Patent ID: 9194487
Filing Date: 2015-11-24
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. An electronic control system for use with a machine, the machine having an engine and an automatic transmission, the automatic transmission having an alternate forward start gear and a lower forward start gear and a lower forward start gear lock out feature which causes the machine to start in the alternate forward starting gear, the electronic control system comprising: at least one sensor for detecting an environmental or machine condition which will inhibit forward movement of the machine to the extent that the machine will have inadequate performance; a transmission electronic controller in communication with the at least one sensor, the engine and the automatic transmission , wherein the transmission electronic controller is configured to receive an output from the at least one sensor, determine that the environmental or machine condition will inhibit forward movement of the machine to the extent that the machine will have inadequate performance, and in response initiate a downshift of the automatic transmission from the alternate forward start gear to the lower forward start gear; and an input device operably connected to the transmission electronic controller to enable an operator to override the lower forward start gear lock out feature so that the machine can start in the lower forward start gear; wherein the lower forward start gear lock out feature is activated when the automatic transmission is set to normal drive mode, and the electronic control system can initiate a downshift of the automatic transmission from the alternate forward start gear to the lower forward start gear while the automatic transmission is set to normal drive mode.