Starting and Operating

[Grieke]

My 2004 Owner's Manual states on page 216 (under Cooling System Tips). To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheating... ... driving up "steep" hills: Select a lower transmission gear, but try and keep the T/C locked!!!

How????

I am getting started to climb a "steep" hill towing my 9600lbs trailer. I am in first gear because the transmission barely makes it into second if I let it happen. 10 - 15 mph in first is a comfortable speed. How is DC suggesting to "keep" my T/C locked?

 

[NSperduto]

I believe pressing the tow/haul button forces the torque converter to stay locked all the time.

 

[jelag]

I drive an 04 manual transmission with the 4:10 rear end... and have no problem with a 20K trailer going up 6% grades at 25 or 30 in 3rd or 4th... ... just hold the tach steady at 2K and let it walk up the hill... .....



What rear end ratio do you have... .



Jim

 

[Grieke]

Jelag, 3. 73 and A/T, starting from "0" m/h up a steep grade. The A/T is nearly burning going through 1st w/o enough road speed to make it into second and then into lock-up.

 

[Briman]

That's the very reason I haven't gotten another auto. I have to tow our trailer up a very steep road to our lot and the coolant temperatures would skyrocket. I suppose due to the fact that the trans cooler is in the radiator. My trailer is around 9. 6K as well. I liked the auto for most other situations but could'nt deal with the heat it generated. Hope you come up with a resolution.

 

[Grieke]

Briman, Yes I have come up with a solution.

What about a T/C that you can lock up at will, just like taking your foot of a manual clutch. What a concept? Now if I can just find a company capable of building it.