Tow haul button problems

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Aug 16, 2013 | 09:35 PM

Diesel Mom

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Tow haul button problems

I have a 2005, f350 6.0. I am new to owning a diesel and have a lot to learn. My truck runs excellent and has no issues,until I push the tow haul button in! It starts bucking at 2,000rpm and my rpm's shoot down to a low rpm and jump back up to a higher rpm. It's like the truck wants to shift but the tow haul is enabling it so it falls on its face i have never heard a truck or seen a truck act like this, but everyone says you don't want to pull with an automatic without the tow haul. I have just been leaving the tow haul off and the ruck pulls just fine. But it does worry me about the issue I dont want it to create a future problem. Any suggestions?

Aug 16, 2013 | 09:52 PM

Yahiko

Fleet Owner

Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Spanaway

Diesel Mom
Welcome to FTE

Come on over to the 6.0 Forum
You will get a faster answer most times
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

You also want to read the Tech Folder at the top. It has lots of info to keep you happy
and the engine running well and if you have a problem what to do for it.

Sean

Aug 17, 2013 | 12:19 AM

Diesel Mom

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Got it! Thank you

Aug 17, 2013 | 08:04 AM

Army RET

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From: Alabama

Somewhat related question....

on my 02 F250 there are no lights to indicate the mode I'm in. Is that normal or is there a indicator out? I can tell that it's operational by watching the tach.

Also, am I correct in assuming that regardless of which mode is selected, at shut down- then engine restart, it'll default back to normal ops?

Aug 17, 2013 | 08:29 AM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

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From: SE Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel Mom

but everyone says you don't want to pull with an automatic without the tow haul. I have just been leaving the tow haul off and the ruck pulls just fine. But it does worry me about the issue I dont want it to create a future problem. Any suggestions?

Everyone doesn't know what they are talking about. You can tow for the entire life of the truck without tow/haul and you won't hurt a thing. The truck was designed to tow with or without tow/haul. Tow/haul is there to make the towing experience easier on the driver, not the truck. I know, I was there. I was the one implementing tow/haul in the 2005-2007 trucks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army RET

on my 02 F250 there are no lights to indicate the mode I'm in. Is that normal or is there a indicator out? I can tell that it's operational by watching the tach.

First, understand that there is no tow/haul in any 2002 truck. 2003 was the first year that there was tow/haul.

2002 had OD OFF. All that did was prevent the trans from shifting into overdrive.

Cruise at any speed above 50 MPH. Hold the go pedal steady and push the button. If the engine speed increases the trans shifted out of overdrive like it should. If no light came on at the end of the shift handle then the light isn't working. Usually this is caused by a wire that wears through inside the steering column. If you remove the plastic cover from the column (three screws under the column) you can see where the wires get damaged near where they enter the shift handle. Either fix the wires or replace the shift handle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army RET

Also, am I correct in assuming that regardless of which mode is selected, at shut down- then engine restart, it'll default back to normal ops?

Yes, that's how it works. Every time the key is turned on the trans is set to overdrive enabled mode. In later trucks that have tow/haul they are set to tow/haul OFF mode.

Aug 17, 2013 | 08:40 AM

Army RET

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From: Alabama

there is no tow/haul in any 2002 truck.

That was quick, and I'll believe you, however I can read (very faint now) the stalk says tow/haul on it. As I just purchased this (3rd owner) I know nothing of its history (now at 180K).

Aug 17, 2013 | 09:19 AM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 24,738

Likes: 2,667

From: SE Florida

That's a replacement handle. The only difference between an OD OFF handle and a TOW/HAUL handle is the printing on the handle. The hardware is identical.