8
SECTION 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 3-1. Ignition Switch
Do not operate the starter continuously for more than 5
seconds or the starter may overheat. Wait 30 seconds
between each operation of starter to let it cool and the
battery power recover. Never attempt to restart the en-
gine until it completely stops. Always remove key from
switch when leaving vehicle unattended or when vehi-
cle is not in use.
4. Release the key as soon as the engine starts: the key will
automatically return to the “RUN” position.
5. Push the choke in halfway after the engine starts, and
push it in all the way as the engine warms up.
6. If the engine fails to start, refer to the trouble-shooting
chart in Section 8 for corrective action.
3.5.2 Diesel Powered
1. Shift the transmission into neutral.
2. Turn the key to the “ON” position. The “DIESEL
PREHEAT” light will come on for five seconds.
3. When the “DIESEL PREHEAT” light goes out, turn the
key to the “START” position.
4. Release the key as soon as the engine starts; the key will
automatically return to the “RUN” position.
5. If the engine fails to start, refer to the trouble-shooting
chart in Section 8 for corrective action.
3.6 STOPPING THE ENGINE
Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Release the accelerator
pedal. Ensure that the steering wheel is positioned such that
the vehicle doesn’t turn. Let the engine speed return to idle
and turn ignition switch to the “OFF” position. Always re-
move key from ignition switch when leaving the vehicle un-
attended.
3.7 SELECTING AND CHANGING TRANSMISSION
GEARS
The CENTAUR is equipped with a four position transmis-
sion. The gearshift lever is located to the left of the dash.
* R (Reverse) - for backing up the vehicle
* Neutral - for starting the engine or idling
* L (Low) - for use when extra pulling power or very low
speed is required in rough terrain.
* H (High) - for general use at normal operating speeds.
Inside the transmission, there is a synchronizer system or
clutch brake on the input shaft to allow for easier and more
accurate shifts. When you apply force to the shift lever, it is
transmitted through push/pull cables to the transmission,
where it forces a gear to slide on the input shaft. The move-
ment of the gear on the shaft is restricted by springs and balls
within the input shaft so that extra force must be applied, al-
lowing the synchronizer to brake the rotating shaft to a stop.
This reduces gear grinding during shifting.
Figure 3-7. Direction of gearshift travel
and gear positions
If the gear does not easily engage, it is possible that the teeth
are clashing directly. If this is the case, pushing harder may
not help. The input shaft must be allowed to start turning again
and the shift attempt made over.
The shift box is designed to allow one lever to be used to shift
both high and low gears and reverse. There is a neutral posi-
tion in which the lever can be moved side to side. The mecha-
nism inside the transmission does not allow two gears to be
engaged at one time. Access to low, high, or reverse is only
possible from the neutral position. Shifting works best when
Summary of Contents for Centaur V2001DT
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