Tuscany Allison Transmission Question

[hikersc]

I recently purchased a 2014 Tuscany XTE 36MQ with the Allison 3000 transmission. According to the manual, the mode switch on the transmission console is used to activate a different shifting pattern. I read on another forum that typically the "normal" shift pattern is used for power (i.e. driving the mountains) and the mode switch is used to engage a shift pattern used for better fuel economy (i.e. relatively flat interstates). I can find nothing in any of my manuals that is clear on this and am hoping that someone can provide some insight.

Any answers would be appreciated.

[gmadams]

When the red button light is "ON" the transmission shifts at lower RPMs theoretically to give you better fuel mileage. Whe the transmission downshifts or shifts to a higher gear, it will be at lower RPMs. In hilly country I leave it turned off. When accelerating (like entering an Interstate highway) I turn it off to give me a quicker time to gain speed. Remember to keep the RPMs up when going up steep grades and use your exhaust brake going down steep slopes to help with braking. Use the lowest gear you used to climb a hill when going down the other side.

Gary

[ChallengerRN]

My thought is that if you are at 65 MPH both buttons are the same. Mine are the same at 57 MPH.

So the thought is to use the mode button (light on) for better fuel economy. It will be sluggish on take off --kinda like easing into the throttle -- probably not make a whole lot of difference unless all you do is under 55 MPH.

Russell.