General Information, Top 2 and Lightning
Refer to the Eaton website for additional information, www.roadranger.com.
10-Speed RTL/ RTLO and 13-Speed/18-Speed RTLO Models
Top 2 and Lightning transmissions have 10 selective forward ratios and a 2-speed rear section. Half of the 10 speed ratios are shifted with the shift lever and the other half are shifted by moving the shift button. They shift automatically between the two top gears. See Fig. for the Top 2 shift knob, and see Fig. for the Lightning shift knob.
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Shift Button
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Gears 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 when button is forward
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Gears 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 when button is rearward
Fig. 1, Top 2 Shift Knob
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Shift Button
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Service Light
Fig. 2, Lightning Shift Knob
There are three types of shifts used with these transmissions. Button-only and combination button/lever shifts are both full gear changes. The lever-only shift skips a gear.
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The button-only shift is a gear split shift that occurs by moving the shift button.
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The lever-only shift occurs when the shift lever is moved without moving the shift button.
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The combination button/lever shift is a gear ratio change that occurs when both the shift button and the shift lever are moved.
The small red service light on the Lightning shift knob illuminates for a few seconds when the engine is turned on. This confirms that the transmission electronics are operating properly.
Note: If the service light stays on or flashes, or does not illuminate when the engine starts, take the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner or Eaton service facility as soon as possible.
See Fig. for the shift patterns for Lightning and 10-speed Top 2, 13-speed Top 2, and 18-speed Top 2.
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10-Speed Shift Pattern
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13-Speed Shift Pattern
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18-Speed Shift Pattern