§ 86.1228-85 - Transmissions.

(a) All test conditions, except as noted, shall be run in a manner representative of in-use operation, and where appropriate, according to the manufacturer's recommendation to the ultimate purchaser.

(b) Except for the first idle mode, idle modes less than one minute in length shall be run with automatic transmissions in “Drive” and the wheels braked; manual transmissions shall be in gear with the clutch disengaged, except first idle. The first idle mode and idle modes longer than one minute in length shall be run with automatic transmissions in “Neutral,” and manual transmissions shall be in “Neutral” with the clutch engaged (clutch may be disengaged for engine start-up).

(c) The vehicle shall be driven with minimum accelerator pedal movement to maintain the desired operation.

(d) Accelerations shall be driven smoothly according to the manufacturer's recommendation to the ultimate purchaser. For manual transmissions, the operator shall accomplish each shift with minimum time. If the vehicle cannot accelerate at the specified rate, the vehicle shall be operated at maximum available power until the vehicle speed reaches the value prescribed for that time in the driving schedule.

(e) For those deceleration modes which decelerate to zero, manual transmission clutches shall be depressed when the speed drops below 15 mph (24.1 km/hr), when engine roughness is evident, or when engine stalling is imminent.