Help with info on gears other than "D"

I was wondering if anyone could help me find info or explain what the other gears "3" "2" "1" do and proper use because the manual is kinda vague at least to me it say for engine braking and greater engine breaking each lower gear i need help can someone break this down to caveman terms please

 

Lower gears are used when you are towing and/or climbing a steep slope. It prevents the truck from automatically switching to the higher gear when you accelerate. It is also used to limit your speed going downhill sorta like a drag brake.

 

I use "1" for going up my driveway. I have a very steep driveway and if I stay in "D", as I approach the top, the truck SLAMS into 2nd and really bogs down. It makes an awful sound if I don't down shift.

 

I use 4 if i have a heavy load in the bed. Plus if your towing or climbing hills, like others said, it keeps you from not going than the higher gear selected. Or use it to keep your truck from gear hunting (IE: Shifting in and out of O/D and 4th)

P - Park. (Use Parking brake when on steep declines or inclines)
R - Don't use this at a stop light with people behind you
N - Coasting / No Engine Power going to the Wheels
D - Regular Driving
4 - Some Engine Braking
3 - More Engine Braking
2 - Even More Engine Braking
1- Most Engine Braking

(for the four speed auto, it would be P,R,N,D,3,2,1)

 

if i start off in 1 then shift to 2, then 3, all the way up to d in normal driving, is that possible without hurting the transmission? and if it is possible can i shift from d back down to 4, then 3, back down to 2 then 1 if needed without hurting the transmission? when doing this, am i suppose to let off the gas pedal then shift?

these may be a stupid questions but i've always drove a manual my whole life and is new to auto transmissions...

 

ok i see. and when u say hold the gas, do you mean keep the speed constant then shift to whatever gear i need? can u tell me what the speed limit is for each gear or can i tell by the rpm?

thanks for the quick reply!

 

I use 2 or 3 if I'm driving some sandy trails where the lower speeds are required. Less shifting. Plus I don't give too much power when climbing.

Normal street driving is in D. I sometimes drop it down to 3 or 4 if I need to pass quickly.

 

The transmission wil not downshift to an incompatable gear range. Ie. Cruising at 65 mph, you can select 1st but it will not shift down that far. Starting off in 1st, you can wind out that gear and it will shift into 2nd.
Manually shift all you like. I manually downshift when going downhill or slowing down in snow (when I drive an auto).

 

Remind me as to why, please.

 

Holding the gas I believe means don't give it any when your shifting (at least that's what the owners manual mentions.) The speed limits for each gear are listed in your manual (and keep an eye on the tach.) I mainly use the lower gears for engine braking, dropping down to 4th if the tranny is searching going up a grade, and while offroading. If your truck is equipped with downhill assist you need to be in 1st or 2nd with the auto tranny while in 4LO for maximum effectivness.

 

I would like to know too

 

seriously? I've always been a fan of popping it into neutral when going down hills where its a straight shot and wont have to make any sharp turns. I've found that by leaving it in gear and coasting the engine slows it down too much sometimes, where as neutral keeps the speed more constant (on certain hills) with out having to keep my foot on the pedal.

If it is actually BAD , I would like to know why.
thanks!

 

The pump still pumps with the engine running. It does not matter which gear you are in.

 

I fail to see how more wear and overtemp will occur. The clutches are disengauged. The pressure is regulated, or else it wouldn't shift at idle. Fluid temp is still being regulated.
The only part which generates significant heat is the torque converter, which is idling. Fluid is still cycling through all the bushings at pressure, which is still lubricating it. It is also going through the radiator, cooling it.
I don't believe the oil pressure analogy since the pressure is regulated, by the engine and by the transmission. You have to control pressure to control shifts.
I have been wrong before, I don't see how I am wrong now. Maybe someone can enlighten me, if I am

 

Going back to the original question, I always thought "2" was used in slippery conditions (snow, mud). In the "2" position the transmission would start off in second gear, applying less power to the wheels and resulting in less wheel spin.

I don't have my manual in front of me, but that's how I recall it working in most vehicles.