Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Shifting Automatic into netrual

[IWeiny]

OK, I don't think this is possible but I would like to do it. I have a 99 Auto with the Suncoast, full trany. A lot of times in traffic I pull it down into 1st and just cruise along. But in heavy traffic I have to stop once in a while. This new trany is so good (ie tight) that I really have to use a lot of brake to get it stopped with it in gear. So I shift it up into netrual often when I am down about 3-5 MPH. What sucks about this is that I run the risk, or should I say, I have accidentally put it in reverse when I am not really paying attention. (I only did it once... ;-) )



What would be nice is a button/switch which I could press and put the trany in netrual while the gear shifter is still in 1st. I was even thinking a floor "high beam" switch would be perfect. Kind of like a clutch but I would have to think about the consequenses of accidentaly pressing it.



Anyway, I think the 99 is still a mechanical shifting auto so, I probably can not do this...



But I thought I would ask and maybe see what others are doing; Just using the brakes I suppose.



PS. I know I should have gotten a manual, I was young and stupid and now I am old and broke... ;-)

 

[lmills]

Their is no way to do it with a switch. Even the newer 47re and 48re transmission is not capable of it. The computer totally controls the shift patterns, but the linkage has the final say in most situations. Definitely when it comes to hitting neutral

 

[Chipstien]

You should not be able to go into Reverse without pulling the lever towards you. If you just push straight up the lever will stop at Neutral and not go farther (without pulling it towards you).

 

[Bob Wagner]

that is part of owning a tight convertor, but I still love my 91

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I do the same (Most of the time I am locked up in 2nd gear using the smart controller so the converter will unlock itself @ anything under 17 Mph) However I have been known to hang out in nutral to save unnessecary trans heat.

 

[MCummings]

If you push the shifter towards the middle of the windshield, you shouldn't have the problem with putting the truck into "race" while still rolling forwards.



Merrick

 

[RichB59]

neutral

I shift mine into neutral at long traffic lights ect. I read a post some time ago from Bill K. of DTT recommending it to save wear and tear on the transmission. Just gotta be cautious and think when doing it.



RichB

 

[tbrudder]

Been a while since I drove an auto, but when I did, I shifted it into Neutral same as the guys above say--just don't pull back. Try putting your hand on the front of the shifter, palm out with the heel slightly under the lever, and push up and slightly forward. No way it's going into R, unless the gate is loose, or you push really hard/fast. Should only need to pull back going from P to R, and D to a lower gear, or N to R, R to P.



This worked pretty well on the Ram Van I used to drive--nice and smooth. The SuperDuties' shifters seemed less solid, though, so I didn't really feel like pushing them that way.



Just an observation from a guy whose left foot gets bored if it doesn't have something to play with besides the parking brake, so take it with a grain of salt.



--Ty

 

[IWeiny]

Thanks so much for the replies. I kinda figured it was not posible. I will try the pushing forward when I shift. My buddy was riding along with me the other day and he said "Your going to wear that thing out" (refering to the shifter)...



I call it my manual auto any more... Thanks for the info.

 

[DLBurns]

Suncoast

Ira,

I also shift into neutral around town at stop lights. I was taking my Fifth wheel to the shop today and hit every light from Coyote to Phelan on Monterey Rd. Trans temp was starting to creep so I just stuck it in neutral and no worries.

This thing is so tight that it jerks the crap out of me when I shift back into gear

Dave

 

[IWeiny]

Works GREAT!

Thanks for the tip guys. Pushing gently forward on the shifter leaves me in N every time. As long as I don't jam it and break the little stop in there I should be ok.



Thanks so much...



Yea BUFF it sure does jerk me around. Luckily I don't have to commute in the truck. I have a little beater for that. I still worry about wearing it out but I guess when that time comes I get a NEW truck...



Thanks again, you guys are great,