Blue Bird VISION 2011, Driver'S Handbook Manual

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r o u t i n e o p e r a t i o n
Allison Automatic Transmissions
important: Allison supplies far more detailed information about your particular
transmission than space allows in this manual. Although we try to cover the most im-
portant points here, it is imperative that you read and understand the Allison Trans-
mission Operator’s Manual for more details about operation, care, and maintenance.
If you did not receive this manual with your bus, please contact the transmission
supplier. Both Blue Bird Body Company and Allison Transmissions continually strive
to improve the quality and performance of their respective products. For this reason,
information and instructions in the Allison Transmission Operator’s Manual supplied
with the bus will take precedence over the general information in this publication.
Allison model 2000 Bus 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” or “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.
For more information on the
Allison transmission, read the
transmission operator’s manual
which was delivered with the
bus.