Automatic Mode (AUTO)
In automatic drive mode (AUTO), upshifts and downshifts are made by the UltraShift PLUS without driver intervention. Press in the neutral lock button, move the selector switch to Drive (D), and press down on the throttle pedal. The transmission will shift automatically.
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.
In Drive, the start gear is automatically selected. The selected start gear can vary depending on several vehicle inputs such as load, grade, and axle/transmission ratio. The start gear can be changed using the SmartShift control, provided the selected gear would allow the vehicle to launch without damaging the transmission. If the start gear is changed using the SmartShift control, it will be the default until the vehicle is powered down or the selection is changed again manually.
Important: Prior to ascending a steep grade, either reduce the default start gear by one (using the SmartShift control) or apply full throttle for the duration of the grade so the vehicle maintains the proper engine and vehicle speed during the entire grade.
In Drive, the transmission automatically performs upshifts and downshifts. However, when the transmission is near the shift point, the shift can be forced using the upshift or downshift function of the SmartShift control.
Note: The transmission may deny a shift while ascending or descending a grade if the load of the vehicle and grade of the terrain in combination with the drivetrain ratio and engine torque fall outside of the acceptable range to perform a shift. If the shift is denied, a tone will sound.