Posted by MoparNorm on Monday, July 18, 2005 at 6:39PM :
In Reply to: OT Durango trans question re towing posted by George in NW Michigan on Monday, July 18, 2005 at 9:33AM :
I'm not going to get into the towing debate, that is subjective based upon driver experience and the quality of the trailer, trailer brakes, load stabilizer, hitch type, etc.
However to answer your question, which has gone unanswered, the lock out removes the ability of the trans to shift into overdrive. Most Dodge automatic transmission woes are due to the transmission not being taken out of the overdrive mode at the correct time. Older systems required the driver to engage the overdrive mode, but for the last few years Dodge and Jeep transmissions are ALWAYS in overdrive and the O/D must be turned off for towing or pulling steep grades or heavy loads. Having the "tow" button just reminds you to put the trans into the proper mode. Lugging and straining the trans in overdrive causes a lot more heat and wear and tear than running in 1:1.
MN
Follow Ups: