1956 AMC Hudson Technical Service Manual Supplement

HYDRA-MATIC TRANSMISSION 29
bracket located at the lower end of the steering gear jacket
tube. Contact can only be made in the "P" (Park) or "N"
(Neutral) positions. Press the foot accelerator pedal, part
way to the floor board once and release (in order to set the
Automatic Choke on fast idle).
Turn the ignition switch "ON" and lift the selector knob
toward the steering wheel to engage the starter.
NOTE: Do not start a cold engine with throttle wide open
(accelerator pedal fully depressed). This overrules the automatic
choke and prevents the engine from breathing in a
mixture rich enough to start.
If engine should flood (because of attempting to start with
ignition off, or because of "pumping" accelerator) operate
engine starter with accelerator pedal fully depressed. Press
accelerator down slowly to reduce tendency for more raw
gasoline to be pumped into the manifold. Opening throttle
wide overrules choke mechanism and opens choke valve,
thereby admitting more air so that starting becomes possible.
In cold weather (0°F. or colder) the engine must
idle with the selector lever in "P" (Park) or "N"
(Neutral) position until engine and transmission are
warmed up.
This can more safely be done in the "P" (Park) position as
the transmission will then keep the car from rolling on a
grade or incline. When the engine is cold and running on fast
idle, the car will tend to creep when the selector lever is
moved to a driving position. A slight application of the foot
brake or hand brake will hold the car until motion is desired.
OPERATING IN "D" RANGE
"D" Range has two positions, Drive 4 and Drive 3. The
selector lever can be moved at will from one position to the
other at any car speed on dry roads where traction is good.
Drive 4 is provided for all normal forward driving; it reduces
engine speed, provides better driving comfort and improves
fuel economy. When driving in this range at a car speed of
less than 65 M.P.H., extra performance can be obtained by
depressing the accelerator pedal. This will cause the transmission
to downshift into third speed. The car speed determines
the amount the accelerator pedal must be depressed to
cause this shift. At a speed of 35 M.P.H. or less, the accelerator
pedal need only be partially depressed to cause the shift
and at speeds of 35 M.P.H. to 65 M.P.H., it is necessary to
completely depress the pedal. The transmission will automatically
return to fourth speed as car speed is increased or
the accelerator pedal is released.
Drive 3 is provided for improved performance at medium
car speeds and is very useful when driving in congested
traffic. In this range, the transmission is prevented from
shifting into fourth speed (except at very high car speeds). In
effect, it becomes a three speed transmission in Drive 3
Range. It is also effective when ascending or descending
long mountain grades.
When driving the car in either Drive Range at a car speed of
less than 24 M.P.H., an extra burst of speed can be obtained
by completely depressing the accelerator pedal. This will
cause the transmission to shift down to second speed. The
transmission will automatically return to third or fourth
speed, depending on the Drive Range being used, as the car
speed increases, or pedal is released.
Variable shifting events from first to second, second to third,
third to fourth, (Direct Drive) will occur depending on the
amount the accelerator pedal is depressed.
CAUTION: Do not coast with the selector lever in "N"
(Neutral) position. It is unlawful in some states and sometimes
is harmful to the transmission.
FORCED DOWNSHIFT
To obtain extra power or acceleration when driving in D-4,
D-3 or "L" range, depress accelerator pedal completely.
When in D-4 Range and with a car speed of less than 60
M.P.H., transmission will shift down to third speed.
When in D-3 range and with car speed of less than 20
M.P.H., transmission will shift down to second speed.
STOPPING THE CAR
Leave the selector lever in the driving position selected and
release accelerator pedal. The engine is then left "in gear"
which helps to slow down the car. For further stopping
effort, apply the brakes in the conventional manner.
CAUTION: When the driver leaves the car with the engine
running, the selector lever should always be placed in the
"P" (Park) position.
This precaution prevents movement of the car, should the
accelerator pedal be accidentally depressed by a passenger
and will also keep the car from rolling on a down grade or
incline.
OPERATING IN "L" RANGE
Low Range prevents the transmission from shifting above
2nd speed (unless the car exceeds approxi-