Convert auto to manual

I thought I wanted one of these, too. I hate it. It does exactly as you describe. They have a mind of their own. Nothing like coasting along at 25 mph when it suddenly wants to downshift to second and you feel yourself going through the steering wheel, or trying to make a quick turn at an intersection, pressing the gas and waiting (what seems like forever) for it to downshift to second and then take off. Don't even get me talking about the "manual" mode. Heck, I thought nothing was worse than a ten speed manual. I was wrong.

 

The most likely reason for the fuel mileage disparity is that the engine needs a top set. That is especially true of MX engines. Usually around 40,000 miles you need to have the valve train readjusted. If fuel mileage doesn't improve in the course of a month, it needs to be done again. Very rarely does it need to be done a third time, however, if fuel mileage starts to decrease, that is the most likely culprit.
Something else to watch out for on these engines is idle time. Ideally you want to keep it around 3%. Idling is the Achilles heel of SCR engines. Too much soot goes through the exhaust system and they simply cannot deal with it, so, they break down. Usually with sensor problems.

A common misconception about the all automatic drive line is that it is supposed to make the driver's life easier. Nothing could be farther from the truth when they are put in the hands of seasoned professionals. It takes an entirely different mind set to drive one. If, as a seasoned driver, you are open to change they will suit you well, however, if you don't want to make that change you will hate them. These types of units are really targeted at new drivers ... drivers that haven't developed any habits yet (good or bad).

As for Peterbilts themselves, although I currently have a deep hatred for them, I have ordered a new 579 (due in August) with an all automatic drive line. I am told, with reasonably good evidence, that this truck will get me better than 9 miles per Canadian gallon, or 7.5 miles per US gallon. I figure if I can add $0.20 to $0.30 per mile to my bottom line, I'm willing to give it a try.

I'm pitting it against a new Freightliner Cascadia Evolution with an all Detroit drive line. I'll try to remember to let everyone know how it goes.

 

I would rather do it my myself than paying $20k for labor.

 

Playing with manual is more fun. noobies like who play ps3 or xbox crap don't have life shift manual.

 

LOL ... I get what you're saying. On the other hand if I can save $12,000.00 a year in fuel by using an auto over a manual, I'll go for the stuffed jeans pocket every time.

 

I would rather some more mpg with engine and have 13 sp manuel on it.

 

there is nothing wrong with the make of that transmission
maybe something wrong with yours
or just how it is driven

 

You will be better off fix all the problems of the current transmission and keep driving it, if you change the following parts it will go up to 500 000 miles without problems.

1. X-Y shifter $770
2. TCU harness: $197
3. TCU - $1572 but you get $300 back with your core. Transmission Control Unit doesn't need to be changed most of the time.
4.All the troubleshooting manuals you can download for free from EATON-Fuller, if you want to become expert in these transmissions, buy the software as well - Service Ranger + USB Nexiqlink+ laptop.