, which replaces
the conventional clutch and is combined with a hydraulically-con-
trolled automatic transmission having four speeds forward and one
reverse. Gear changing is accomplished automatically by the
transmission in accordance with the performance demands of the
road conditions encountered and the wish of the car driver.
HOW TO OPERATE THE HYDRA-MATle DRIVE-This trans-
mission Simplifies driving beyond belief. The small control lever
located just below the steering wheel is used to select neutral, one
of three forward speed ranges, or reverse. These poSitions are all
shown on the indicator segment and are plainly visible in daylight.
They are also illuminated when the instrument lights are turned on.
These positions are deSignated as follows:
N
=
Neutral and starting .
... DR
=
For all normal forward driving and improved fuel economy.
DR.l= For
faster acceleration and driving in congested traffic .
LO
=
For controlled power. (Note: Control lever must be lifted to
change from DR to LO.)
R
=
For Reverse and porking.
TO START ENGINE-Place Hydra-Matic
control lever in N
(neutral) position.
The starting circuit is wired so the starter will
not operate unless the lever is in neutral; press accelerator pedal
to toe-board once, and release (in order to set the AUTOMATIC
CHOKE); turn the ignition switch on and press starter button.
Release starter button as soon
a~
engine starts.
NOTE: When starting a warm or hot engine hold accelerator pedal down hali way
while pressing starter buHon,
CAUTION:
Do not "pump" the accelerator pedal at any time. ,
Avoid racing the engine during the warm-up period.
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