View Poll Results: Does your auto trans downshift?
Yes, and I like it.
23
63.89%
Yes, and I don't like it.
3
8.33%
No. What are you talkin' about?
5
13.89%
No, but I wish it did.
5
13.89%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll
DP Tuner Downshift
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
If you guys pull trailers with loads as much as I do, then you would like it as much as I do. When pulling a heavy load while coming to a stop, the speed that the brakes work the hardest is below 40 mph. Unless you start slowing down a quarter mile from the stop sign or red light. I like the downshift being in that MPH range.
Pete, every standard shift truck I've had, I would alway downshift while coming to a stop, even without a load. I never had a problem while doing this.
Pete, every standard shift truck I've had, I would alway downshift while coming to a stop, even without a load. I never had a problem while doing this.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,305
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
Possibly. I guess it really boils down to what MPH ranges you typically drive in and whether or not this DP Downshift program would cause your tranny to shift more frequently or not... sort of like what Rick alluded to when he talked about having to change how he drives to avoid "hunting and searching" by the tranny. If you end up seeing the tranny hunt and search more, then you're going to see more wear and tear on its components.
Also, I guess my earlier comments about the "coasting" and downhill driving techniques really don't apply to this thread at all seeing as it is focused on the actions of an auto transmission, and not a manual one.
Also, I guess my earlier comments about the "coasting" and downhill driving techniques really don't apply to this thread at all seeing as it is focused on the actions of an auto transmission, and not a manual one.
Makes sense that the gearing would affect the speed at which the shifts happen.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
I have to agree that downshifting for stopping is much more fun. I drove a 4-speed manual with my old F150 I-300 for about 9 years and loved it. I guess my only other point though was that as much more fun as it is with the downshiffting a manual, it does appear to consume a little more fuel as opposed to freewheeling on stops and downhill cruises. Granted, there wasn't anything I could do to improve mileage on that old I6 300 engine, but it sure makes an appreciable difference on my son's Jetta... it just isn't as fun, though.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
When Jody live tuned my truck, the first time I tried to coast up to a stop sign my reaction was "Whoa, what did you do, Jody?"
The tunes on my wifes Excursion were very different, shifting wise, and my normal, everyday driving style was not conducive to Jody's newest shift strategies. So for my econo tunes, I asked him to change the shift pattern back to his older setup, which is more in line with the stock shifting pattern.
...and doesn't "freewheel" like the 4r100 does in stock form
However, I LOVE this strategy when towing, and have it programmed into all my tow and race tunes. It's absolutely FANTASTIC when I'm towing my travel-trailer or my 10k lb dump trailer
Jody really goes out of his way to make sure the programming he live tunes for your rig makes you completely happy.
Stewart
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Vashon, WA
It's all about control. I like to use a tranny brake when slowing down under load, and I like to coast (in OD) when I can to conserve fuel. The 3000 gallon fire tenders we use on the island all have multi position jake brakes that allow you to adjust the engine braking for the hill/load conditions. You can also turn it off if not wanted. Conditions change and ideally we should have the ability to change with them.
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Snowboard season cometh..
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,406
Likes: 1
From: Gulf Coast of Florida
When I'd go snowboarding, there were some nice long downhill sections. I go EARLY so traffic was light, and if road conditions were OK, I'd put Nyx in the Neutral & coast. EGTs went down, MPH & MPG went up.
With my TDI, I don't have a mileage display... they didn't do that in '96. I just drove from Denver to Baltimore using the Cruise @ 75ish and averaged 43MPG. She was loaded down with a 70 pound server, 6 cases of beer, and a full set of wheels & tires in the trunk. I haven't tried coasting in the TDI yet, but might get around to it.
With my TDI, I don't have a mileage display... they didn't do that in '96. I just drove from Denver to Baltimore using the Cruise @ 75ish and averaged 43MPG. She was loaded down with a 70 pound server, 6 cases of beer, and a full set of wheels & tires in the trunk. I haven't tried coasting in the TDI yet, but might get around to it.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,158
Likes: 0
From: Paramount, Ca
I do like it but it can get annoying during traffic on the freeway. It goes between 40mp to 55 a lot and it pains me to hear it shift so much. I guess it's not that bad but in a lot of traffic its anoying.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
...With my TDI, I don't have a mileage display... they didn't do that in '96. I just drove from Denver to Baltimore using the Cruise @ 75ish and averaged 43MPG. She was loaded down with a 70 pound server, 6 cases of beer, and a full set of wheels & tires in the trunk. I haven't tried coasting in the TDI yet, but might get around to it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: Circle Pines
Good poll, I didn't vote but I had a second chip that had the downshift on it in 80e mode and really disliked it. On the other hand it would be nice to have when towing the 5th wheel which I wouldn't have thought of without your help. Reps to the OP since I am getting live tuning at riffraff east. Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 862
Likes: 0
From: eastern shore,MD
little late to resopnd but, mine does it i like when towing, but when on a back road dont like so much. i would like to keep it in my tow tunes but not in my driving tunes, maybe i need to have a 80t and 80e same for 60hp. it is really nice when pulling a heavy load that is right as everybody has said