Clutch Overheating?

Topic 33342 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
Pelican's Comment
member avatar

Okay so sometimes when I'm backing up to the dock I'll get a warning saying "Clutch Overheating."

So I'm still new at all this so sometimes it takes me 5-10 minutes to get on the dock. My trainer said better to be slow and not hit anything than try to rush it and be reckless.

Is it just because I'm doing a lot of maneuvering or is there something specific I'm doing to get this warning?

I drive a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, if that helps.

Old School's Comment
member avatar

That's a common occurrence with these auto shift transmissions. You are trying to maneuver slowly which keeps the clutch from fully engaging. Once you get better at backing you'll probably see this warning much less.

When I was first getting accustomed to these auto shift transmissions I saw that a few times when trying to park. You'll get better and the clutch will appreciate your new skills. Don't worry about it too much. You aren't really damaging anything. Everything about the mechanical operation of these trucks has sensors and warnings. It will stop moving if you start getting close to overheating the clutch. It's designed to protect itself from abuse.

Now... if you're feet are holding your brake pedal and your throttle while backing then that's a bad habit you need to immediately stop. That will put excess wear on things that don't really need that added stress.

BK's Comment
member avatar

This happened to me a number of times when I went solo and was still struggling with backing up. Just too much slipping the clutch and it overheats.

When this happens, the best thing you can do is to stop moving but leave the truck running for about 5 minutes to let the clutch cool down. If you keep trying to back up with an overheated clutch, your tractor will start bucking really hard.

Pianoman's Comment
member avatar

Okay so sometimes when I'm backing up to the dock I'll get a warning saying "Clutch Overheating."

So I'm still new at all this so sometimes it takes me 5-10 minutes to get on the dock. My trainer said better to be slow and not hit anything than try to rush it and be reckless.

Is it just because I'm doing a lot of maneuvering or is there something specific I'm doing to get this warning?

I drive a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, if that helps.

Ditto to what the others said. Going slow is fine but try to avoid feathering the throttle so much while you’re backing. Feathering the throttle like that for several minutes is what’s heating it up

Stevo Reno's Comment
member avatar

I had that same issue when out with my trainer, is his 2015 Cascadia lease truck....Problem was the small space to the dock was slightly inclined uphill a degree or 2....

The truck kept bucking and kicking, he thought it was ME lol. So he took over, and it was doing it to him as well ( 1 of those, "I Told you so"moments)

It took him trying to back up, to show him, it wasn't my doing anything wrong. Think it took him like 10+ minutes, to finally dock. Never experienced that in the 2, 2019's and 2022 I drove

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
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