BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL

Chapter 3

INSTRUMENTS, CONTROLS, AND DEVICES

3-1

OBJECTIVES 3-1

• Identify each gauge and warning light on an instrument panel and explain its function
• Explain the purpose of each control used to operate a vehicle
• Describe the use of the safety, communication, and comfort devices

INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Speedometer
• Tells you the speed you are traveling in miles per hour and kilometers per hour
• Some vehicles have a digital speedometer

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Tachometer
• Indicates the engine revolutions per minute
• Engine damage may occur if the needle enters the red zone

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Odometer
• Indicates the total number of miles the vehicle has been driven
• Some vehicles have an additional trip odometer that can be reset back to zero

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Fuel Gauge
• Shows the amount of fuel in the tank
• Try to keep the fuel tank at least half full in cold weather to help prevent fuel-line freeze
• This can occur when moisture condenses and freezes inside the tank and fuel line
• Ice particles can then block the flow of fuel

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Temperature Light or Gauge
• Warns you when the engine coolant is too hot

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Oil Pressure Warning Light or Gauge
• Warns you when the oil is not circulating at the proper pressure
• It DOES NOT tell you the amount of oil in the engine!!

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Alternator Warning Light or Gauge
• Your vehicle’s electrical system is in trouble if this light come on or the gauge shows “discharge” while the engine is running
• The alternator is not generating enough electricity to run the vehicle.
• The engine is now using stored electricity from the battery

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Alternator Warning Light or Gauge
• Warns that the battery is being drained
• The more electricity used the sooner the battery will be dead
• Turn off as many electrical devices as possible, and have the system checked without delay

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Brake System Warning Light
• This light serves two purposes
• First, the light reminds you to release the parking brake before moving the vehicle
• Second, if the light comes on while you are pressing eh foot brake, or wile you are driving, it means that part or all of the braking system is not working properly
• If this happens, brake gradually to a stop, have the vehicle towed, and have the problem corrected

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Antilock Braking System Light
• This light tells you the antilock braking system (ABS) is working properly when the light stays off
• ABS keeps the wheels from locking if the driver brakes hard
• If this light comes on, it indicates a problem with the system

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INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Safety Belt Light
• This light reminds you to fasten your safety belt before moving your vehicle

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Air Bag Warning Light
• This light tells you if the air bags are in proper working condition.
• When the ignition is turned on, the air-bag light comes on for a few seconds and then goes off
• If the air bags are not in proper operating condition, the warning light will stay on

INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Turn-Signal Indicators
• These lights tell you the direction you have signaled to turn
• Each indicator is usually a small green arrow that flashes when you signal for a turn
• The arrow stops flashing after you make the turn or when the turn signal is cancelled

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INSTRUMENT PANEL

• High-Beam Indicator
• This light glows when the high-beam headlights are on
• This light usually appears as a small blue light in some area of the instrument panel

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Steering Wheel
• Controls the direction of the front wheels
• Turn right to go right
• Turn left to go left
• Use the same steering procedure when backing the vehicle

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Steering Wheel Adjustment Lever
• Some steering wheels can be tilted up or down for better driving comfort

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Select Lever
• Move the selector lever in an automatic transmission vehicle to choose forward or reverse gear
• This control is located on the steering column or on the console (between the front seats)

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Gear-Shift Lever
• In a stick-shift vehicle, shift gears by moving the shift lever to the desired position.
• This lever is located on the console

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Ignition and Starter Switch
• Start the engine by putting the key into the ignition switch

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Cruise Control
• Optional feature you can have on your vehicle
• A device that lets you maintain your desired speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator
• Tap the foot-brake to cancel cruise control

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Parking Brake
• Keeps the vehicle in place when it is parked
• Located either on the console or the far left of the pedal brake

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Clutch Pedal
• Located to the left of the foot-brake in a stick-shift vehicle
• Pushing this pedal down lets you shift gears manually

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Foot-Brake Pedal
• Pushing down on this pedal slows or stops the vehicle
• Depressing this pedal also turns on the brake lights in the back of the vehicle

