Sherman Bird
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2019
- Posts
- 1,567
- Reaction score
- 2,390
- Location
- Houston, Texas
- Ram Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 5.2
I guess I do not understand the inner workings of the transmission
But I am pretty sure if you read the owners manual it will describe that 2 and 1 are to be used for going downhill and for increased power uphill
Even the manual in my 1987 dodge Aries Station Wagon says to use 2 and 1 this way.
The RFE transmission definitely will downshift to hold speed. And with tow haul mode on the transmission actually can read if you are going uphill or downhill.
I would use the transmission to engine brake and to go up the hill in the power.
But I am not a mechanic or an engineer. So take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
It is proper instruction to select a gear one gear lower than you would use to go up to go down a grade.
And you should do this at the top.
If your RPMs are in range...exactly like you would decide with a manual...i would downshift.
And going up the hill, it will keep the transmission from upshifting when you release the gas for a turn etc. And keep the transmission from hunting.
My opinion
If you are accelerating (going uphill) The Computer commands an increase of line pressure, changes the algorithm of TV/Governor pressures because of the increased APP (Accelerator Pedal Position) signal that, with road speed inputs tell the TCM (Transmission Control Module) what extra load is put on the drive line and changes the behavior of the transmission.
When you are going downhill, you are typically at minimum throttle. The TCM sees the minimum APP input and will reduce line pressure. The manual gear selection tells the PCM that you chose this gear and will inhibit any further upshift beyond what ever gear you chose.