Transmission Diagnostics

Clutch Protection Fault, UltraShift Transmissions

Even though a vehicle with an UltraShift transmission does not have a clutch pedal, it does have a mechanical clutch. As you slowly increase and decrease engine rpm from a stop, the mechanical clutch is engaging and disengaging, just like slipping the clutch with a manual transmission. Excessive clutch slippage creates heat and reduces the life of the clutch. Conditions that can cause clutch damage include:

• Using the accelerator pedal to hold the vehicle on a hill

• Starting the vehicle from a stop in a gear that's too high

• Overloading the vehicle

• Using high idle with the vehicle in gear

The transmission controller is programmed to prevent clutch damage. When the clutch overheats, the following alerts take place:

• The TRANS TEMP light comes on

• The gear indicator displays "C," then "A"

• A warning tone sounds at one-second intervals

The alerts continue until the clutch cools, the accelerator pedal is released, or the clutch is fully engaged.