tow/haul mode

[sedin]

I just went from a 2001 2500 to a 2005 2500 quad cab. I, and most sales as well as service people I spoke to were very surprised to discover that the 48re auto transmission DOES NOT lock out overdrive when tow/haul is activated. I am glad dodge has the confidence to allow max loads to be pulled in OD, but I think that I should also have the option to remain in third. Anyone know why dodge did this?

 

[JimBob24]

Is that something new with the 2005? My 04. 5 with the 48RE locks out OD in the TOW/HAUL mode. I checked the manual to be sure and that is what is says too.

 

[p-Bar]

My 04. 5 locks out of overdrive also.

 

[BHolm]

Yep, the '05s are different. My '03s lock out OD but the '05 doesn't. The manual states that a "grade braking" feature now exists. I have tried it out and it is a pretty sad excuse for grade braking, especially having come from an Allison. It will drop from 4-3 under pretty firm braking on a grade but it doesn't seem very intent on giving you much engine braking. I don't recall it staying in third above 2000 rpms or so. The tow/haul does change shift points when climbing though. With T/H on going uphill you get a nice early convertor lock-up which stays that way under heavy throttle from about 35-55 mph. It even holds third locked up if you are on a winding road. I was actually very impressed by this part of its function. I would like grade braking that actually works or the ability to lock out the OD. Seems like they keep getting closer, they just can't quite get all the features working at once

 

[hasselbach]

i wonder if I can reprogram my 04. 5 to the 05 features?

 

[p-Bar]

I would tjink they could reprogram the 4. 5's for this. May be part of the jake brake program

 

[thejeepdude]

I would tjink they could reprogram the 4. 5's for this. May be part of the jake brake program

Possibly, but remember that '05 is the first year for fully electronic controlled drivetrain... no kick down cable or anything but wires going from the accel pedal. That said, I will bet that when the exhaust brake approval comes out and they are offering the flash for that, it will improve transmission behavior overall while towing. I'm not sure if the 04. 5 and the 05 will take the same programming. I'm pretty happy with my '05, but there's always room for improvement!

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

New converter?

Doesn't it sound like Dodge slipped in a new converter and vb on us? How else could it take a max load?