Using The Allison

World Transmission Shift Selector

The touch pad

commonly found in

motorhomes equipped

with this transmission is

more than just a gear

selector. It serves as a

communication link

between the

transmission and the

operator.

By CAROL F. MAXWELL &

E.S. GURDJIAN, F76350

A
llison introduced its World
Transmission to the
motorhome marketplace
several years ago. The MD version
used in motorhomes was followed
by the HD version, which is used in
conjunction with engines having
horsepower ratings in excess of 300,
primarily heavier bus conversions.
Although minor programming
differences exist to accommodate
the extra work load encountered by
the HD version both versions of the
World Transmission are six-
speed units with electronic
controls that function in a
similar fashion. This
sophisticated, electronically
controlled transmission
provides more functions and
features than automatic
transmissions of the past.
Transmission functions
and features. The Allison
World Transmission can adapt
its shift schedule to
accommodate driving habits.
It “learns” to shift according
to the acceleration pattern and
will adapt to a different driver
within a short period of time.
It is programmed with an
alternate shift schedule, or
(secondary mode) function,
which will be discussed later
in the article. It can
automatically downshift as
many as two gears, within
rpm limits, during engine
braking to provide maximum
brake horsepower. In addition,
it will automatically upshift or
prevent downshifts to
eliminate an engine over-rev
condition. Original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) Shift Selector Functions: that shifts gears at lower rpm to
specified downshift schedules can • To select gears. provide better fuel economy. This is
be made available for use with • To indicate the status of the an appropriate choice when
exhaust brakes. This causes the transmission. traveling on flat terrain. In situations
transmission to downshift to a lower • To select a secondary mode of where maximum power is required,
gear to enhance engine brake operation. such as climbing grades and
performance, provided that this does • To electronically check oil level utilizing maximum engine braking
not exceed maximum engine rpm.
(if so equipped). capabilities, the standard shift
The World Transmission has a • To clear a temporary “DO NOT schedule is preferred.
shallow oil pan option, which
SHIFT” light. The touch pad has two digital
increases ground clearance in pusher
• To indicate the fault causing the displays: “Select,” which shows the
applications. It has an oil sensor
“DO NOT SHIFT” status. gear or range of gears chosen by the
option to detect transmission oil
• To record, store, and play back operator, and ‘Monitor” which
level, a feature that is now supplied
the last five diagnostic codes. indicates the current gear of
automatically with the shallow oil
The pad has six push buttons, transmission operation. In addition,
pan option.
labeled "R," "N," "D," "↑" "↓" and a “Mode On” light indicates that the
The transmission can detect
"Mode." The first three buttons are secondary mode has been chosen.
malfunctions and protects itself by
used to choose "reverse," "neutral," When the ignition is turned on
illuminating a dash-mounted “DO
or "drive" The up and down arrows the “DO NOT SHIFT” light, usually
NOT SHIFT” warning light. It will
are used to move through the range located on the dash, illuminates
then shift hydraulically to a default
of six forward gears in "drive," This momentarily, accompanied by
gear in “Convertor Mode” and
is very similar to any other audible tones (short beeps) coming
release the lock-up clutch. This
automatic transmission, but the from the shift selector. This tells the
protects the transmission and allows
touch pad is much more than just a operator that the indicator light is
travel with a restricted gear range to
conventional gear selector. It is the functioning. The “Select” digital
obtain service.
communication link between the display will read “N.” When the
As expected, a sophisticated
transmission and the operator. engine is started, the operator may
transmission needs an equally
The “Mode” button is used to choose “reverse,” “drive,” or, using
sophisticated shift selector. Allison
invoke a special function that has the up and down arrows, a range of
supplies either a touch pad or lever-
been programmed into the electronic forward gears. After the operator
type shift selector. Most
control unit (ECU). In motorhomes, selects “drive,” pushing the down
motorhomes with the MD-3060
this special function is almost arrow will change the “Select”
transmission have the touch pads so
always the economy shift schedule display incrementally from 6
we will focus on that type.
through 1. For example, you may
want to limit the range of forward
gears to 1 through 4 when driving in
heavy traffic. (Additional operating
tips are provided with this article.)
Holding the up or down arrow will
scroll the numbers until the button is
released or the highest or lowest
number is displayed. Every selection
change will be accompanied by a
“beep’ sound, and a visual change in
the “Select” display. The “Monitor”
display will indicate the gear
currently operating.
In the event of a transmission
malfunction, the “DO NOT SHIFT”
light may illuminate. This will be
accompanied by 8 seconds of short
beeps from the shift selector and
indicates that shifts are being
restricted. The “Select” display will
not be lit, and transmission
operation, may be restricted. If the
failure allows limited operation, you
can proceed to find service
assistance. During this time upshifts
and downshifts may be restricted.
Anytime the “DO NOT SHIFT”
lamp is lit, a diagnostic code will be
recorded. To clear a temporary
“DO NOT SHIFT” light and sensor, if present, and to enter the
restore operation, take the diagnostic display mode. Please note
following steps: 1. Bring the vehicle that the selector is capable of
to a stop at a safe location and apply displaying two characters at one
the parking brake. 2. Simultaneously time. One character will be shown
press the up and the down arrows on the "Select" display, and the
once. On the lever-type selector, other will appear on the "Monitor"
push the “Display Mode” button display. For example, the fact that
once to gain access to the diagnostic the oil level is okay will be
code information. 3. Press and hold displayed as follows:
the “Mode” button until a tone
is heard, and then release the
button. Message Select Display Monitor Display
The transmission may return Oil Level 0 L
to normal operation. If the
Pause — —
condition is temporary, the
“DO NOT SHIFT” light will Okay 0 K
not come back on, and the
transmission will operate
normally. If the condition is not The troubleshooting guide included
temporary, the “DO NOT SHIFT” with this article outlines the
light may come back on. The type of procedure for gaining access to and
operation permitted by the CPU will interpreting the display codes. You
depend on the type of condition. may benefit from having this guide
Under certain circumstances, a shift on hand while you explore the
from neutral to an operating range functions of the shift selector.
may not be permitted. This situation For additional information,
will require immediate attention. contact your local Allison
The up and down arrows are also distributor or dealer. Check the
used to gain access to the oil level Yellow Pages for the location
nearest you.