VEHICLE CONTROLS

• Accelerator Pedal
• Located to the right of the foot-brake pedal
• Pushing the accelerator down increases speed; releasing it slows the vehicle by coasting

DEVICES FOR SAFETY, COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT

• Head Restraints
• Located in most vehicles on the back of the front seats
• Help to reduce whiplash in a collision

DEVICES FOR SAFETY, COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT

• Inside and Outside Mirrors
• The inside mirror shows the view through the rear window
• The left and right outside mirrors show a view to the left and right rear of your vehicle
• Blind-spots are produced by mirrors so do not completely rely on them when turning
• Always glance over your shoulder before changing lanes
• Signal, Mirror, Blindspot

DEVICES FOR SAFETY, COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT

• Horn
• Turn-Signal Lever
• Located on left side of steering wheel
• Move the lever up to signal right and down to signal left
• The signal stops flashing when the steering wheel is straightened. You might have to cancel a signal manually if the turn is slight.
• Hold the signal up or down lightly to signal a lane change. When released, it will cancel

DEVICES FOR SAFETY, COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT

• Windshield Wipers and Washers
• Usually located on the turn-signal lever
• Sometimes located on the right of the steering wheel
• Operates both the wiper and the washer for the outside of the windshield

DEVICES FOR SAFETY, COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT

• Light Switch
• The light switch is usually a knob or switch located on the left of the instrument panel or on the turn-signal lever
• Controls headlights, taillights, and side-marker lights, as well as the dash board, license plate, and dome light
• The light switch can also change from low to high beams

DEVICES FOR SAFETY, COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT

• Hood Release Lever
• Located on the left and under the dash board
• Pull this lever to release the hood
• You will need to operate a second release in the front of the vehicle before the hood will open

DEVICES FOR SAFETY, COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT

• Heater, Air Conditioner, and Defroster
• Warm or cool the inside of vehicle
• Defroster keeps the windshield and windows free from moister
• Some vehicles have a separate switch for a rear-window defroster

DEVICES FOR SAFETY, COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT

• Sun Visor
• Located above the windshield
• Pull the visor down or to the side, to help cut glare from bright sun

DEVICES FOR SAFETY, COMMUNICATION AND COMFORT

• Seat Adjustment Lever
• Usually located at the lower front or left side of the driver’s seat
• Electric controls are usually on the lower left side of the driver’s seat

REVIEW 3-1

• What warnings do the temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and brake system lights give you?
• What is the purpose of the ignition and starter switch?
• Why must you not rely on what your rearview mirrors show you?

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GETTING READY TO DRIVE

3-2

3-2 OBJECTIVES

• List in order the checks you make when preparing to drive
• Describe how to enter a vehicle from the street
• Describe the correct positioning of the seat and outside rearview mirrors

GETTING READY TO DRIVE

• Before sitting behind the wheel you should follow certain checks and procedures
• People who just get into a vehicle and drive away, with little thought or concern for themselves or others, are demonstrating high risk driving behaviors
• Inspect your vehicle and the area around it
• Be alert for small children near your vehicle

OUTSIDE CHECKS

• Walk around your vehicle with keys in hand and look for objects in the path you intend to take. Also look for water or oil marks under the vehicle
• Glance at the tires to see they are inflated properly
• Notice the direction the front wheels are pointed. If they are not pointed straight ahead, your vehicle will go the to the left or right as soon as you begin to drive
• Make sure the windshield, windows, headlights, and taillights are clear. If windows are covered with snow or ice, clear them completely. Do not clear off just enough for a “peephole.”
• Check the back window ledge for loose objects. Remove any objects before driving
• Look inside the vehicle to be sure you do not have unwanted passengers

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GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE

• If you enter your vehicle from the street side, have your keys in hand ready to unlock the door. If you use a key fob, unlock the vehicle before you walk into the street
• Walk around the front of the vehicle toward the back. You then can see oncoming traffic and reduce the risk of being hit. Do not open the door if an oncoming vehicle is near
• Get in quickly, close the door, and lock it. Put the key in the ignition

