Daimler Freightliner Cascadia 2021, Driver Manual

Page: 252 / 322

Eaton® Fuller® Manual
Transmissions
General Information
A Freightliner New Cascadia vehicle may be
equipped with an Eaton 10-, 13-, or 18-speed
manual transmission. Vehicles with Eaton manual
transmissions have clutch brakes and a hydraulic
clutch actuation system.
The transmission shift pattern is printed on a decal
attached to the driver-side sun visor or to the dash
below the center dash panel. The shift pattern may
also be printed on the shift knob.
NOTE: For additional information, refer to the
Eaton website,
www.roadranger.com .
Transmission Operation Tips
Follow these important operation principles:
•
For all conditions, use the highest gear that is
still low enough to start the vehicle moving with
the engine at or near idle speed, and without
slipping the clutch excessively.
When operating on-highway with no load or
under ideal conditions, use 1st gear to start the
vehicle moving forward.
When operating off-road or under adverse con-
ditions, use LOW gear to start the vehicle mov-
ing forward.
•
Use the clutch brake to stop gear rotation
when shifting into LOW or reverse while the
vehicle is stationary. The clutch brake is actu-
ated by depressing the clutch pedal all the way
to the floor.
•
Partially disengage the clutch to break engine
torque during normal gear shifts.
•
Double-clutch between all upshifts and down-
shifts that require movement of the shift knob.
Splitting of gears does not require movement
of the shift knob.
•
Never push the range-preselection lever down
into low range while operating in high range,
except when downshifting from 5th gear to 4th
gear.
•
Do not shift from high range to low range at
high vehicle speeds.
•
Never make a range shift or a splitter shift
while the vehicle is in reverse.
•
Never move the range-preselection lever with
the transmission in neutral while the vehicle is
moving.
•
Skip ratios while shifting only when operating
conditions permit, depending on the load,
grade, and road speed.
•
Never coast with the transmission in neutral.
Clutch
General Information
The hydraulic clutch control system consists of a
pedal unit and a slave cylinder connected by a hy-
draulic hose. The components of the system have
been specially designed to use DOT 4 brake fluid.
The hydraulic system is self-adjusting.
Typical operation will not break down the clutch fric-
tion surfaces. Heat and wear are almost nonexistent
when a clutch is fully engaged. However, during the
moment of engagement, when the clutch is picking
up the load, considerable heat is generated. If a
clutch slips excessively, high temperatures develop
quickly between the flywheel, driven discs, and pres-
sure plates. An improperly adjusted or slipping clutch
can generate temperatures high enough to cause the
friction-facing material to char and burn, destroying
the clutch.
To ensure long service life of the clutch, start in the
right gear and be alert to clutch malfunctions.
Clutch Operation
Clutch Break-In
With a new or newly installed clutch, the clutch may
slip for a short time while the friction surfaces break-
in. However, allowing the clutch to slip for more than
two seconds can severely damage the clutch disc,
pressure plate, and the flywheel.
During initial operation of a new vehicle or a vehicle
with a new clutch, check for clutch slippage during
acceleration. If the clutch slips, decelerate until the
clutch does not slip. Allow the clutch to cool 15 to 30
seconds, and then gradually accelerate again. If the
clutch continues to slip, repeat the procedure. If nec-
essary, repeat the procedure up to five times. If the
clutch slips after five attempts, stop the vehicle. Allow
the clutch to cool for at least one hour. Notify your
Freightliner dealer of the problem.
Manual Transmissions and Clutch
18.1