PREVOST H3-45 VIP Owner's Manual page 121

WARNING
Before leaving driver's seat, always put the
transmission in NEUTRAL and apply parking
brake.
WARNING
The vehicle service brakes or park brake must
be applied whenever NEUTRAL is selected to
prevent unexpected vehicle movement.
CAUTION
Diesel engines should not be idled for extended
periods at "slow" idle. For extended idling,
engine should run at "fast" idle.
CAUTION
Do not allow your vehicle to "coast" in neutral
«N». This practice can result in transmission
damage. Also, no engine braking is available in
neutral.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving conditions.
After touching this pad, the vehicle will start in first
or second range and will automatically upshift to a
higher range as output speed increases. As the
vehicle slows down, output speed decreases, the
transmission automatically downshifts to the
correct range. If a locked brake or a slick surface
condition should occur, the TCM (Transmission
Control Module) will command converter operation
(disconnect lockup) and inhibit downshift for a
period of time or until normal wheel speed has
been restored.
NOTE
IMPORTANT: Brake pedal must be applied
when selecting «D» (Drive) otherwise the
transmission will stay in «N» (Neutral).
NOTE
The transmission should normally be allowed to
shift by itself, but manual shifting can be done as
described below.
1 (First Range)
Select this range when pulling through mud and
snow, when speed control is needed for driving up
or down steep grades or when maneuvering in tight
spaces. This range also provides maximum
driving torque and engine braking power or retarder
braking effect. In the lower ranges (1, 2, 3 and 4),
the transmission will not upshift above the highest
gear selected unless engine overspeed is
detected.
2 (Second Range)
Select this range when operating in heavy and
congested traffic. The transmission will start in
first and automatically upshift to second. When
slowing, the transmission will automatically
downshift to first range. Low ranges provide
progressively greater engine and retarder braking
power (the lower the range, the greater the engine
and retarder braking effect).
3, 4 (Third And Fourth Ranges)
Select these ranges when driving on moderate
grades or when load and traffic conditions limit
speed.
Service brake should not be used to control the
speed of the vehicle on long, steep descents.
Instead, lower transmission ranges should be
used in conjunction with the output retarder.
Refer
(option)" on page 25
for details regarding both systems. This
procedure keeps service brake cool and ready
for emergency stopping.
When descending in lower ranges, care must be
taken that engine speed does not exceed 2,450
rpm.
PA-1619 Owner's Manual H3-45 VIP
Controls and Instruments 4-75
WARNING
to "TRANSMISSION
in Section 5 Other Features
CAUTION
RETARDER