freightliner M2 Plus 2023 Manual page 170

Automated and Automatic Transmissions
To turn Creep Mode on or off, navigate to the
transmission settings screen (if available). See
Fig. 14.5.
NOTE: Creep mode availability and the On/Off
screen are customer-selectable parameters. To
enable or disable creep mode, see an
authorized Freightliner service facility.
Hill Start Aid (HSA)
Detroit transmissions are equipped with a Hill Start
Aid (HSA) feature to prevent rolling backward when
launching the vehicle on an uphill grade. The system
delays the release of service brakes until enough
torque is available to begin moving the vehicle
forward. The system will hold the brakes for a
maximum of 3 seconds. If driveline torque is not
detected, the system will audibly alert the driver and
release the brakes.
Clutch Abuse Protection
A vehicle equipped with a Detroit transmission does
not have a clutch pedal, but still has a clutch that is
operated automatically and can be damaged by
abusive driver actions. To protect the clutch, the
vehicle has a clutch abuse protection system that
alerts the driver and restricts functionality when
needed. Extended periods in Creep Mode, slipping
the clutch (using the accelerator pedal to hold the
vehicle on a hill, for example), and high clutch
temperatures can activate the clutch abuse
protection system. A display message notifies the
operator when the protections are needed.
NOTICE
To hold the vehicle stationary on an uphill slope,
use the service brakes, not the accelerator pedal.
Using the accelerator pedal can overheat and
damage the clutch. To start moving, use the
accelerator pedal and release the brakes as the
vehicle begins to move.
There are three clutch abuse protection levels. At
each, the driver is alerted and functionality is
modified; see Table 14.2.
To avoid clutch overheating, follow these tips:
•
To hold the vehicle stationary on an uphill
slope, use the service brakes, not the
accelerator pedal.
14.5
•
To start moving on an uphill slope, use the
accelerator pedal and release the brakes as
the vehicle begins to move.
•
When hooking up to a trailer, ensure the trailer
is high enough to back under, and use first
gear reverse.
•
Avoid starting in higher gears, and start in first
gear when a trailer is attached.
•
Ensure trailer brakes have had time to
completely release prior to starting.
•
Do not use Creep mode for an extended
period. Stop or adjust the vehicle speed when
warned to deactivate Creep mode.
Engine Overspeed Alerts
To help protect the engine, the system has display
messages to notify the operator when the engine has
exceeded certain thresholds and needs to be slowed
down before significant engine damage occurs.
There are two warnings, one at about 2300 rpm and
another at 2500 rpm, indicated with messages and a
fault code.
Descent Control Mode
Descent Control mode helps control the vehicle and
engine speed when descending a grade.
NOTE: Before engaging Descent Control mode,
determine an appropriate speed for the vehicle
load and grade of the road.
To activate Descent Control mode, manually set the
engine brakes with the shifter stalk and, while the
engine brakes are actively working, set cruise to the
desired descent speed. A Descent Control mode
engaged icon will appear on the ICUC screen
showing it is active. See
The Descent Control mode will attempt to manage
the vehicle's speed by varying the engine brake
level.
The driver should be ready to intervene by applying
the service brakes if the grade is too steep and the
vehicle is traveling too fast. Applying the service
brake to slow the vehicle will not cancel cruise
control. Once the service brake is released, the
vehicle speed becomes the new Descent Control set
speed. A pop-up will appear on the instrument cluster
screen to notify the driver of the new speed. See
Fig. 14.7.
Fig. 14.6