Transmission temperature gauge

gja1000 wrote:
Two more questions - since I'm used to only having a temperature gauge in the dash that only told me when the transmission temperature was nearing the "red" area, I realize that I don't actually know when the transmission is at a "dangerous" temperature. Can you all enlighten me. At what temperature should I stop and let the transmission cool down.

Also, any tips about coming down from grade in the Class C. In my pickup, I just put it into a lower gear and tried tp stay off the brakes as much as possible. Any other tips for driving the class C down grade?

In reference to the five speed transmission, I found the following on a diesel web site. The information will be basically the same for the six speed also.

The 5R110W TorqShift transmission features an integrated "Tow/Haul" function that can be activated via a shifter mounted switch. It is advised that all towing and hauling of significant weight be performed with the Tow/Haul setting activated. While selected, the transmission will provide an alternative shift schedule that prevents shift hunting while towing, engages torque converter lockup at lower engine speeds (which allows for engine braking and speed control on long descents), and will command downshifts on descents to maintain a safe vehicle speed.

The essence of this is that it uses the lockup clutch to allow better engine braking during long decents down mountains and slopes, much the same way a straight shift in a lower gear provides engine braking going down a mountain. This is very useful even if you are not towing anything, remember it is a Tow/haul function, and a motorhome is always "hauling" a whole bunch of weight.

Charles