Hi, I have a 2004 Rubicon 500 with the auto. The manual is kinda vague about when to use the different selections, I am in very mountanous country and am wondering what is the difference between D 1 and D2 and whether I should run this thing in low on a continous uphill run? Any tips?

 

D1 is usually for more normal riding (what i usually run on) and then D2 has much more torque. Usually used for pulling something or maybe mudding.

The only time I switch out of D1 is when i go through thick mud.... I have yet to get bogged down in low D2.... that is where you will get the majority of power... in low you will get a lot of torque but the top speed will be lower

 

Do you find that it runs hotter in D1 , I have had the heat light come on and then when I climb in low I have no issues. Maybe I will just run it in D2 and see how it works. Thanks.

 

When i ride in D1 my legs do get warm and my fun runs pretty constant.... but the only time i have ever had the tmp light come on was when i was low on coolant...

if your not trying to fly down an open road, then in my opinion D2 would be just fine....

 

Yeah, I guess it is a matter of getting used to it and figuring out the conditions. Thanks for the input. It was my first time out aqnd it was steep and I had my sweetie on the back so common sense would indicate a lower gear but it seemed to be pulling just fine. I have changed out the coolant andadj. the valves and have not had a problem since.

 

flat ground or slow rideing use D-2, use D1 in anything steep as the RPM is higher. Useing D2 on steep hills can cause the clutch to slip