2006 Tow Haul - Only seems to Engage O/D Off

[LFalconer]

Hi All,

I have noticed over the past 2 weeks that the tow haul engagement sometimes works for tow haul, other times will just go into and O/D off mode. Sometimes cycling the switch back to normal will remedy. Also noticing starting to get erratic shifts, not all the time, but 1-2 then quick to 3, not normal pattern.

I have had the truck since 46K now at 73.5 K had the transmission flushed and filter done at 55K, it was a full flush on a BD type machine, not just a drain and fill with filter.

Any thoughts on what might be going on? I bought the truck from CarMax and have their warranty - it is a $200 at the dodge dealer so wondering if there is a simple fix?

Thanks and Merry Christmas.

Luke

 

[Hoefler]

The 3rd gens had a flash that would make the tow/haul button into a o/d lock out function, but you would loose the modified shifting programing for towing. You could not have both, I was given this option on my 05, I choose to have the tow shift pattern ,instead of just locking out o/d.

 

[cerberusiam]

Since the TH and OD off are controlled by a series of taps on the button and it works right some times, likely the problem is in the button actually making contact twice instead once when oyu want TH.

 

[buzzinghalfdozen24]

My bully dog gt has an OD Lockout setting. My ecm is set up for TH mode, and gt for OD OFF. so I have all three. I dont understand how the TH mode is useful though, it shifts earlier raising my egt's through the food when towing

 

[buzzinghalfdozen24]

Food=roof. Android spell check haha

 

[LFalconer]

Since the TH and OD off are controlled by a series of taps on the button and it works right some times, likely the problem is in the button actually making contact twice instead once when oyu want TH.

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it during driving to see it that may be it. Hopefully just the switch.


Thanks, Luke

 

[mwilson]

In my opinion there would be value in having the dealer hook up to the truck and see what and when the switch is telling the transmission to do. I suspect that it sends one resistance value for tow/haul and another for O/D lock out.

I'm thinking that it will be the switch as well but if these are like a GM you will have to purchase the entire shift handle to get it.

Mike.

 

[AH64ID]

The 3rd gens had a flash that would make the tow/haul button into a o/d lock out function, but you would loose the modified shifting programing for towing. You could not have both, I was given this option on my 05, I choose to have the tow shift pattern ,instead of just locking out o/d.

For the MY06 trucks both were an original option. Press the button once and you got tow/haul, twice and you get OD Off.

My bully dog gt has an OD Lockout setting. My ecm is set up for TH mode, and gt for OD OFF. so I have all three. I dont understand how the TH mode is useful though, it shifts earlier raising my egt's through the roof when towing

Sounds like your tow haul is backwords, the feature is supposed to hold the gears longer keeping the rpms higher.

What year is your truck?

 

[buzzinghalfdozen24]

AH64ID...

My truck is an '05. When I use TH mode, it will lock up at about 50 mph, vs without it on is 55mph. And same in third gear, it locks the converter. Now I suppose it could be "backwards" as you say. I guess I've never looked up the correct operation of the TH mode. That's why I commented on this page, I wanted to see how different people used it.

 

[cerberusiam]

No, its not backwards. The TH will hold 1-2 and 2-3 shift points a little longer but mostly firmer, go to lockup and OD sooner and firmer. TH will also downshift fromm OD sooner to help slow the vehicle.

The quicker lockup and OD can drive the EGT's up if you are light footing it with increased fueling. Just have to drive it harder or lockuout OD.

 

[LFalconer]

No, its not backwards. The TH will hold 1-2 and 2-3 shift points a little longer but mostly firmer, go to lockup and OD sooner and firmer. TH will also downshift fromm OD sooner to help slow the vehicle.

The quicker lockup and OD can drive the EGT's up if you are light footing it with increased fueling. Just have to drive it harder or lockuout OD.

Driving it on and off the last 2 weeks the T/H now seems to work properly again.... My wife has had my truck the last week as her F150 4WD had front end issues with the IWE and stayed in the garage till we could get it fixed... [$1000 later ]

My son has a 2008 F350 Dually 4WD with the V10, the T/H on the Ford Torqshift is very positive, and with the gas motor applies excellent compression braking.... Although 9 mpg in town is a bit expensive

Thanks for the comments,

Luke

 

[p-Bar]

Cerb how good of an idea is to haul a 14k trailer in OD ? thought that was the weak link . thanks

 

[cerberusiam]

The 48RE OD has 6 disks in it, at GCVW and even a little more it is not a problem towing in OD. By the time OD engages the rpms are high enough the line pressure is all in so it engages with max pressure and holds it. As long as you keep it over 1800 rpms there should be no issue. One usually does not hammer the OD with the high TQ towing because one is usually at rpm when it shifts or letting off the throttle. Hammering it with high TQ will raise havoc with the planetary before the disks if the clutch pack and pressures are good.

At 14-15k there are relaly no issues. Its when the GCVW gets pushed over 30k the OD fails. The output shaft gear the planetary runs on is just not large enough to stand the heat and pressure. They will self destruct at those loads just from use.

 

[p-Bar]

The 48RE OD has 6 disks in it, at GCVW and even a little more it is not a problem towing in OD. By the time OD engages the rpms are high enough the line pressure is all in so it engages with max pressure and holds it. As long as you keep it over 1800 rpms there should be no issue. One usually does not hammer the OD with the high TQ towing because one is usually at rpm when it shifts or letting off the throttle. Hammering it with high TQ will raise havoc with the planetary before the disks if the clutch pack and pressures are good.

At 14-15k there are relaly no issues. Its when the GCVW gets pushed over 30k the OD fails. The output shaft gear the planetary runs on is just not large enough to stand the heat and pressure. They will self destruct at those loads just from use.

Thanks Cerb