Allison Mode Buton

[W8RLM]

I have a 2006 Winnebago Journey with the Allison tansmission. When I hit the Mode button on the transmission keypad, the light comes on by the mode button, but there is nothing on the readout above the mode button to indicate an economy mode, and there is no discernible difference in the shifting pattern.

How do I know if there is anyrhing programmed to the mode button?

Thanks for any help.

W8RLM - Bob

[W8RLM]

I have a 2006 Winnebago Journey with the Allison tansmission. When I hit the Mode button on the transmission keypad, the light comes on by the mode button, but there is nothing on the readout above the mode button to indicate an economy mode, and there is no discernible difference in the shifting pattern.

How do I know if there is anyrhing programmed to the mode button?

Thanks for any help.

W8RLM - Bob

[Gary RVRoamer]

There isn't a whole lot of difference in the shifting and it is only noticeable under light acceleration - if you have a heavy foot it will still perform for you.

The shifter is used on a variety of Allison transmission applications and the Mode button can have a different functions on different transmissions (i.e. a mining truck has a different Mode function than an RV), so they don't try to display what the Mode actually is, However, in the RV version the only mode I have ever heard of is "economy" mode and few people have ever reported being able to observe any notable improvement in mpg or feel much difference in the performance. I guess we just have to take it on faith.

[SCVJeff]

There are postings from folks way smarter that me on the Econo mode, how it operates and why.

When I use mine I notice a difference in shift points, where rather than down shifting to keep acceleration up, it will lug the engine (within it's parameters) to get up to speed, or maintain, just slower. The whole idea is to keep the RPM's down, hence save fuel.

Those who really use it say it works, but I don't have enough miles to compare the two.

[Chief]

Bob--According to "Camp Freightliner" instructor the mode simply changes the shift points in the tranny.
My experience is similar to yours in that the light comes on indicating economy mode and the coach is somewhat slower to respond to the throttle. Not a real good thing when entering freeways where a quick response is wanted in getting up to speeds of moving traffic.
Since gears 5 & 6 are overdrive gears I really don't see the usefulness of using it, however since it's there I usually have it in the mode position except when more (quicker) power is called for.

[SargeW]

The most realistic use for the mode button would be when you are rolling down the highway and the terrian turned into rolling hills with easy grades. The mode button would keep you in 6th gear longer before downshifting to 5th. I noticed on my tranny that it will slide easily into 5th to maintain speed. Usually I won't feel the shift, but the display on the VMS readout shows the downshift. It would probably provide some milage increase on a long highway run. I use it occassionally when I remember to....

Sarge

[JoeT]

I think you are referring to the label, right?Mine doesn't have one either.
You won't notice much difference in the shift pattern except at or near wot (wide open throttle). Also, I believe if you have the cruise engaged, you are automatically in economy mode regardless of the mode button position.
Check out the CATRVCLUB at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/CATRVCLUB/
There has been a lot of discussion on this subject there.

[JonD]

The mode switch does as the others have discussed. I tend to not use it resulting in slightly higher RPM and therefore better cooling. I realize it won't make much difference but it all helps.

[quikduk]

I have the Allison World 3060 6 spd. tranny and I use the mode button to manually shift the transmission when I need more power (higher revs).

If I leave it in the "mode off" mode (= economy mode... ), then I have the option of letting the tranny do everything (it sometimes shifts up into the two overdrive gears too fast). You can allways restrict the number of gears available in either mode but with the mode light "off", you are in economy mode...I think...

If you engage the mode function (light "on"), then you can not only restrict how many gears you use but when the tranny shifts. I believe my manual states that you should have the mode "on" for steep grades in case you need to manually drop down a gear.

I'll have to re-read my Allison manual now...

[Pusherman]

Quote: Also, I believe if you have the cruise engaged, you are automatically in economy mode regardless of the mode button position.


Gotta have the mode button engaged for it to be in 'economy mode', whether using cruise or not. Cruise does not automatically put you in economy mode.

I use the economy mode and it does what others have posted above -- moves the shift point up a few hundred RPM's. I notice it mostly when driving on rolling hills, where it will stay in 6th gear longer before shifting (the coach does slow more this way). I believe it has some impact on MPG, though not a lot.

[ken cindy ditka and sox]

I use the economy mode while driving across the flat and slightly rolling hills of central illinois and it does help mpg a little. When driving in the Ozarks where the hills are bigger it hurts mpg because of the lugging it causes on hills.