Basic newb ? but I gotta ask

catman2 · #1 Fri, March 25th, 2011, 11:28 AM

I'm planning on getting the 6 pos. Pheonix which will include a couple of tow
positions, not that I like to tow but it is a custom ordered 01' 350 with tow package so it needs to be at least capable.

The plastic Overdrive control section on the end of the automatic gearshift lever, you know, the part that wiggles and crackles like it's going to come off in your hand everytime you put it in gear, came off in my hand. To fix it, Ford said they would have have to replace the complete gearshift lever unit which would mean tearing the steering column down (and probably not putting it back like it was) and it would cost $300.00+. Over a piece of poorly designed plastic. As of now, because the button on the end came off I can't turn my Overdrive off to tow.
I just electric taped it back on and grab the lever on the metal when I shift but when I get a Tow setting with the Pheonix and I DO need to tow do I need to disengage the overdrive or does the Pheonix calibrate the tranny to tow in overdrive?

ticopowell · #2 Fri, March 25th, 2011, 02:37 PM

I think that it is still recommended to not tow in overdrive, but that depends on the weight that you are towing. If it is big, no overdrive, if it is small, then wee how the truck drives, if it shifts a ton and acts like it doesn't know which gear to be in, then you will want to take it out of overdrive. if it drives fine then you should be alright.

and I actually havent seen this question before

so dont worry about asking it

.

Have you checked ebay or an auto parts store for the part? I had the little button on the end of my gear selector lever fall off once as well and I found a replacement online and it fit great and stayed on without any problems

. Hope I helped

cj45lc · #3 Fri, March 25th, 2011, 02:49 PM

I never use the button & I have a trailer pushing my truck 75% of the time. I've always heard if the trans is not hunting for a gear (going into OD & out) leave it alone.

ticopowell · #4 Fri, March 25th, 2011, 03:16 PM

Awesome, I would say to call up Bill next week when PHP is open again and tell him directly your situation and he will be able to make a custom tune that works for you.

, he might even be able to write 2 tunes that one uses OD and the other has it unavailable, but you would have to ask him on that

.

catman2 · #5 Fri, March 25th, 2011, 04:04 PM

OK, thanks. I know on a stock truck when you tow you're inherently supposed to take it out of OD. I did pull a John Deere tractor with a brush hog attachment a few months ago in OD but it was a cool day and I wasn't going that far. Once at highway speed it didn't seem to mind.

tdpower · #6 Sat, March 26th, 2011, 12:37 PM

You can get the end cap for the gearshift lever separate: www.partsguyed.com

If you order the whole gearshift it comes with the end cap and switch.

Tholt34 · #7 Wed, March 30th, 2011, 03:42 PM

Pretty much all the transmission guys will tell you, if it isn't shifting in and out of OD then just leave OD turned on.

***Longshot270*** · #8 Wed, March 30th, 2011, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tholt34

Pretty much all the transmission guys will tell you, if it isn't shifting in and out of OD then just leave OD turned on.

x2