Getting 2nd gear TC lockup with the 48RE

[GaryCarter]

I don't recall ever seeing this on the forums- pardon me if it's a duplication.

Doing a fair amount of mountain towing lately, and I've discovered the 48RE will lock up the torque converter in second -but only when the selector is in 2.

It will not lock second in the Drive position, no matter whether you use the tow/haul or not.

While in the 2 position it will lock both under power and coasting.



Do your trans a favor and if you're pulling (or descending) a long winding climb that's too slow to get third, go ahead and put it in 2 and get lockup so it will run cooler.



Now as to why the Dodge programmers didn't allow it to do that in Drive...



Gary

 

[Matt400]

I think yours is not working right. 3 weeks ago I did some gnarley windy grades with 6000 lbs in tow. Speeds were in the 25-35 range. I used tow/haul and "D" on the climbs and 2nd gear locked nicely, in fact it did so well and held lock to a much lower RPM than my 03 that it was very noticeable.



Now on the descents I did use "2nd" however it will down shift from D and into 2nd locked on its own while braking.

 

[MRosinski]

In tow/haul mine will also lock. It's real nice for around town towing.

 

[GaryCarter]

Guess I better get mine checked- which will be a real trick to do at home- it's too flat.



Thanks,

Gary

 

[GaryCarter]

Upon further study, I believe my original post is correct. I bought the 2005 service manual. Quoting from page 21-970 regarding the 2005 48RE:

"The torque converter clutch engages in fourth gear, and in third gear under various conditions,

such as when the O/D switch is OFF, when the vehicle is cruising on a level surface after the vehicle has

warmed up. The torque converter clutch can also be engaged in the MANUAL SECOND gear position if high transmission

temperatures are sensed by the PCM. "



This is exactly as written, I did not emphasize the "MANUAL SECOND"; it is written that way in the manual, so they must have considered that important.



Gary

 

[Bob4x4]

I drove an 06 auto with a jake on it today... ... ..... that backs down hard in 2nd. You would have to hit the go pedal to go down hill



Bob