Second Gear Select not Run First Gear?

jimymc · **Joined:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:51 pm **Posts:** 248

Since the auto tranny's in our Liberty's are electronically controlled is it possible to change the second gear selection to start in second gear instead of first? This could help to keep from spinning from too much torque when starting out in soft sand, snow.

Daksport · **Posted:** Fri May 28, 2010 8:56 am

Simple answer is no.

I highly doubt that the auto tranny would enjoy starting in second gear as the ratios are much different than what you would find in a manual tranny where you can get away with it. It would end up causing a lot of damage in my opinion.

First gear in a 42RLE is 2.84. Second gear is 1.57
First gear in a manual is 3.96 to 4.46 depending on the transmission. Second gear is 2.32 - 2.61 depending on the transmission.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Jeep_Liberty/Transmissions

jimymc · **Joined:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:51 pm **Posts:** 248

Then I guess you would have to start in third gear to get the same advantage. :lol:

The torque converter would act the same way that you slipping the clutch would on your manual transmission. Some Dodge passenger cars have what is called Autostick just for this purpose. There are other makes that also have this feature for the same reason.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri May 28, 2010 12:51 pm

Not something I would ever try with a transmission that already likes to over heat. Spinning up that torque produces a lot of heat.

mag03kj · **Posted:** Fri May 28, 2010 12:57 pm

When i pulled the loaded trailer with the KJ. When i came to a stop, i left the stop sign/light in 2nd gear and it pulled just fine!

jimymc · **Joined:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:51 pm **Posts:** 248

Jeepjeepster wrote:

Not something I would ever try with a transmission that already likes to over heat. Spinning up that torque produces a lot of heat.

I'm not looking to leave it in second gear only. I just want to be able to use the gear selector to start movement in second gear to reduce wheel spin and then use drive for the Jeep to select the proper running gear after I start. What's the use of having a second gear selection for the tranny when it starts in first gear when second gear is selected? That limits the utility of the shift selector and transmission.

mag03kj · **Posted:** Fri May 28, 2010 4:48 pm

jimymc wrote:

Jeepjeepster wrote:

Not something I would ever try with a transmission that already likes to over heat. Spinning up that torque produces a lot of heat.

I'm not looking to leave it in second gear only. I just want to be able to use the gear selector to start movement in second gear to reduce wheel spin and then use drive for the Jeep to select the proper running gear after I start. What's the use of having a second gear selection for the tranny when it starts in first gear when second gear is selected? That limits the utility of the shift selector and transmission.

Bold-Good point!!!!

Daksport · **Posted:** Sat May 29, 2010 1:02 am

I've never known an auto tranny to start in second gear when you have the shifter in 2nd. They usually start in first and then shift to second.

The idea is to help you better hold a steady gear when you working the vehicle and it is hunting for the correct gear.

In reality, governments should mandate that everyone be forced to drive a manual :mrgreen:

mag03kj · **Posted:** Sat May 29, 2010 11:16 am

Daksport wrote:

I've never known an auto tranny to start in second gear when you have the shifter in 2nd. They usually start in first and then shift to second.

The idea is to help you better hold a steady gear when you working the vehicle and it is hunting for the correct gear.

In reality, governments should mandate that everyone be forced to drive a manual :mrgreen:

No! They are fun to drive but sometimes can be annoying!!!!

jimymc · **Joined:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:51 pm **Posts:** 248

mag03kj wrote:

Daksport wrote:

I've never known an auto tranny to start in second gear when you have the shifter in 2nd. They usually start in first and then shift to second.

The idea is to help you better hold a steady gear when you working the vehicle and it is hunting for the correct gear.

In reality, governments should mandate that everyone be forced to drive a manual :mrgreen:

No! They are fun to drive but sometimes can be annoying!!!!

When I learned to drive a stick shift was your only choice. (I'm showing my age :mrgreen:

) I really prefer manual tranny, but I got such a deal on our Renny that I just couldn't refuse. I'll live with the auto tranny 'cause I love my Jeep. Manual transmissions give you ultimate control and rarely ever give problems. Maintenance on them is easy and cheap. They are lighter and I think, stronger. Oh, well... maybe my next jeep will be manual shift.

mag03kj · **Posted:** Sat May 29, 2010 11:36 am

Stronger? TJKJ2002 says a stick can never be as strong as a auto!

jimymc · **Joined:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:51 pm **Posts:** 248

mag03kj wrote:

Stronger? TJKJ2002 says a stick can never be as strong as a auto!

Search this forum for problems with stick and problems with auto. I'm betting that stick wins. I have only been checking this forum since December and I haven't seen any problems with a manual that I can remember. I've seen a few with auto. Also, you have to have the auto flushed at the stealership for a chunk of change ( mine was $186) and all you do with the manual is drain and refill, like a differential.

Dougie · **Posted:** Mon May 31, 2010 12:42 pm

Some Mazda automatic transmissions, like the one in the late 90s MPV 4wd models, start and stay in second if you select 2.

jimymc · **Joined:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:51 pm **Posts:** 248

Dougie wrote:

Some Mazda automatic transmissions, like the one in the late 90s MPV 4wd models, start and stay in second if you select 2.

That is what I am talking about. There is a good reason for this. Using 2nd gear to start when in slippery conditions lessens the torque applied to the wheels and helps to keep from spinning. I would think that being electronically controlled that the tranny in our Liberties could be programmed to start in second gear when second is selected. I used to do it with stick shifts on 2WD vehicles when getting them unstuck in sand on the beach and slip the clutch to keep the engine going. Worked great. It would like to have that advantage with the Jeep, too.

Second Gear Select not Run First Gear?

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