View Single Post
  #6  
Old 06-11-2009, 03:16 PM
MitchF150 MitchF150 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Puyallup, WA
Vehicle: 1997 Ford F150
Posts: 3,161
Just to add to what Darrin commented about 'what to do if you find it's unlocked'....

In my experience with that same scenario (up a hill in third, TC unlocks) I find that the hill is just enough to not maintain speed in third, so I will press the gas pedal gradually to see if I can get the rpms up to a point where the comp will signal a lockup again... But, what usually happens is that if this is occurring in the first place, the engine isn't producing enough torque at it's current rpm range to hold it locked anyway... So, the trans will downshift to 2nd.. Now, you have plenty of rpms to hold speed AND stay locked, albeit in 2nd gear now...

I'd rather be in locked second, pulling higher rpms then in unlocked third pulling lower rpms.. If you have a trans temp gauge, you'll know why!

Gas engines ain't like diesels, so they need rpms to get into their torque range to get you up that hill..

Hope that helps!

Mitch
__________________
97 F150 XLT 4x4 Super Cab 5.4. 200,000 miles, trans code "E" (E4OD). 3.55 LS, LT265/75/16 WILDCAT RADIAL AT's. Autometer Water/Trans temp gauges.
Reply With Quote