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INSIDE CHECKS

• Lock all doors. Locked doors are less likely to fly open in a collision
• Adjust the seat for comfort and best control of foot pedals and steering wheel. Sit with your back firmly against the back of the seat. Sit high enough to see over the steering wheel. Adjust the seat so you are at least 10 inches from the hub of the wheel to avoid injury in a crash
• Your hands should be in a balanced, comfortable position on the steering wheel with your elbows slightly bent. Reach for the accelerator and brake pedal with your right foot to judge a comfortable distance. Your knees should be slightly bent
• Adjust the head restraint to the top of your head. Tilt it toward your head so there is only 1 inch or less between your head the head rest

INSIDE CHECKS

• Adjust the inside rearview mirror so it shows the area behind you through the rear window
• Adjust the left and right outside rearview mirrors so they show a slight amount of the sides of the vehicle
• Fasten your safety belt and ask all passengers to fasten theirs

REVIEW 3-2

• What outside checks should you make before entering the vehicle?
• Why should you walk around the front of the vehicle when entering from the street side?
• What is the correct way to position the driver’s seat and mirrors of your vehicle?

DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

3-3

OBJECTIVES 3-3

• Explain the use of each gear
• Describe the procedure for starting an automatic transmission
• List the steps for putting an automatic transmission vehicle in motion
• Tell the correct procedure to follow when leaving an automatic transmission vehicle from the street side

SELECTOR-LEVER POSITIONS

• Shift Indicator
• Located on the instrument panel , steering column, or the console to the right of the driver

SELECTOR-LEVER POSITIONS

• Park
• This gear locks the transmission
• Click here to see/read article
• Shift to park every time you stop driving
• NEVER shift to park when the vehicle is moving!!
• In most vehicles you can only remove the key from the ignition when the lever is in park

SELECTOR-LEVER POSITIONS

• Reverse
• This gear is used for backing
• ALWAYS come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse. Expensive damage to the transmission can result from shifting to reverse when the vehicle is moving forward
• White backup lights come on when in reverse

Source: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/gs-3rd-gen-2006-2011/246832-pix-of-led-reverse-light-215162_1690832769135_1787237446_1114534_8086801_n.jpg

SELECTOR-LEVER POSITIONS

• Neutral
• This position allows the wheels to roll without engine power
• If the engine stalls while you are driving, shift to neutral (NOT TO PARK) to restart the engine

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Source: http://www.aggressivecars.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/r8-559e6b82089dc.jpg

Source: http://mindomondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ag_08vue_shifter.jpg

SELECTOR-LEVER POSITIONS

• Drive
• This position is for moving forward
• To keep your vehicle from “jumping” forward, keep firm pressure on the brake pedal when you shift into drive
• Many vehicles are equipped with overdrive, shown by a “D”
• At speeds of 40-45 mph the vehicle automatically shifts into overdrive. This saves fuel and can be used for all normal forward driving

Source: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRiB7TFFWag/VGCPvin7TII/AAAAAAAAD44/g6EAvt7R6ZQ/s1600/overdrive-main-switch.jpg

SELECTOR-LEVER POSITIONS

• Low (L1 and L2, or 1 and 2)
• These positions allow the engine to send more power to the wheels at lower speeds.
• Both positions are for slow, hard pulling and for going up and down steep hills
• Low 2 is used when driving in snow
• Use Low 1 when going up or down very steep grades and when pulling heavy loads

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STARTING THE ENGINE

• Starting a vehicle with automatic transmission
• Make sure the park brake is set
• Make sure the car is in the parking gear
• Keep your foot off the accelerator
• Turn the ignition switch to on. Continue turning the key to start the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts
• Check the gauges, warning lights, and fuel supply
• NEVER try to start the engine when it is already running. MAJOR DAMAGE!!
• Press lightly on the accelerator so you will know whether or not the engine is running

