I know the 3 cyl mode helps warm the engine quicker due to the load put on the engine, so...If I put the truck in gear and keep my foot on the brake am I doing any harm to the trans if I let it idle like that for 5-10 minutes?What about if I do the same thing but bump the idle to 1200 rpm or so? Is that hard on the tranny or any of the parts?Sorry if it's a dump question. I only know the basics when it comes to how auto transmissions work.Thank you!

Welcome to THE forum!

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As for the question(s):

holding the trans in gear, and idling up will create excessive heat/wear on the trans; do not do.

idling in gear, you're not really loading the engine, as it's similar to having the clutch depressed (sorta) on a manual-transmission truck.

not silly or stupid questions at all

It's all about learning, around here.

Got it. Thanks Rogan!I guess I'll have to visit the dealership and let them rip me off (they want $175 to flash it w/ the TSB) afterall. It'll be nice to have the 3 switches though.

no worries, buddy. Take a moment to fill out your signature with your truck information, so we'll know exactly what you have for future assistance..Also, if you know someone with a Smarty, they can flash your ECU with it, then flash back to stock, and BAM! you've got the high-idle, etc.That's how I got mine ;)

Thanks. I've added a signature but I don't think it's showing up yet. The truck:'02 2500 Sport 5.9L QCSB 4X4 Automatic - 135,000miNow if I could just find someone in SoCal with a Smarty....

I see it, now :)I'm sure SOMEONE on here is close to you..

Bob Wagner of Smartypower.com will demo the Smarty for a deposit and will refund the deposit once returned, thus free high idle activation.

Bob Wagner of Smartypower.com will demo the Smarty for a deposit and will refund the deposit once returned, thus free high idle activation.

Thanks for the tip! I just shot an email to him.

with my built auto i do what you do sometimes, i just leave it in drive, and she puts a hell of a load, i see 450-500F easily at idle, but its best to high idle away for 2-5 mins then take off and drive.

pepsi - think that may have something to do with the differences in your built auto + billet TC, versus OE style? ;)

pepsi - think that may have something to do with the differences in your built auto + billet TC, versus OE style? ;)

the trans is very tight, i think as tight as a manual tranny. The triple disk by its self puts a good shock load, the truck drops from 850rpm to 625 just putting it in gear, before it raises back up to 850:smart: but i have already hauled with it and she is a charm,

I recently bought a Smarty. (set on 1 for fuel economy) When does the high idle kick in? It hasn't happened yet. Maybe not cold enough.

hey, RJC!We havent been seeing cold enough temps here, for it to engage. it's like low 20s for high idle, and low teens for the 3cyl. I dont know the exact #s for temps, but that's roughly it.

Does the Smarty auto load the high idle or is there something yo have to do to install it? I guess I will now have to come and visit you RJC. I'll trade the hight idle for something you need done to your truck. Now if only I can get job near you.

I told you my wife can cook. Come and visit, and get high idle to boot... I think the thing will probably work in the morning it's colder than a witches ninny here tonight.

the smarty will auto load it if you load the smarty onto the truck.So load it to level 3 then start and run the truck, then turn it off, and return to stock the only thing that stays is the high idle.

I told you my wife can cook. Come and visit, and get high idle to boot... I think the thing will probably work in the morning it's colder than a witches ninny here tonight.

All I need to do now is get up that way. Sure would be better than going further west. I guess I will take the pay check where ever it takes me.

Does it have to be set to level 3 to load the idle feature? I have mine set at level 1. The guy I bought it from scratched his head and couldn't understand why I wouldn't run it higher. I just wanted the fuel economy and high idle was an extra. I would also like to keep my transmission in one piece.

Something I will do on my manual trans is put the transfer case in N, and the trans in 6th gear and let it warm up that way on fast idle. I only do this when the truck is cold soaked below 0°, and only for a few minutes as I scrape a windshield (otherwise I normally don't idle to warm up, as it's not as good for the motor as people think). It certainly does improve initial shifting and place a little load on the motor. I have no clue if this would work on a auto or not, so try at your own risk. You would have to put it in N and then shift the xcase back to 2hi, or whatever, but I am not sure if the auto trans will stop like a manual trans as there is no clutch to depress.

Does it have to be set to level 3 to load the idle feature? I have mine set at level 1. The guy I bought it from scratched his head and couldn't understand why I wouldn't run it higher. I just wanted the fuel economy and high idle was an extra. I would also like to keep my transmission in one piece.

it should load on anything over the stock settings. i used level 3 as an example, but yest until you get a good TC and valve body keep off the pedal with that smarty, she will eat your trans and then ask for seconds.