1. Basic Vehicle Operation
Chapter 3
Basic Vehicle Operation

2. Controls, Devices, and Instruments
3.1
Controls, Devices, and Instruments

3. Vocabulary Shift Lever Shift Indicator Mirror’s Blind Spot Tachometer
Odometer
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Key Fob
Target
Braking Point
Wheel Lock-Up
Transmission
Clutch
Semi-Automatic Transmission

4. Vehicle Controls Steering wheel Steering wheel adjustment
Selector lever
Gear shift lever
Ignition switch
Cruise control
Parking brake
Brake pedal
Accelerator pedal

5. Shift Indicator Positions
Shift Indicator-shows the gear positions of an automatic transmission.
P-Park…Locks the transmission
R-Reverse…gear used for backing up
N-Neutral…vehicle rolls with no power
D-Drive…position for moving forward
L-Low Gears…allows engine to send more power to wheels

6. Devices for Safety, Communication, and Comfort
Safety Belts-protection from injury
Head Restraint-padded devices on back of seats
Inside/Outside Mirrors-allows better vision and more information for the driver
Horn-allows for better communication while behind the wheel

7. Devices… Hazards-turn lights flash at same time
Turn Signal-indicate intent to turn
Windshield Wipers-used when it rains
Light Switch-turns on internal lights
Hood Release-releases hood for work
HVAC-Heater and AC control inside Temperature
Sun Visor-blocks sun rays
Seat Adjustment Lever-Moves seat back and forth for short or tall people

8. Instrument Panel Speedometer Tachometer Odometer Fuel Gauge
Temperature light/gauge
Oil Pressure light/gauge
Alternator light/gauge
Brake system light
ABS light
Safety belt light
Airbag light
Turn signal indicators
High-beam indicator

9. 3.2
Getting Ready to Drive

10. Introduction Must check around your vehicle before getting in
Circle of safety
Look around and underneath

11. Outside Checks Objects in path Stains Tires
Windshield, windows, headlights, and tail-lights
Back window ledge
Inside for unwanted passengers

12. Getting In the Vehicle Have keys ready Approach from front
Get in quickly

13. Inside Checks Lock doors Adjust the seat Adjust the wheel
10 inches
Adjust the wheel
Head restraint
Mirrors
Seat belts

14. Starting, Stopping, Steering, and Targeting
3.3
Starting, Stopping, Steering, and Targeting

15. Starting the Engine In park Fuel Injection – keep foot off accelerator
Turn ignition switch to on
Check gauges, warning lights, and fuel supply

16. Hand Position Clock Face 9/3 to 8/4
Keep hands on outside of wheel at all times

17. Steering Target Slight steering correction
Fixed object in distance, in center of path
Slight steering correction
Always Use Hand Over Hand (HOH) Steering for major turns and Hand To Hand (HTH) Steering when making minor steering changes
Always wear seat belts

18. Putting the Vehicle in Motion
Press on foot brake
Move selector to Reverse/Drive
Check for traffic
Signal
Ease off brake, until you are ready to accelerate
Cancel signal
Adjust speed
Always come to a full stop before shifting into another gear

19. Acceleration Control
Accelerate smoothly and gently only after taking your foot off the brake.
Allow vehicle to idle and begin to take off, then add a smooth transition by gently accelerating to desired speed.

20. Stopping the Vehicle Check traffic Let off accelerator
Begin braking gently
Full stop

21. Securing the Vehicle After full stop, shift into Park
Turn off all accessories
Roll Up Windows
Turn off ignition, and remove the key
Seat belt

22. Leaving the Vehicle Check mirrors Make sure you have keys
Left head check
Get out
Lock Doors
Walk around back of vehicle

23. 3.4 Driving With Manual Transmission
-Transmission-converts engine speed into power to turn the wheels
-Clutch-connects the rotating engine shaft to the gears in the transmission

24. Advantages/Disadvantages of Manual Transmission
Fuel Economy
Only 1 Hand on Steering Wheel
Gear Shifting Mistakes

25. Semi-Automatic Transmission
“Clutchless Manual Transmission”
Clutch is replaced with electronics that allow the driver to shift gears manually by moving a shift lever.