Tow/Haul (6.8L and 5.4L engines)

The tow/haul feature was designed to assist the driver when towing a trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges, including all 5 forward gears, are available when using the tow/haul feature.

The tow/haul function is activated and deactivated through a switch located on the end of the shift lever. The indicator light that is located at the end of the shift lever will illuminate when the tow/haul feature is activated and will go off when deactivated. On some models, the indicator light is located on the instrument panel.

With tow/haul activated, the transmission will have the following features:

• Shifts will occur at higher vehicle speeds for a given accelerator pedal position to improve vehicle acceleration, reduce excessive shifting and increase the coast braking capability.
• The torque converter will lock up at lower vehicle speeds than normal with a given accelerator pedal position to improve transmission cooling and efficiency.
• Upshifts are temporarily delayed while decreasing accelerator position during hill cresting to reduce excessive transmission shifting and to prepare for a possible grade braking downshift event.
• Engine braking is provided in all forward gears without the requirement of moving the shift lever.
• Manual 1, 2 or 3 will still be available.
• Grade braking downshift feature provides increased coast braking automatically to assist the driver in maintaining the desired speed while descending a grade. This reduces duty cycle on the brake system and increases brake pad longevity.
• Grade braking downshifts are automatically commanded when:
  • positive vehicle acceleration is sensed (natural acceleration from grade descent).
  • a near zero accelerator pedal position is obtained.
  • a minimum amount of time has expired since the last grade braking downshift.
• Grade braking downshift mode is immediately exited should the tow/haul mode be deactivated or if the accelerator pedal is depressed beyond a minimum threshold.