Page 15 - Jeep Jamboree Ultimate Guide To Safe Common Sense Off-Roading
P. 15

TRANSMISSIONS





            MANUAL TRANSMISSION
            If you are new to a manual transmission, the trail is not the place to learn. Make sure you have mastered
            the basics before heading off the pavement. Monitoring three pedals and choosing gears must be
            second nature, so you can focus completely on the ever-changing conditions of the trail.

            USING YOUR MANUAL TRANSMISSION

            •  Keep your foot off the clutch as much as possible. Otherwise not only will you lose forward momentum,
              but it can also cause the clutch to burn up.
            •  Only press the clutch when you need to shift; otherwise keep your left foot on the floor.
            •  Do not cover the clutch pedal with your foot, even if you aren’t actively riding it. Rough terrain can
              bounce your foot into the pedal and accidentally depress the pedal.

            •  Stick to first and second gears when navigating difficult terrain.
            •  Never change gears while negotiating hills or obstacles. Forward momentum could be gained in
              descents and lost in ascents.
            •  If a stall occurs on an obstacle, and your vehicle will allow it, turn the key and restart the engine without
              the use of the clutch. The starter should get you over the obstacle.


             ADVANTAGES                       DISADVANTAGES
             • More Controlled descent        • Clutch can overheat
             • Able to stall-/push-/pull-start  • Requires good hand/foot coordination
             • Generates less heat            • Not as smooth
             • Less fuel consumption          • Can be harder to negotiate on difficult terrain
             • Cheaper/easier to maintain     • Less user-friendly on the trail with OE axle ratios
             • Driver controls the vehicle


















                                                         TRAIL GUIDE TIP

                                                         You can start without using the clutch. Modern manual transmissions
                                                         require the driver to depress the clutch to start the vehicle, which can be
                                                         tricky when stalled on a rock.


                                                         Some vehicles are designed with off-roaders in mind and offer a bypass
                                                         switch to allow you to start in gear, so you can keep one foot on the brake
                                                         and one on the gas. The starter motor alone may even pull you out of a
                                                         precarious situation. Refer to your owner’s manual for complete info.

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