Transmission temp red-line??

[Choxnpinz]

Just got back from towing about 100 miles. I'm using a 2006 Nissan Titan with tow package (9500# tow capacity) to tow a 5000# JayFeather. The truck only has 26000 miles on it and I *was* using TOW MODE. I noticed that whenever I tow on even the slightest incline, the transmission temp goes to nearly red-line and hovers there, then quickly drops back to normal for a few moments. This cycle repeated itself the entire trip. Should I be taking the thing back to the Nissan dealer for a problem?

Thanks!!

[baseballfanz]

are you towing in 4 or "D"? You should tow in 4

[wanatitan]

I don't have an answer to your question, sorry. What I don't understand is, If you put your truck in "TOW MODE". Why do you have to keep the truck in 4 instead of drive??? Is that not what the tow mode is for?? Sorry if I hyjacked your thread. I think it pertains though.

[Darkblueta]

Tow mode only holds the first 3 gears longer for towing extra weight. It does not keep the transmission from going into overdrive.

[wanatitan]

Got ya thanks!!!!!!!!!! Now back to the problem at hand.

[Choxnpinz]

Unfortunately, I was towing in D. I think that may be the problem, but I also think I'm going to take it in and have the fluid & filter replaced since I am worried that I might have cooked the fluid.

I just found it odd that I towed the camper all last summer with no problems and suddenly on this trip the spiking occurred. Didn't even happen on the way TO the campground, only on the trip home, that's why I figured something might be wrong. Thanks for the replies, folks!!

[Mrhavasu]

I pull a boat that weighs in at 6,000lbs with my 05 armada with the big tow and just left it in drive. Summer temps over 100 and big hills to boot. I did not notice the trans gauge moving. Maybe your gauge is bad, or maybe your to soft on the pedal and it does not downshift? I think these things will unlock the tq converter instead of downshiftng if your real easy on it, and with a lighter load that could happen.

[loufish]

What I don't understand is, If you put your truck in "TOW MODE". Why do you have to keep the truck in 4 instead of drive??? Is that not what the tow mode is for?? Sorry if I hyjacked your thread. I think it pertains though.

You couldn't feel or hear the trans downshifting, or the converter locking, then unlocking?

At 5000 lbs, it takes a pretty flat road with no headwind to keep it in 5th(OD)
I'd be towing in 4th gear all the time...AND downshifting to 3rd on hill before the trans thinks it should.

[desertruner09]

Originally Posted by loufish

At 5000 lbs, it takes a pretty flat road with no headwind to keep it in 5th(OD)
I'd be towing in 4th gear all the time...AND downshifting to 3rd on hill before the trans thinks it should.

I agree, don't let the transmission do the shifting while towing at highway speeds. I tow a 3500 lb TT and I tow in D, but I am make sure that the torque converter locks. If it doesn't lock, I pull it down to 4th. Also don't be afraid to grab 3rd and use all the torque that these engines put out in the 3600 to 4000 rpm range, which also helps to cool the trans. fluid. I've had the engine at 3700 rpm up a hill for 15 minutes in 100+ degree weather, zero problems.

[blindcoyote]

Just reading about towing. Do you recommend driving in 4 when towing for the 2008 Titans as well?

[loufish]

Just reading about towing. Do you recommend driving in 4 when towing for the 2008 Titans as well?

For the OP's trailer, yes...For you it depends on what you're towing...Travel trailers, enclosed trailers and toy haulers are like towing a brick into the wind. A small dirt bike trailer with 3 bikes is different.

If you're at 5000 lbs or more, just run in 4th or drop to 3rd as needed...

[HudsonValleyTitan]

Originally Posted by blindcoyote

Just reading about towing. Do you recommend driving in 4 when towing for the 2008 Titans as well?

The 4th gear towing thing goes for all Titans. Read the owners manual. I think they say anything over a particular weight...I think it was like 2000 LBS. But you can do the trial and error thing....try it in 5th (on FLAT ground only) and see how it tows and where the tranny temp guage is. If it gets hot or you feel it popping in and out of OD, drop it into 4th. You can also drop it into 3rd on long hills but it's not necessary unless maybe you feel it hunting from 3rd to 4th and back. I tow a good size TT and I keep it in 4th except for long flat areas or long slight downhill jaunts.