engineermike

The select-shift gimmick was super cool the first 3 times I used it. After that, the novelty wore off and I just let it shift where the factory engineers figured it best. I suspect most people do the same, as there is no real, technical advantage to it. The fastest trucks at the track don't use it, and the tow rating doesn't change with or without it.

Beyond that, isthatahemi is probably right, but don't go off assuming the programming part will be easy, hard, or even possible.

jcain

its somewhat nice for towing heavy, as you can lock out some gears so it stops dancing, especially during decent. but in reality, t/h does the same figuring. i use(d) it sometimes to lockout 5th and 6th on the streets so the truck would actually warm up in the morning.

Centexguy

The select shift in the diesel is freaking sexy (FYI I'm jealous of your truck jcain). In the f150 it's a joke.

jcain

i used it just as much in the eco when towing. locking out 6th in the hills was pleasant, and locking it in 4th on the descend was nice too

Centexguy

Eco lacks the exhaust brake of the diesel though and that thing was ****.

3.7

i use it every time i drive the truck. first thing i do as i leave the carport is to lock out 6th gear. maybe it's different with the other engines, but in the 3.7, 6th gear engages far to soon and then lugs whenever you try to gas it a bit. i'm a city driver for 90% of my driving so lugging around town is not good for mileage. once i hit the highway, then i flip it back on again. i also like the display better, as a quick glance at the display will always let me know which gear i am in.

i don't think it's "gimmicky" at all. it's actually quite useful to a certain type of driver. ford was wise to offer it.

p38fln

Locking out the higher gears - It's very useful on steep hills, with any kind of load. Sure, Tow/Haul will do it for you, and so will cruise, but they have delay of 5 MPH and it is helpful to downshift in advance of the problem.

The Select Shift MANUAL mode? Seems utterly useless to me. I've tried it once or twice, but it immediately unlocks the torque converter so any possible fuel savings are wasted.

3.7

same here. i never use manual, except during the test drive.

11eco

+1

isthatahemi

It is not practical to do after the truck is made FWIW.

It immediately LOCKS the converter. As in less slip.
Handy for lugging around town without the TC unlocking.

The manual mode is excellent for holding a gear while using cruise control in slightly hilly terrain. Sometimes when towing, I am content to run at whatever speed the truck will tow in 5th. No jumping down, no rpm flare.

The main advantage of it though, is for those of us who might be inclined to drive a manual transmission truck, purely because the truck cannot predict what we are doing or about to do, now have the option if we want it. Considering it probably costs Ford about $5 per truck, it's a nice gimmick.