Let me start by saying hello to all. I've been lurking around as a guest for the last 6 months probably. Anyway, I finally pulled the trigger mid Feb and bought a 2010 FX4. Awesome truck. Love everything about it except the tranny. Not trying to start up a war or anything here.... just have a bit of a "hypothetical question."

Let's say someone was experiencing hunting or surging on cold engine around 30 to 35 mph (rpms bumping around 1100 to 1200), so they decided to start driving the truck every morning in 3rd gear at those speeds until operating temp was reached. Lets also assume that in said "hypothetical" situation, this person didn't realize that 3 REALLY means 3, even though previous vehicles when selecting anything besides D meant that it still went though 1 and 2, and it just wouldn't leave the max gear that was selected. We'll also take into consideration this driver is extremely easy on the motor for the first couple miles so they never noticed that the truck was actually in 3rd even when starting out. So, in said "hypothetical scenario," would starting out in 3rd gear every morning cause any issues or damage? The manual states that 2nd and 3rd can be used for starting on slick surfaces. It doesn't state to not do it very often though, so guessing it was OK. I've read on here that only 5th and 6th are overdrive gears, so I'm thinking that starting in 3rd wouldn't cause problems.

Any input? Help put my mind to ease guys!

 

I'm no mechanic but I can't imagine it would hurt anything. Wouldn't have much get-up starting off like that tho. I did not realize that if it is in 3 you would take off in 3. Will have to check it out myself.

 

I start off in 2nd gear instead of first in my manual transmission Camaro from time to time. Starting in a higher gear shouldn't hurt anything unless you are getting severe lugging as you take off.

 

I assume you are talking an auto trans and if you are it does not matter what gear you have the lever in, it will always start out in the lowest gear and shift up to the gear you have the lever in. Now whats the question?

 

if you have the lever in 3rd then it will start in 3rd and go no higher. same with 1st and 2nd

 

No; it will start in 1st or 2nd, and work its way up to 3rd gear.

 

sorry but your wrong

 

Not according to the manual:

 

My bad!

 

Agreed. The 3 doesn't mean what it used to. No better or worse, just different. Also doubt u hurt anything.