Okay, I had a P38, but 300k on it, and finally had to put her down. I now have an 05, and want to play with the Command Shift, but would rather not destroy my truck form ignorance. Any tips for driving, ie when to shift and what not? I appreciate any help I can get.

 

I don't have this in my rangie. Ironically my hyundai actually has this feature... The command shift should down shift automatically when slowing, at least it does on my car. There really isn't much to it. Just don't plop it into 1st gear on the highway and you should be fine. It is very useful when climbing steep hills. It will keep the transmission from seeking gears. For instance, my santa fe will go between 3rd and 4th every 30 seconds. I just put it into 3rd and keep it there until things start to level out. What it really boils down to is just treating it as if it were a manual transmission. Don't do anything you wouldn't do with a manual transmission and you won't get into trouble.

BTW, 300k on a P38! Wow.... Now here comes the question. Is that with the original transmission and engine?

 

original engine, second tranny. I lost the engine at 303k. Tore it to bits, but hey, I got my money's worth out of it

 

On most vehicles the "manual" shift of the auto transmission is idiot proof. The computer still controls everything and wont let you make a bonehead move like shifting into 1st at 70 mph. It does give you more control than with it fully automotive but it holds you within certain limits.

 

I know this sounds rather simple headed, but about when should I be shifting up and down? Please dont throw things at me for my ignorance lol.

 

It all depends on what you are trying to do with it. The only time it is really practical to use it would be offroading, towing a heavy trailer or snow/ice. I wouldn't use it for everyday driving unless you are driving it hard and want to have some fun with it. As far as when you should shift it is mostly be "feel." It is always better to error on the high RPM side as lugging the truck around at too low of RPMs is not good for the engine.

 

When you are in Lo range and going down a steep hill while off roading, putting it in 1st gear gives you lots of engine braking.

In my other car, I will sometimes down shift on the highway, wait a second when the time is right to change lanes and pass someone. It keeps you from having to wait for the computer to realize its time to down shift. Don't know if its quicker or not, but its fun . That and its just a neat little gadget. It was added by BMWs influence on the rover's design/operation.

 

Thanks Guys! I mostly need the help with the highway driving for having fun. I have done the Driving experience at Biltmore Estate, and have a pretty solid grasp of using it off road. Again, thanks for the advice