Ready to cringe? I'm gonna unplug that 8-pin connector, shut the O/D switch off and just go for it. Drive it like a manual, keep it out of 4th gear, and ride the highway. The engine is in awesome shape. Just basic maintenance, runs cool, great oil psi. I'm gonna run throughout the night (cooler air, less traffic, don't have to see anyone). My only concern is the trans. It does have an external cooler (can't remember which one), did fluid and filter change about 5 months ago. It's been limp mode for about 2 months as it was my backup vehicle at that point anyway. Couldn't pull all my stuff with a 4 cylinder car, so this is my only option. Money is tight, family is dying, gotta make it work you know?

 

Unplugging the connector will disable O/D in any event. Of course, it also disables TCC lockup, so, gas mileage is going to suffer, and there is a real chance of overheating the trans.... which the PCM won't know about, so, won't tell you.

I think you are just asking for a breakdown on the side of the road somewhere...... In your position, I think I would be real tempted to just replace the governor electronics, and run with it from there.

 

Not an option at this point. I pick the trailer up at noon and I'm out of here at 4. If it makes it, I'll fix it. If not, then I'm on foot. Is what it is now. Wish me luck. I'll keep yall posted. Who knows, one of you might get lucky and score a free ram and trailer full of my stuff somewhere between SC and Illinois. Let's hope not though.

 

So what's better of the two? Leave it plugged in and take off in 2nd from a dead stop with a trailer on it, or disconnect it and drive it like a 3 speed? I know, both options are terrible, but I need this to work. I'm broke now, I'll be running non-stop with the exception of fuel and pee breaks.... We've all done sketchy road trips, granted I'm too old for this crap anymore and this is the last time..... But if a '66 Galaxy made it from Chicago to California and back with a hole in the radiator, I think my Dodge can manage to limp back to Chicago.

 

Does it shift automatically after 2nd gear?

When I got this truck from my Wife's Grandfather, in 'D', it would not shift down into 1st gear, however, he could manually put it in 1st, then shift up into 'D' and it would shift automatically anywhere above 2nd gear. He drove it in 'D' with no 1st gear for a long time, and hauled a boat occasionally, using the upshift method.

I'd say leave it as it. With the trailer, manually put it in 1st, then once you are moving, shift it up into 'D' for the highway stuff. Straight flat highways will be fine in O/D and if you have to stop, just remember to manually put it in 1st, then 'D'.