Detroit™ Multifunction Control
Detroit transmissions have twelve forward gears and up to four reverse gears that can be shifted automatically or manually. Shifting and clutch actuation are computer controlled, and there is no clutch pedal needed to operate the vehicle. Automatic shifts are selected for fuel economy or engine power. Manual shifts can be requested with the shift control and the transmission ECU grants them when conditions permit. In all cases, shifts depend on the following factors: engine speed, accelerator pedal position, service brake usage, engine brake operation, vehicle load status, and road conditions.
To avoid potential engine stall risk or unexpected shifting, use the interaxle differential lock when the vehicle is operated in slippery conditions. See for information about the interaxle differential lock.
Vehicles with Detroit transmissions use the control see Fig.. This control can be used to request manual shifts, change driving mode, and set engine brake levels. See Table. for an overview of control functionality.
Note: See Table for a description of control functionality.
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Front View
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Shift Requests
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Four positions for engine brake settings
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Engine Brake Symbol
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D/N/R Switch
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Mode Switch
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Gear Shift Symbol
Fig. 1, Detroit Multifunction Control
D/N/R Switch
Use the "D/N/R Switch" to request drive (D), neutral (N), or reverse (R).
Mode Switch
The driving mode can be changed using the Mode switch on the shift control (see Fig.). To activate the manual drive mode, press and hold the switch briefly. Press the switch quickly to activate the automatic drive mode or change between Automatic Economy and Automatic Performance modes.
Upshifting and Downshifting
Gear shifts can be requested manually; push the lever away to request a downshift, or pull the lever toward you to request an upshift. See Table. for more information about upshift and downshift requests.
Table 1, Functionality, Detroit Multifunction Control
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Functionality, Detroit Multifunction Control |
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Function/Switch |
Action/Position |
Request |
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D/N/R |
D |
Forward gears |
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N |
Neutral |
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R |
Reverse gears |
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Mode |
Depress switch and release it quickly |
Activate the automatic drive mode, or switch between Automatic Economy and Automatic Performance. |
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Depress switch and hold it briefly |
Activate the manual drive mode. |
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Upshifting and Downshifting |
Pull the lever toward you momentarily |
Upshift, single gear |
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Pull the lever toward you in quick repetitions |
Upshift, multiple gears |
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Push the lever away momentarily |
Downshift, single gear |
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Push the lever away in quick repetitions |
Downshift, multiple gears |
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Engine Brake* |
Lever at position 0 (top) |
Engine brake off |
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Lever at position 1 |
Low intensity |
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Lever at position 2 |
Medium intensity |
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Lever at position 3 (bottom) |
High intensity |
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Table 1, Functionality, Detroit Multifunction Control
* For functions with cruise control active, see .
Engine Brake
The engine brake is controlled by the lever position (see Fig., Ref. C). At the top position, the engine brake is off, and at the three lower positions, the engine brake is on and the intensity (low, medium, high) increases with each step down. For more information about using the engine brake, see .
Using the engine brake with cruise control can be used to activate Descent Control Mode or Deceleration Mode. For more information, see "Cruise Control" in .