Manually shifting a Dodge V8 Van?

[GrayWhale]

Is it OK to shift from "2" to "D", back and forth.  I like to keep it in "2" in stop and go traffic, but when the road is clear, I'd rather not let it rev up too high and would rather go to "D" for 3rd and 4th/OD.

Also, sometimes it won't start ind "P" and must be shifted to "N". Someone said there's a kink or something at the "Neutral Safety Switch".  Where is this switch? Thanks.

 

[GotSmart]

It sounds like the linkage at the transmission is slightly off. Mine has an adjustment where the shift linkage meets the fitting on the AT.

 

[FALCON]

Yeah I think that is ok to do. I don't see much point in putting it in 2 in traffic unless you're going downhill.

When I shift from one gear selection to the other, I do try to do it at a time when the shift will be smooth, as mine can be a bit sudden/hard sometimes. You can also use the OD OFF button on the end of the shifter knob to limit to gears 1-3.

 

[LeeRevell]

What year is the van? Years ago, I had a 1968 AMC AMX, a factory two seater hotrod/dragster with the Chrysler 727 auto tranny, called "Shift Command" by AMC. I drove it like a manual, shifting up and down. Never had a problem.
It also had a rare "theft deterrent system", wherein it could only be cranked if the shifter were brought all the way back then up into neutral. Kept guys from borrowing my car. They could never get it to start! Hehe.
Later I had a 1975 Pontiac Firebird, which I also often shifted manually, especially when upshifting and accelerating hard. Never a problem with it either.
Newer electronic-controlled trannies might be different.

 

[SternWake]

I will keep my 89 dodge with a 42re/a500 out of third when I know it is just going to downshift a bit further on.

I try not to allow third to engage when not still accelerating. If that happens then it can really clunk into third so I much prefer to hold second if I know my foot is coming off the gas.

I'm trying for minimal gear shifts.

That counts for overdrive and Lock up too

 

[bigsallysmom]

Maybe this will help you a bit.
The Neutral Safety Switch on a Jeep Cherokee XJ is in a place where oil often drips on it. After a dozen years or so it needs to be removed and cleaned. Doesn't require a rocket scientist although removing one of the bolts requires a little dexterity. On the XJ the gummed up switch will let you start it in neutral and the back up lights will quit working.

 

[djkeev]

No real reason to manually shift during normal driving.

Pulling a heavy load, descending hills, etc manual selection can be helpful.

Higher engine rpm's = lower fuel mileage.

You don't tell us much about your Van, but late model B vans.......
Neutral start switch, drivers side of transmission.
3 wire plug
Screws in, looks like a large nut.

Dave

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Newer electronic-controlled trannies might be different.

My 2012 Ford Super Duty has P-R-N-D-M-2-1.  M is manual shift.  If in M, it starts in 1st and stays there until YOU shift it.  There are up and down buttons on the shift lever to do the manual shifting.

 

[steamjam1]

Is it OK to shift from "2" to "D", back and forth.  I like to keep it in "2" in stop and go traffic, but when the road is clear, I'd rather not let it rev up too high and would rather go to "D" for 3rd and 4th/OD.

Also, sometimes it won't start ind "P" and must be shifted to "N". Someone said there's a kink or something at the "Neutral Safety Switch".  Where is this switch? Thanks.

Keeping the transmission in 2nd is fine as long as you don't rev it up too high. Its more beneficial to simply turn the OD off when you aren't using it. The first three gears are near bullet proof, but the OD in Dodges don't take well to being lugged along at low speeds.

The neutral safety switch in these transmissions are located right behind the shifter linkage on the drive side of the trans.

 

[GrayWhale]

Thanks for all the help.

Van is a 2000, Dodge B1500 conversion van.

I think it's the smaller V8 (either a 5.3L or 5.7L during this year, right?). I probably need to get rid of some stuff, as it's really struggling up hills. And slowing down on a hill is quite SCARY.

 

[GotSmart]

Thanks for all the help.  

Van is a 2000,   Dodge B1500 conversion van.

I think it's the smaller V8 (either a 5.3L or 5.7L during this year, right?).  I probably need to get rid of some stuff, as it's really struggling up hills. And slowing down on a hill is quite SCARY.

They also had a V6 in many conversion vans.  Get a quart of Lucas Fuel Cleaner.  That helped my van run easier.  It cleans out the system. 


I have been buying this by the gallon for the past 8 years, and I am a cheapskate.  

http://lucasoil.com/products/fuel-treatments/lucas-fuel-treatment

 

[highdesertranger]

if you are having a hard time stopping, weigh that puppy. highdesertranger

 

[flying kurbmaster]

Dodge/Chrysler auto transmissions, have never been particularly good. I took care of warranties and managed mechanics workloads in a large Chrysler dealership. It was a long time ago but personally I would never stress a Dodge transmission, Shifting a Dodge automatic transmission was a known no no, in those days. I don't see much improvement in the reliability of Chryslers transmissions. I am not a mechanic or an expert, personally I would not make this a habit.

 

[poncho62]

Having trouble with power and stopping?

Sounds like it needs a good tune up and the brakes looked at