Interpretation ID: nht92-6.2

DATE: June 22, 1992

FROM: Trevor J. Buttle -- Project P4

TO: Office of Chief Council, U.S. DOT

TITLE: Our Ref 1547; Your Fax No. 0101 202 366 2106; Re: FMVSS 102, Transmission Lever Shift Sequences

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 8/1/92 (est) from Paul J. Rice to Trevor Buttle (A39; Std. 101; Std. 102)

TEXT:

I am responsible for certification of a passenger vehicle being developed with a view to U.S.A. export in 2-3 years.

Could you please advise on the following concern relating to S3.1.4 of the above standard:

o The (transmission shift lever position) information is to be "displayed in view of the driver". - S3.1.4.1. I believe this relates to the 95% eye range contour, hence requiring a display on or near to the instrument binacle. Is this correct, or (as seems to be the current practice for some auto makers) is the floor shift identification sufficient? This query relates to auto and manual transmission.

o Could you also clarify whether the display should be permanently illuminated for night usage (again, some auto makers have opted to make this facility switchable).

Your assistance with these issues would be greatly appreciated.