AT transmission RPM and gear question

[kstine98]

I have a gladiator sport s with max tow package, automatic transmission. When I am traveling 76 mph, I am in fifth gear, and about 4400 rpm’s. Is this normal? It seems like when I am traveling at highway speed, the automatic transmission should automatically go up to eighth gear.

I tried to put it in manual, and shifted into 8th myself, but then I seemed to lose power.

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[hjdca]

4400 rpm is actually the RPM where the Gladiator engine makes the most torque, so, the auto transmission is feeling enough resistance (weight, wind, hill, big tires) to automatically put it in the gear where it is getting the most torque with the least amount of gas usage. If you manually override it and force it to a higher gear, the engine can "lug" (bad for the motor) , lose power, and also waste gas... here is a good rule of thumb to follow -- If it takes less gas pedal to go the same mph in a lower gear, then, you probably should be in that lower gear. Optimal gas pedal position for the least amount of gas usage can help you find the proper gear for towing or high speed driving. You can also use the instant gas mileage indicator on the instrument cluster to help you find the perfect gear, burning the least amount of gas, for the load and speed you are driving.

The Gladiator motor is an impressive motor for gas mileage and power, but, it requires some higher revs to get peak power. do not be afraid to let it tach out, it will run better.

 

[kstine98]

Thanks. This makes me feel better. It was VERY windy today, so maybe that had a lot to do with it

 

[kstine98]

Hdjca was correct. Must have been the heavy wind. Everything is back to normal.

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