My 6.2 Has Engine Braking In Tow Haul Mode

[BruceW]

When I hit the brakes in tow haul mode the engine revs go up and speed suddenly decreases. Then it holds speed in what seems like a hill descent mode until I press on the gas pedal. I was not familiar with engine braking outside of diesel engines. Can anyone tell me more about this?

[hatfishr]

When I hit the brakes in tow haul mode the engine revs go up and speed suddenly decreases. Then it holds speed in what seems like a hill descent mode until I press on the gas pedal. I was not familiar with engine braking outside of diesel engines. Can anyone tell me more about this?

 

 

My 05 HD did that too in tow/haul mode. 6.0 litre gas motor. Part of the tow package, but mine only did it when I was pulling my camper.

[Bluedog]

Might try RTFOM... it's called grade braking...and apparently you have it...

[RyanbabZ71]

Are do you have M (manual) or D (drive) selected?

[dewfpo]

My '05 silverado does it (in T/H mode) as does my '07 Toyota FJ Cruiser (all the time if I tap on the brake when going down hill).

 

DEWFPO

[Raymond Lowe]

When I hit the brakes in tow haul mode the engine revs go up and speed suddenly decreases. Then it holds speed in what seems like a hill descent mode until I press on the gas pedal. I was not familiar with engine braking outside of diesel engines. Can anyone tell me more about this?

 

Yes, this is a feature of the 6-speed. One of the key innovations of this tranmission is it's ability to measure incline, so that's also taken into account when engine-braking in tow-haul mode. The steeper the hill, the more likely it will downshift even lower. Tap the throttle to cancel the mode.

 

On some really long hills, some of us have found it better to put it in manual ("M") mode and select the gear we want. Otherwise, you get on the brakes once and it drops right down into 2nd @ 4 grand on the tach and stays there. Not good! Even in manual mode without tow-haul, the engine still cuts out the fuel (as most Vortec engines have done since '96) so it still gives you the same hold-back.

 

Towing in the mountains is just awesome with this setup. We have plenty of 8% grades and tight corners and I couldn't believe how little brake I needed.

 

Just play around with it a bit before towing and you'll get to know it's quirks. I mostly use tow-haul mode in town to lay down some smack...

[BruceW]

Thanks guys. It is a very cool and unexpected feature.