ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Shifting and Vehicle Control Questions and Answers Flashcards

When should a driver downshift a manual transmission CMV?

Answer: Before entering a curve or hill

Drivers should downshift before entering curves or descending hills to maintain control and engine braking power.

What is double clutching and why is it used in heavy trucks?

Answer: Releasing and re-engaging the clutch while moving through neutral to synchronize gear speeds

Double clutching allows the driver to match transmission and engine speeds when shifting, reducing gear wear in non-synchromesh transmissions.

What happens if a driver tries to downshift at too high a speed in a manual transmission truck?

Answer: The engine will over-rev and transmission damage can occur

Forcing a downshift at excessive speed causes the engine to over-rev when the gear engages, potentially damaging the transmission or drivetrain.

What does the term 'stall speed' mean in the context of automatic transmissions in CMVs?

Answer: The speed at which the torque converter stops transferring power efficiently

Stall speed is the RPM point at which the torque converter can no longer efficiently transfer engine power to the drivetrain under load.

Why is it important to use the proper gear when starting on an uphill grade?

Answer: To avoid rolling back and maintain enough power to move forward

Starting in too high a gear on a hill may stall the engine, while the correct low gear provides sufficient torque to move the loaded vehicle forward.

What is the recommended technique for shifting a 10-speed manual transmission truck from 5th to 6th gear (the split)?

Answer: Use the splitter switch to go from low to high split while near the shift point

At the appropriate RPM, the splitter switch is toggled to high position while releasing the throttle briefly, engaging the split gear without moving the main shift lever.