Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Changing gears in automatic when towing?

[danmcguire]

If you are towing a heavy load with an automatic, does it help at all to shift the transmission into 1st and then 2nd, etc. when starting from 0 mph as opposed to just leaving in in "D" and letting the transmission do it's "thing"? I always start out locked out of Overdrive and then shift into it at about 50 mph.

 

[scotmartin]

I am moving this to the transmission/ engine forum. I hope this helps.



Scot

 

[bmoeller]

I usually do, to raise the line pressure. Shifts are more firm that way, no sloppy. Haven't towed with the new transmission yet, so don't know if I will continue to do that or not.