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LManiac7 View Drop Down
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Posts: 19 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: 4-Runner TV
    Posted: 01 May 2016 at 10:53am
thanks pnwcamper!

I'm assuming then that you have manual transmission? With automatic, I should just leave it in 2WD as recommended by Toyota...does that sound right?
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pnwcamper View Drop Down
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Posts: 38 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2016 at 10:56am
Yes tow in 2WD. I have an automatic transmission.
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pnwcamper View Drop Down
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Posts: 38 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2016 at 11:01am
Just to clarify, you can shift an automatic into 4th in this situation
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2016 at 11:13am
This does mean 4th gear in a 5 speed automatic. This locks out 5th which is an overdrive on Toyotas. For those who can monitor transmission fluid temperature you'll notice the OD position will immediately pump a lot of heat into the transmission. That's bad. 2WD vs 4WD is a totally separate decision.
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2016 at 11:48am
Manually force your transmission into a lower gear than the highest. On a 6 speed, that would be 5th, on a 5 speed that would be 4th, and on a 4 speed that would be 3rd. Allowing the transmission to "hunt" will cause higher transmission fluid temps. High transmission fluid temps break down the fluid over time. 

 If you keep the transmission fluid temps down in the low 200-230°F range, the fluid lasts longer, and keeps the transmission safe. Get an auxiliary transmission cooler installed, it can lower the fluid temps.
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2016 at 12:09pm
Originally posted by ToolmanJohn

Manually force your transmission into a lower gear than the highest. On a 6 speed, that would be 5th, on a 5 speed that would be 4th, and on a 4 speed that would be 3rd. Allowing the transmission to "hunt" will cause higher transmission fluid temps. High transmission fluid temps break down the fluid over time. 

 If you keep the transmission fluid temps down in the low 200-230°F range, the fluid lasts longer, and keeps the transmission safe. Get an auxiliary transmission cooler installed, it can lower the fluid temps.


John, 

Generally true, but there is at least one anomaly. The top TWO speeds of the Honda Pilot 5 speed automatic are ODs. Honda compensates with a higher rear end ratio so it all comes out in the final drive ratios. The corresponding "towing" selection is called D3. The is no way to manually select the 4th gear. Go figure.

Your point on high transmission temperatures makes the case for temp monitoring. All trailer owners should acquire and use a transmission fluid temperature monitor. I think most newer cars/trucks report some version of transmission temperature to the data bus and OBDII port. The Tacoma reports two measurement points. Fun to watch.
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this_is_nascar View Drop Down
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Posts: 466 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2016 at 1:09pm
Originally posted by pnwcamper

I believe Fred meant 4th gear. I have a Tacoma with the same transmission. Using overdrive (5th gear) the transmission shift back and forth from 5th to 4th etc. Most conditions I also use 4th as well, but if I have a tail wind or going down a slight grade I do use overdrive.



Same here with my 2007 Tacoma.
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LManiac7 View Drop Down
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Posts: 19 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2016 at 1:19pm
ok...this is starting to make sense now. I have never towed before, so this is all very new. Is there a way to turn the OD off, or do I just keep the car in 4th...I apologize for the stupid questions, but this is all greek to me! lol
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2016 at 1:41pm
Moving the selector to 4th does exactly that: turns off OD. Fifth gear is the only OD gear in a Toyota. The 4th gear position, similar to tow/haul in some US models, is in effect the OD on/off switch.

BTW, there are no stupid questions. Only stupid answers and we try to avoid them. Wink
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frogpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 40 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 May 2016 at 4:23pm
My 03 Tacoma with an automatic tranny has a button on the shifter.  When you push it "OD Off" lights up on the dash. I always use this for towing....and never for anything else. 
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