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Old 06-25-2015, 06:13 PM   #1
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Using the override off function when towing.

Just got a deal on an '01 Ram 2500 with 79K miles. That's right 79K original miles. My question is do I use the override off switch while towing or is it really necessary?
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Old 06-25-2015, 07:11 PM   #2
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If you mean the (tow haul mode). Most use it. Myself included.
The manufacture put it there for a reason. So I figure they know more about it then I do.
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Old 06-25-2015, 07:38 PM   #3
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on thee 01 ram there is only a lock out button for the torque converter I would not use it on min unless the trans started seeking a different gear a lot. No harm if you lock it out while towing.
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Old 06-25-2015, 07:47 PM   #4
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The only time I use the tow/haul function is when I am in a situation where the transmission is downshifting a lot. in city traffic or climbing a hill from a flat stop. Otherwise I run in overdrive and use the cruise control when on an open road. My truck has a little over 141,000 miles on it and so far I haven't had any problems with this way of driving.
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Old 06-25-2015, 07:50 PM   #5
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Evidently that function must be different then what is called---tow haul mode?
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Old 06-25-2015, 07:52 PM   #6
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I use the Tow Mode, and keep the shifter in 4th, to prevent Overdrive. I figure the little extra it costs me in gas gives me better control, and lowers the likelihood of transmission failure. Yes, I've tried it in OD, and it works, but I don't think it's worth the risk.
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Old 06-25-2015, 08:38 PM   #7
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I'll use mine in hilly areas because the transmission will downshift going downhill quicker in tow mode. I'll also use mine if I'm in town with a lot of stop lights or when I enter an Interstate highway so the truck won't shift up as soon. Other than that, I let mine cruise around in 6th gear.
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Old 06-25-2015, 09:20 PM   #8
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Tow haul does not prevent OD from kicking in. It optimizes the shift points for the load being hauled. Only time I might turn it off is if traveling slow thru town for example and engine stays in a lower gear. Nice feature with some trucks is engine braking when in tow haul mode.
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Old 06-26-2015, 05:06 AM   #9
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A friend of ours decided not to use tow mode when he had a truck and trailer and the transmission went on his truck. Not sure if that caused the problem, but it could have.

We always use it when towing.
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Old 06-27-2015, 04:55 AM   #10
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I have the 00 Ram with factory tow package. My owners manual states to tow only in the OD off mode. DO NOT tow in overdrive. I figured if that's what the manual states that's what I will do. Tow at 60 mph been towing with it off since I got it like instructed, engine and tranny doing just fine
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Old 06-27-2015, 07:25 AM   #11
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Bingo!

As soon as I hook up my 5th, I select Tow Haul, and the Heavy Tow Setting on my EFI Live. Tow Haul "optimizes" the engine-to-transmission speeds as Tim stated below. 6th gear hauling - not a chance - this may cause the engine to "lug" and force unnecessary tranny shifting.....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim D View Post
Tow haul does not prevent OD from kicking in. It optimizes the shift points for the load being hauled. Only time I might turn it off is if traveling slow thru town for example and engine stays in a lower gear. Nice feature with some trucks is engine braking when in tow haul mode.
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Old 06-27-2015, 09:17 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bdwillie View Post
I have the 00 Ram with factory tow package. My owners manual states to tow only in the OD off mode. DO NOT tow in overdrive. I figured if that's what the manual states that's what I will do. Tow at 60 mph been towing with it off since I got it like instructed, engine and tranny doing just fine
Does your truck have a "tow haul" mode? If not, then you are correct that towing in OD is not recommend. If you do have tow haul then you are ok in "D". It is designed to change the shift points as needed. You do have to remember to select it every time the key is turned off and on.
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Old 06-27-2015, 09:08 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bdwillie View Post
I have the 00 Ram with factory tow package. My owners manual states to tow only in the OD off mode. DO NOT tow in overdrive. I figured if that's what the manual states that's what I will do. Tow at 60 mph been towing with it off since I got it like instructed, engine and tranny doing just fine
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Old 06-29-2015, 10:18 PM   #14
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Being a die-hard Ram owner and having owned 7 of them, it really depends on the model year. 00' through 07.5, you have the "OD Off" button on the shifter. This locked out overdrive. After 07.5, "Tow/Haul" feature was added and this does not lock out overdrive. It simply changes the shift points.

By not using the "OD Off", the truck under heavy load will hunt and seek, which causes the transmission module to go haywire and typically burn out. This ultimately resulted in transmission failure.

On my current diesel TV, I select "Tow/Haul", exhaust brake on, and I use the +/- selector on the shifter to lock out 6th gear. I see an average of 2-3 more miles per gallon (13-15 MPG). I watch my transmission, oil and coolant temps very closely when towing. If my transmission temps climbs above 180, then I need to adjust accordingly.
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