I understand the use of downshifting to 2nd and 1st gear to slow down your vehicle (I use it when pulling my horse trailer) but when do you use it when you accelerate?

 

i wouldnt use it like that

 

I certainly wouldn't put it in 2 when taking off as it will start in second gear. This could be helpful in a low traction situation though.

 

Thats something funny about our trucks, even if you put it in first gear its restricted more than if in drive 1st gear, the computer really holds it back almost like reverse, I never touch 1st in my truck but use 2nd all the time

 

Yeah guys these computers are so smart anymore whenever u put it in first gear they know it's for a reason. Ha ha

 

I've only put my truck in first once; when I was stuck in some deep *** sand down in OBX. Had to put it in 4lo and first gear just to get moving.

I've been known to use 2nd vice drive when in 4hi and pulling someone out in snow/ice conditions. Traction control or not, it'll just spin the tires when in drive on ice in 4hi from a standstill when trying to pull someone out of a snowbank.



To answer your question; it's a traction issue. If you're not getting traction to move then downshift. (I only do this when in 4x4)