Can the 14-speed transmission be used without the half-gear?
2 Answers
14-speed transmission can be used without the half-gear as long as the clutch is properly engaged. The specific introduction of the 14-speed transmission is as follows: 1. 14-speed transmission: The 14-speed transmission has a front auxiliary high-low half-gear switch and a rear auxiliary high-low gear switch on the gearshift lever. Through the high-low gear switch in front of the gearshift lever, gears 1, 2, 3, and 4 can be switched in the low-gear range, and gears 5, 6, and 7 can be switched in the high-gear range. The other 7 gears require the half-gear switch on the left side of the gearshift lever. The half-gear switch divides each forward gear into high and low half-gears. Combining the high-low gear with the half-gear switch forms 14 gears in total. 2. Summary of 14-speed transmission operation: Switching gears within the same gear range only requires toggling the half-gear switch without moving the gearshift lever; the high-low gear switch is only used when switching between the 4/5 gear range.
I've been driving trucks for over a decade, mainly those with 14-speed transmission systems. To be honest, it's entirely possible to operate without using the splitter gear. When driving on flat roads or with empty loads, simply shifting between the main gears is sufficient, saving you the hassle of constantly toggling that splitter switch. I've tried this approach on short hauls, and it feels more relaxed with fewer steps. But here's the catch: when you actually encounter slopes or fully loaded conditions, not using the splitter leaves you with too few gear options. The engine RPM tends to fluctuate wildly, not only burning fuel aggressively but also creating that jarring 'clunk' sensation during gear changes. Over time, this accelerates transmission gear wear, and repair bills aren't cheap. My advice is to develop the habit of using the splitter—it allows precise speed control, protects your vehicle, and saves fuel. Especially on long hauls, these small details determine both efficiency and safety. Don't cut corners just to save a bit of effort—it'll cost you more in the long run.
