Low (L)
Low (L) is at the lower end of the four-position selector switch located at the end of the SmartShift control. Use Low when wanting to maximize engine braking and minimize the use of the brake pedal—for example, when driving down long grades or when coming to a stop. To select Low, press in the neutral lock button and move the selector switch to the L position. The lowest available start gear will be selected (the starting gear cannot be changed in Low).
If Low is selected while moving, the transmission will not upshift (unless the system initiates a Low override). The system will downshift at the earliest opportunity to provide maximum engine braking.
Note: If attempting to select a non-Neutral mode without applying the service brakes, the transmission will not shift into gear. To shift into gear, select Neutral, apply the service brakes, and select the desired mode again.
Low Override
The system is equipped with a Low override function. If the vehicle is being "back driven" (for example, descending a grade and vehicle speed exceeds engine speed) and the engine speed is excessively high, the system will upshift automatically. Also, if the start gear is changed and it causes the engine to lug at takeoff, the system will override the current position and upshift.