HAND POSITIONS FOR CONTROLLED STEERING

• Controlled steering involves a comfortable and balanced hand position on the steering wheel
• To avoid injury from an air bag keep your hands between the 9 and 3 o’clock position or the 8 and 4 o’clock position
• Always keep your knuckles outside the rim of the steering wheel (and thumbs)

STEERING THE VEHICLE

• Begin your steering practice by picking a target far out in the distance
• A target is a stationary object that appears in the distance in the center of your path of travel
• Look far ahead to identify clues and hazards that could cause conflicts
• Keeping the vehicle going straight requires slight but critical steering corrections
• Avoid looking directly in front of your vehicle
• Do not use the road lines as guides when you practice steering
• Won’t be able to see far into the distance making these mistakes

PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION

• Follow these steps in the same order each time you move your vehicle
• Press firmly on the foot brake
• Move the selector lever to drive
• Release the parking brake while still pressing the foot-brake pedal
• Check for traffic ahead and in rearview mirrors. Look over your left shoulder to see if a vehicle is approaching from the rear
• If you are going to move away from the right curb, use the left turn signal to alert other drivers. Check mirrors again
• When you know the roadway is clear, release the foot-brake pedal and press gently on the accelerator to increase speed smoothly
• Quickly check gain over your left shoulder for traffic
• Cancel the signal, if necessary
• As you reach your desired speed, let up a little on the accelerator. Adjust your speed to traffic

PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION

• For best control of the brake pedal and accelerator, rest the heel of your foot on the floor. This position lets you pivot the front part of your foot back and forth between the two pedals as you drive

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Driving an Automatic Transmission

STOPPING THE VEHICLE

• Check traffic in both mirrors before slowing down
• Let up on the accelerator
• Tap the foot brake lightly
• Gradually press down on the foot-brake pedal. Ease up on the brake just before stopping. Leave the selector lever in drive if you plan to start moving again immediately. Otherwise shift to park.

SECURING THE VEHICLE

• Once you have stopped, continue pressing the foot brake
• Shift to park in an automatic or to reverse in a stick shift vehicle
• Set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories. Close all windows
• Turn off the ignition switch. Remove the key. Release the foot brake
• Unfasten your safety belt
• Lock all doors

LEAVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE STREET SIDE

• Check inside and outside mirrors
• Make sure you have your keys
• Glance over your left shoulder before opening the door
• When it is safe, open the door and get out quickly
• Make sure all doors are locked. Walk around the rear of the vehicle to reduce your risk of being hit

3-3 REVIEW

• What is the purpose of each gear in an automatic transmission?
• How do you start an automatic transmission vehicle?
• How do you put an automatic transmission vehicle in motion?
• What procedure do you follow when leaving the vehicle?

DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION

3.4

3.4 OBJECTIVES

• List the procedures for starting a stick-shift vehicle.
• Tell the correct procedure for moving a stick-shift vehicle in first gear
• Explain the procedure for stopping from higher gears
• Define downshifting and explain its purpose

DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION

• You must learn how to coordinate using the clutch with the accelerator and gear shift lever.
• The key to mastering stick shift driving is to engage the clutch smoothly and control the friction point.
• The friction point is where you feel the engine take hold and the vehicle starts to move

SELECTOR-LEVER POSITIONS

• Most stick shift vehicles have either a four-speed or a five-speed, sometimes even a six-speed.
• Reverse is usually in the upper-left corner, or in the lower-left or right corner
• Fourth gear is used for highway driving and fifth gear is used for speeds over 45 or 50 mph
• These gears save fuel because they allow the engine to run slower at any speed

USING STICK SHIFT GEARS

• Neutral (N) This position is the crossbar of the pattern.
• Use this gear when standing still or starting the engine
• First (1) Use first gear to start the vehicle moving to a forward speed of 10 to 15 mph.
• Used first gear to pull heavy loads and when driving up or down steep hills

