On the instrument panels and other parts of captured
vehicles, there are various words and phrases
which are very likely to puzzle the U.S. soldier. In
translation, however, they will make sense to almost
anyone who has been accustomed to driving U.S.
vehicles.
1. IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS
0--All off except windshield wiper and inspection light.
1--Parking lights on.
2--Headlights and parking lights on.
When the ignition key is withdrawn, only the above are available.
When the ignition key is inserted, the ignition is
switched on, the horn and the turn indicator arm will
work, and also the lights as above.
2. NIGHT-DRIVING SWITCH POSITIONS
O--Night-driving equipment turned off.
H--Screened headlight off; only the distance (convoy) rear light on.
V1--Rear blackout light on, screened headlight weak.
V2--Rear blackout light on, screened headlight medium.
V3--Rear blackout light on, screened headlight bright.
3. WARNING LIGHTS
The ignition light shows red when the ignition is on but the battery is not charging.
The oil pressure warning light shows green until the oil pressure is normal.
When the headlight main beam is "bright," a capital "F" (Fern) is lighted on blue glass.
4. CONTROLS
The control marked "START" is not that of the
starter, but of the starter device in the carburetor.
The control marked "ANLASSER" is the self-starter button.
The control marked "GAS" is the accelerator lever.
The control marked "SPAR" is a hand-accelerator
control.
The control marked "A" (Auf) means that the
gasoline flow is turned on; "Z" (Zu) means that the
gasoline flow is turned off; "R" (RESERVE) means
reserve gasoline.
The radiator (KÜHLER) shutter control marked
"AUF" means open; "ZU" means closed.
The pedal marked "K" or "KUPPLUNG" is the clutch.
The pedal marked "B" or "BREMSE" is the brake.
The gear-lever positions are marked I, II, III, IV,
and so on; "R" or "RÜCKWÄRTS" means reverse;
"G" or "GELÄNDE" means cross-country
under-drive (for further gear reduction).
The auxiliary gear-lever marked "STR" or
"STRASSE" indicates the normal drive (rear wheels
only); "G" or "GEL" indicates the front-wheel drive;
"SW" or "SPILL" engages the winch.
5. TIRE PRESSURES
Tire Pressures are written on the fenders in white.
The figure given should be multiplied by 15 to get the tire pressure in pounds.
6. FILLERS AND DRAIN PLUGS
For grease--red.
For water--white.
For brake-oil--yellow.