Automatic Truck loses transmission air

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Schöne, Feb 28, 2024.

  1. Schöne

    Schöne Bobtail Member

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    Feb 23, 2019
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    I'm not a new driver but I'm new to driving automatic trucks. I've driven both KWs and Peterbilts and they both lose transmission air when backing up and you have to wait for air to build up if you shift too many times. This is especially frustrating when backing in tight spaces where you have to reposition several times. Is there a trick to it? I've heard of not using the brakes too much etc....but it doesn't seem to help.
     
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  3. North Pole Nightmare

    North Pole Nightmare Heavy Load Member

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    Might be easier backing in R1,if it's going into R2 when reversing.
     
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  4. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    Freightliners have Hill Start Assist. When backing if you push brake pedal it will come on and hold truck then dump the air when you move. You could try turning it off if you have that button on dash. Just make sure you don’t roll. Flat parking lots you don’t need it and it seems to use more air
     
  5. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Welcome to the new way, which everybody knows is so much better than the old “manual” way.
     
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  6. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I have used both Freightliners and Internationals with auto and neither had that problem.
     
  7. Blagoje

    Blagoje Medium Load Member

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    I have a late model Kenworth with the 12-speed automatic transmission and this is an inherent problem from what I've been told. This transmission uses a lot of air to shift gears and that is just the way it is. Mine regularly runs out of air when I am backing up and sometimes when driving forward.
     
  8. TurkeyCreekJackJohnson

    TurkeyCreekJackJohnson Light Load Member

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    I drove an '18 Volvo 670 that was the same way. Compared to other automated manuals I've driven, it seemed to hold the brakes much longer than necessary. Lots of rough movements until I learned the trick you referred to.
     
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  9. aramil248

    aramil248 Road Train Member

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    International having a separate air tank for it I heard. With no gauge to see it's level. I swear the last one I drove. Run out just pulling up after fueling
     
  10. Bud A.

    Bud A. Road Train Member

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    I got put in a truck with a manual after two years of automatics. It's so nice to just use the clutch to bump docks.
     
  11. Schöne

    Schöne Bobtail Member

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    Feb 23, 2019
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    Same trick applies to KW?
     
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