Hey guys,

My last vehicle was an old 4-speed manual F150, I'm not really used to having an automatic tranny; it sounds pretty stupid since most of the vehicles on the road are equipped with automatic transmissions. So I have a couple stupid questions I hope you guys can help me answer. My gear selector looks something like P-R-N-(D)-D-2-1.

- What would be the purpose of using overdrive (D) over the normal drive D?
- 1 and 2 are for going up long hills, towing, and going through tough mud and snow, right?
- What's the difference between my normal push-button '4X4', and then the 'Low Range' push-button below that?

Sorry, dumb questions, but would appreciate some answers, thank you.

 

Normally just use overdrive. The truck was built to run in that position 95% of the time. 4wd engages all 4 wheels with power at the same gear ratio I do believe as 2wd, but the low adds a multiplier to the 4wd and make the truck have "stump pulling power" Low is just like it sounds, for low speeds, nothing really at any traveling speed (30-40mph is too much IMO). I have never owned a 4wd ranger but I do think these are a decent generalization for you that should help. Also, to get into low the truck will probably have to be in neutral.

 

(D) allows the tranny to go into overdrive at a certain speed (better MPG). No engine braking will occur, use for normal driving

D will not slip into overdrive at all, and will allow the engine to assist in what is called engine braking. Use this for towing or when carrying heavy loads.

Possibly, but only if your going slow enough. It basically limits the highest gear you tranny will shift into. I use 1 and 2 for when launching a boat.

This is all covered in the owners manual by the way.

 

In most newer vehicles 2 will keep the tranny in second even when taking off so you get less wheel spin on slippery surfaces. I'm not sure if your tranny will do this since it is an older truck.

 

Your right, I stand corrected.