Descending Steep Downgrades In An Automatic

Apparently I’m still learning or my engine’s compression isn’t as strong as in the condos. This learning curve is no joke though!

I go between LWs and full condo; the motor is lighter in the LW, lighter/smaller pistons...less mass available for retarding the momentum of the truck.

Be careful. You'll get it.

No wonder Rainy was on me like white on rice about being overconfident! Thank you all again for all the sage advise.

I swear people....we really did have fun and laugh a lot! i wasnt all nagging and head drilling!

You are doing great!!!

Thanks GTown. It’s difficult to reign myself in when I’m running on recaps & trying to get this load in on time. I know the load is not worth my life or the safety of the driving public around me. Just that I’m in a completely new & challenging industry. It’s causing me to think deeper & further ahead then in my previous comfort zone.

Rainy, we had a blast while I learned as much as humanly possible in a short period of time. As I told you, I do miss being in your capable hands & great company. Give Mr Gata aka Goofball some turkey slices from me. ;)

Okay, I've looked at this post several times and didn't feel comfortable replying because of my lack of experience. But the comments about taking the descent in auto mode when the weather is good begs the question : if you don't learn how to descend in manual mode in good weather, then what happens in bad weather? Learn on the fly? I always descend in manual mode. It seems that the Descent Mode in my truck is faulty. Tried it twice and the damn thing upshifts like I was on a flat road & wanted to accelerate. I couldn't find the page to provide a link, but these newer transmissions are made to rev above 2k rpm on a descent.

Have you set the speed of your Jake? If I recall correctly they have a menu for it on the extra lever opposite of the turn signal lever. Run through it and you should find an engage speed or target speed or something along those lines. Sorry I can't be more specific but it's been a day or two since I was last in a Volvo.

And yes learn your equipment in good weather and you have plenty of time before the snow flys.

Apparently I’m still learning or my engine’s compression isn’t as strong as in the condos. This learning curve is no joke though!

Yes i think the lightweights have the 12.8 litter and the Condos have the 14.8 liter. The engine brake will be weaker on the smaller motor.

Okay, I've looked at this post several times and didn't feel comfortable replying because of my lack of experience. But the comments about taking the descent in auto mode when the weather is good begs the question : if you don't learn how to descend in manual mode in good weather, then what happens in bad weather? Learn on the fly? I always descend in manual mode. It seems that the Descent Mode in my truck is faulty. Tried it twice and the damn thing upshifts like I was on a flat road & wanted to accelerate. I couldn't find the page to provide a link, but these newer transmissions are made to rev above 2k rpm on a descent.

In weather where traction is reduced you reduce speed. Take it slow and steady...

What you described sounds like the decent mode is working as intended. First thing it will do is blip the throttle and upshift, then cut fuel to use the natural resistance of the motor and transmission to slow the truck. As your truck approaches or tries to exceed the speed you set the decent mode at, it will engage engine brake and switch between levels 1-2-3 to prevent the truck from exceeding your set speed. As the hill levels out and you slow down below your set speed it will disengage the engine brake and just coast in gear. It will not give the motor any fuel until you turn hill decent off or press the accelerator yourself.

And just to clarify my truck is a Freightliner Canadia. If your driving something else the system may very well be different.

Canadia lol

Where the edit feature when ya need it.

Freightliner Cascadia.

This may be alittle late, but i found out that your mechanic can turn on the ACC using a computer. apparently by default it is turned off.

That is one thing I disliked at first, with the International LT, or at least, my LT. The ACC doesn't work for diddly squat with my Jakes. I really got spoiled on my mentor's truck, and then my first Freightliner Lightweight. Now, put it in 8th or 9th, set my Jakes, and then break as needed to maintain speed. Although, I sometimes forget to put it back in auto mode.