Transmission Easter Egg

Discussion in 'Renegade Tales & Trails' started by Redfour5, Jan 20, 2021.

  1. Redfour5

    Redfour5 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2019
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    Montana
    I have a 2018 4WD latitude pretty loaded including 8.4 navigation, tow package and cold weather package including power driver seat. I could have gotten a pretty stripped trail hawk for the same price or just a bit more. I live in Helena MT. I already have an outdoorsman Ram and a Trail Hawk (Elite Package) Cherokee (Well, my wife has it to be more accurate) and I was looking for a daily driver to increase my MPG around 100% vs the Truck, now mostly dedicated to travel trailer towing and the transfer station runs. And so, I went with the Bells and Whistles (Latitude) and tow package (full size spare). To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for my vehicle but as time goes by, I am increasingly impressed and have come to really enjoy it.

    I drive national forest roads quite bit for fun with the dogs as I am retired. I hate auto on the transmissionIt sucks for air...seemingly literally,so tested a 20 mile drive up to a mountain lake and put it in Sand Mode.

    That is the Easter Egg. IF, you are on a dirt road and willing to use your gas pedal, do this. The transmission puts the vehicle right into the sweet spot of the power band and you get instant power AND the traction control goes off in this mode. It becomes an extremely fun ride. This thing also does extremely well (comparatively) on washboard as an aside. Surprisingly better than the other two and I still don't get that with the shorter wheelbase. You can get some good slides in the corners and it does an excellent job of engine braking as you come down once again keeping things in a sweet spot and less time on brakes.

    I am glad I didn't get the Trail Hawk. For this kind of driving, you don't need it. If I want to go off road I'll go with one of the others. I did put the new falken Trail tires on it and that is just a bit of a further enhancement giving about an inch lift and the higher pressure tougher tires...and much better traction...

    So, go look for a dirt road, put it in sand mode and be ready to smile...
     
  2. IDoMy0wnRacing

    IDoMy0wnRacing Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2019
    Messages:
    700
    Location:
    Pioneer, California
    I use the sand mode when driving in deep snow. It turns off the traction control, raises the shift point, as you said, keeps the engine in the sweet spot so that the Renegade has the power to help keep from getting stuck.

    Snow mode is great for driving on the highway when it is snowing where you want or need the traction and stability control, but when you want or need more power, or just want to play, sand mode is where it is at.
     
    DesertHawk Echo likes this.

Share This Page