Auto Mated Trannys

Topic 24205 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
BK's Comment
member avatar

I did all my training in a manual. But the company is putting me into an auto to start solo driving. What should I be aware of while driving an AMT? This tranny is a Detroit DT-12 in a Freightliner.

Old School's Comment
member avatar

Bruce, I honestly don't know anything about that particular transmission, but I'm very familiar with my Volvo I-shift transmission. Just yesterday I was thinking about how I could probably impress a few newbies if they rode with me and observed how well this thing works. It's so integrated with the Jake brake and the cruise control that it does a better job than I ever did while descending mountain grades.

On a flat grade I can make it break down the gears downshifting as I approach an intersection or stop light. All I have to do is brake slightly until I get the RPM down a little, then release the brake and it downshifts just like I would do if I were in a manual. It took me several months of driving it until I figured out how to make it operate the way I like, but once I had it figured out it almost acts like it knows what I want it to do. I love mine.

Trucker Kearsey 's Comment
member avatar

I still.prefer the manual cause im a control freak and backing in the auto International is a pain. it either rolls forward or jumps back when in reverse. i was terrified making the switch cause i heard horror stories of downgrades. i just push a button to put the truck in the gear i want and ride the jakes down. If i cant use the jakes i go 2 gears down. Not only does it hold but it doesnt go crazy with the rpms or make weird sounds. However, it doesnt do better than the manual and i see no.difference whatsoever in the fuel economy.

i too learned to control the shifting with the brake. but each truck has different features and the companies can control the 3 settings of performance. Companies are ordering the "fuel economy" setting now which is apparently a misunderstood feature causing fear and panic.

The FL has something called creep mode which makes backing easier than my International, and it has a hill assist so you dont roll backwards when stopped on inclines...another feature my truck doesnt have. So stopped at the top of an off ramp i need to be careful. sometimes i feel like im.slamming into the docks rather than the gentle release of the clutch. if i dont give it enough fuel in reverse it move forward especially on slants, and if i give it enough to overcome the forward motion, it seems to be too much and stuff goes flying all over my truck when i brake to stop it. some days it backs just fine and others it is crazy. lol it depends on the surface im on.

I dont love it...i tolerate. i hate change.

Dan67's Comment
member avatar

I have an International auto and mine is easy to back. I don't get the jumping like Rainy does. With mine it took some getting used to and feathering the throttle does help. I have the hill assist in mine and it is a blessing on grades. The DT-12 is very similar to the Volvo's I-drive system. So I would advise reading the manual and just learn how it reacts. Heck you may love it like Old School.

Greg M.'s Comment
member avatar

My FL has the DT-12 and I love it. I find it much easier to back smoothly than with the 10 speed A/S. Last month my truck was in the shop for almost 2 weeks so I had a rental 2019 International LT with the Cummins and the auto shift 10 speed. It did not back up as smoothly as the DT-12,but the thing that really drove me nuts was that it would not skip gears when up-shifting like the DT-12 does, it would go through every one. Never got through red lights unless I was the first few in line.

Towards the end I started manually clicking it up to 3rd or 4th and it wasn't so bad.

Page 1 of 1

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training