Quote:
Originally Posted by gruntx30
I don't worry too much about the speed going up hill, but watch my RPM, however, what concerns me is the speed and control coming down that 6 or 7 % grade.
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At last years FROG Rally in Goshen IN. the Ford Expert talked about proper use of the Tow Haul Mode.
1. When to use is going down steep grades.
2. How to activate it.
3. Trust it when going down hills as it will not allow you to blow up your engine. He said it may seem to be at a high rpm but it will not allow the transmission or engine to blow up. I have used it towing down very very steep and long grades and it works.
The Ford brochure says this:
Tow/Haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/Haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
Grade braking downshifts occur automatically when:
• positive vehicle acceleration (natural acceleration from driving on a
decline) is sensed.
• nearly all pressure is released from the accelerator pedal.
• a minimum amount of time has expired since the last grade braking
downshift.
Grade braking downshift mode is immediately exited if the Tow/Haul
mode is deactivated or if the accelerator pedal is depressed beyond a
minimum threshold.
To deactivate the Tow/Haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
Here is a document that he handed out to help understand and use the Ford Tow Haul Mode.