USING STICK SHIFT GEARS

• Second (2) Use second gear to accelerate to a speed of 15 to 25 mph
• Use second gear to accelerate to a speed of 15 to 25 mph.
• Use second gear also for hills or driving on snow of ice
• Third (3) Use third gear to accelerate to speeds of 25 to 40 mph
• Fourth (4) In a fourth-speed transmission, use fourth gear for highway driving
• Fifth (5) In a five-speed transmission, use fifth gear to drive at speeds over 45 or 50 mph
• Reverse (R) This gear is used for backing. Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving forward

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USING THE CLUTCH

• Always press the clutch pedal to the floor before starting the engine, before shifting, or before coming to a stop
• DO NOT develop the habit of RIDING THE CLUTCH!!!!!
• That means resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving
• This habit causes clutch wear and can lead to expensive repairs

Driving a Standard Transmission

STARTING THE ENGINE

• Be sure the parking brake is set
• Press the clutch pedal to the floor with your left foot
• Put the gear-shift lever in neutral
• Turn on ignition switch and check warning lights
• Turn the key forward until the engine starts, then release it

PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION

• Press the clutch pedal to the floor
• Move the gear-shift lever to first
• Depress the foot brake and release the parking brake
• Use the turn signal to alert other drivers
• Check traffic ahead and in rearview mirrors. Check your blind spot
• If the roadway is clear, accelerate gently and gradually and release the clutch slowly to the friction point. Releasing the clutch suddenly causes the vehicle to jerk forward or stall the engine
• Hold the clutch momentarily at the friction point until the vehicle starts to move
• Continue gradual acceleration, and let the clutch up all the way.

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SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND

• At about 10-15 mph
• Press the clutch down and release the accelerator at the same time
• Move the gear-shift lever to second. Pause slightly as you go across neutral into second
• This action helps you shift more smoothly
• Accelerate gently as you slowly release the clutch. Hesitate briefly at the friction point, then release the clutch all the way

STOPPING FROM FIRST, SECOND, OR REVERSE

• Check traffic in mirrors
• Press the clutch pedal down while releasing accelerator
• Tap the brake pedal lightly to signal for a stop
• Press the foot brake gently to a stop
• Shift to neutral when stopped

SHIFTING TO THIRD, FOURTH, AND FIFTH

• Press the clutch down
• Release the accelerator
• Shift to the desired gear. Do not hurry the shift or you may shift to the wrong gear
• Accelerate gradually while releasing the clutch smoothly

DID YOU KNOW?

• There is no one correct speed for shifting from one gear to another. Speed for each gear depends on engine power and type of transmission. As you drive different stick-shift vehicle, you will develop a feel for proper accelerating and shifting in each one.

STOPPING FROM HIGHER GEARS

• When stopping from third, fourth, or fifth, slow down before depressing the clutch. The engine helps slow the vehicle.
• Check the mirrors for traffic
• Let up on the accelerator
• Tap the brake to signal a stop
• Brake to about 15 to 20 mph
• Press the clutch pedal down
• Brake to a smooth stop
• Shift to Neutral when stopped

DOWNSHIFTING

• Downshifting means shifting from a higher to a lower gear
• The engine has greater pulling power in lower gears than in higher ones
• If you have slowed below 30 mph in FOURTH gear, or if you are going uphill, you must downshift to third in order to regain speed
• Press the clutch pedal down and shift to third. Accelerate gradually while releasing the clutch
• Accelerate to over 30 mph. Press the clutch pedal and shift back to fourth gear. If you are going uphill, you may have to stay in third gear longer.

REASONS TO DOWNSHIFT

• For added control, as when slowing before a sharp turn.
• Be sure to downshift before starting the turn because you need both hands ready to steer through the turn
• To gain extra power when climbing long or steep hills
• Use a lower gear to go down long or steep hills to prevent wear on the brakes

3-4 REVIEW

• What is the procedure for starting a stick shift vehicle?
• What are the steps for moving a stick shift vehicle in first gear?
• What steps should you follow when stopping from higher gears?
• What is meant by downshifting and for what reasons might you downshift?

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