5-speed auto

[oldrvr]

I have a 4x4,4.0,5-speed auto. I tow a small 2000lb trailer and sometimes would like to shift into 3rd without mashing on the gas and then trying to keep it in 3rd. I figure there must be a wire somewhere I can tie into with a switch. This way I can shift to 3rd at part throttle.

 

[stegomon]

just move the lever down out of "d" and stick it into 3rd

 

[exbass94]

just move the lever down out of "d" and stick it into 3rd

There is no "3rd" position on his truck. The newer Rangers' gear selector looks like this: P-R-N-D-2-L.

You should just press the "OD OFF" button when you're towing. NEVER tow in overdrive, you'll burn up the transmission. That'll keep you in 4th (which is actually 3rd-- the 5 speed transmission is actually a 4 speed but creates an extra "gear" by applying OD to 1st gear.) As it shifts up it goes 1st- 1st (OD)- 2nd- 3rd- 4th. So keeping OD off will lock out 4th gear and keep you in 3rd.

 

[oldrvr]

Lets just assume the gears are 1,2,3,4,5 low to high. I need to get into #3. And if conditions are right, I can tow in the 5th gear. Trans temp never gets above 190-200 degrees. That said, I don't do that often, only with a tail wind or down hill. Question still open..

 

[exbass94]

Using your scale, you would want to shift into "2."

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Yep. In more thorough terms. Selecting 1 puts your transmission in first gear. Selecting 2 holds your transmission (in your terms) third gear. Hit the OD delete button and it'll never shift past 4th gear. If you were to manual upshift the gears yourself, you would not be able to select the second gear (1.85:1 ratio) as it is simply an overdriven first gear. It would go 1, 3, 4, 5.