Body Builder FAQs | Volvo Trucks USA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I-Shift RMPTO be operated during Crawler Gear usage?

For the AMT 13 and 14 Speed Transmissions the Crawler Gears are mounted forward of the Transmission Main Case which in turn drives the transmission input shaft. This design will reduce the PTO Ratio when operated in Crawler Gears 1 or 2 (C1, C2). Should the reduced PTO Speeds affect the PTO Operation for your Application, the recommendation would be to use 1^st or 2^nd gear for PTO operation.

What is the minimum RPM I should operate my PTO, so that my vehicle will perform Regeneration during PTO mode?

Regeneration in PTO Mode - when a vehicle is being operated in PTO mode and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration is commanded, the engine must be run at a speed above the minimum speeds listed in the tables in Body Builder Manual, Section 9, Table of Contents / Regeneration in PTO Mode. The minimum speed setting can be affected by ambient temperature and/or altitude.

Can the I-Shift change gears while transmission mounted PTO is active?

When a I-Shift mounted PTO is engaged, it is only possible to move the truck in one gear (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) – the transmission will not shift gears when the PTO is active. The transmission will not disengage the PTO once it is turned on and recognized by the VECU or TECU via the factory-installed PTO switch.

On Volvo I-Shift, with PTO engaged while in neutral, and then selecting Drive the PTO stops turning. Why?

Remember that the I-Shift is an automated manual transmission with a clutch. With the PTO engaged while in neutral, when selecting Drive, the clutch is released, then the transmission shifts into gear. When the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal and presses the throttle pedal the clutch will reengage and the PTO will start to turn again. The transmission will not shift gears and driver is limited to about 6 MPH.

Our customer chassis has an I-Shift and has a need for moving PTO operation. What PTO is recommended?

I-Shift transmission mounted PTO’s are primarily used for stand-still operation, with the gearbox in neutral. However it is possible to engage PTO in vehicle speeds up to 6 MPH. If the vehicle is to have a moving PTO operation faster than 6 MPH, an I-Shift with a REPTO or FEPTO may be the better choice.

During the body upfit, is programming PTO parameter logic so the truck operates to the customer’s requirements covered by the Volvo warranty?

PTO parameter programming is considered part of the body upfit expense. The selling dealer and/or body builder is responsible for the correct application and/or specification for a vehicle sold to a customer. Vehicle application issues are not covered by the Volvo warranty.

Where do I locate a power, lighting, and ground source for PTO installation?

Utilization of Body Builder connectors ordered and provided by Volvo is strongly recommended as your power source for Body Builder PTO installation and operation. Tapping into wiring harnesses is not recommended as it may affect message transmission within the harness. Tapping into an OEM harness will void the warranty of the harness, should it be incorrectly used to supply power to PTO equipment. Be sure to consult with your local Volvo dealer when ordering trucks to ascertain proper connectors are supplied when the vehicle is manufactured. Ref: Section 3 of the Volvo Body Builder Manual for the different body builder connectors that are offered.

Can I lock which Range my PTO is operated in to stop my drivers from over speeding my equipment?

Yes the I-Shift Transmission has parameters for PTO 1 and PTO 2 operation which will prevent drivers from shifting from Low to High Split:
Split gear for Transmission PTO 1 is P1AO5; 0 = Selectable, 1 = Low Split, 2 = High Split Split gear for Transmission PTO 2 is P1AO6; 0 = Selectable, 1 = Low Split, 2 = High Split