OD and Tow Mode ???'s

scubastud · 07-21-2005, 04:23 AM

I've read where some people have towed in OD while alot of others have towed in 4th gear. I guess it all depends on the terrain and amount of weight being pulled.

My question is, should you always have the tow mode button pushed irregardless of what gear you are pulling in?

In my application, I'm going to be pulling a 3,500 popup camper in the flat state of Florida. I'm sure I can get away with leaving it in OD but should i have the 'Tow Mode' button depressed?

Thanks

travism · 07-21-2005, 05:20 AM

It wouldn't hurt to have the tow mode pressed, but it doesn't do anything once you are up to speed anyway. It only changes how the tranny shifts as it's going through the gears.

If I were you, I'd turn tow mode on when I started out and then just forget about it. Also, I'd go one way in overdrive (watch your tranny temp guage to be safe) and then come back in 4th. You might be surprised and get better gas mileage with it in 4th. I think if you have the truck loaded up with gear and people you are on the edge of when you should be towing in 4th anyway, even in flat Florida.

Armada · 07-21-2005, 07:44 AM

Tow mode is just to get you going. It holds the tranny in gear just a little longer at light throttle before it upshifts.

Take your own chances by towing in OD. I think it is not good practice to tow any substantial weight with a lock-up torque converter automatic transmission in overdrive. It greatly increases heat build up.

Most manufacturers, including Nissan, recommend to tow in whatever gear is a direct 1:1 ratio between input and output. For us that is 4th. It's just my opinion, but unless you have a tranny temp gauge, it is very risky to tow in OD and not know what your transmission temperature is.

travism · 07-21-2005, 07:47 AM

Yeah, I checked his bio before posting my response and it says he has big tow package, so I assumed he has the tranny temp guage. I agree that if you do not have a tranny temp guage I would always tow in 4th as well.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 07-21-2005, 08:30 AM

I would tow only in 4th myself. I've tested it both ways and 5th made the tranny temp guage go up a bit, but I'm towing a heavier load. Use the TOW MODE though because it doesn't just work to get you going. It changes shift points and will keep the tranny from needlessly hunting between gears when up to speed in 4th.

scubastud · 07-21-2005, 11:03 AM

Thanks for all the replies. You've help me make up my mind.

I'll only be towing in 4th gear with the tow mode on.

What everyone said makes sense and yes I have the tranny gague.

THanks again