Automatic Quirks

D is forward... R is Reverse.

 

N is neutral

 

I don't know how the van setup is, but in bulk all of the automatics were tag axles. a buddy of mine had one and he said that it's impossible to back them up if you're under a load and backing up even the slightest uphill grade. He violated his clock a few times because he couldn't park at a truck stop because the only spots left were facing downhill a little. They don't like stress.Plus if your automatic is a tag axle.....you need to invest in some cat litter and a shovel for this winter.

 

But what if he doesn't have a cat

 

I guess dog litter will work

 

They are not true automatics like in your car or pickup. They are automated manual transmissions. They come in 10,12,13,18 speeds. They still have a clutch in them. A computer does all the clutching and shifting for you. No more double clutching on annual road test. They take a little getting use to. No shifter on the floor and no clutch pedal. My shifter was on the column and you could switch from auto to manual. In manual, you determine when it shifts or hold a certain gear. It did very well in all seasons, going up and down hills, dry or wet roads the same as a regular manual trans. The biggest thing is when you are in stop and go traffic, your left leg will be sooo happy that it's an automatic.

 

There is no roll in reverse trying to tap a dock or shoot is a pain in the ###. But overall once you get past trying to reach for the stick all the time you will get use to it. People seem to have a problem shifting back to neutral for some reason.. this can be a problem with optimized idle if the truck shuts down in gear.

 

I've never had an automated manual on the road but I have moved our Cat CT660 with automated manual in it around the yard a few times. Even though I have less than 10 minutes seat time in it I hate it with a passion. No low speed feathering in forward or reverse. #### thing is jerky as all hell too.

 

Automatic trucks are for girls. They drive like minivans. Worst part about them is their (Economy) acceleration. You'll see scooters accelerate faster than you. No matter how far in you step on that plastic automatic pedal.

I've been driving one for 5 months now. I swear I feel like my member has been chopped off.