A/T switch

I just purchased a 1998 tracker 2dr. 2wd and there is a switch beside the shifter in the console,it has A/T "p" and "N" can anyone tell me what it is for? i looked behind the switch and the plug is disconnected.
Also, how can I identify what auto trans. I have,3 speed or the 4 speed, it only shifts twice...goes into 3rd fine but it seems it needs another gear....4000 rpm at 70 mph!!! can anyone relate to these figures, there is no overdrive button on the shifter as i have read from other post/threads.. any help is very much appreciated.

Our 2000 4WD 4dr Tracker has the A/T switch. I believe it adjusts the shift points on the automatic transmission so that you can get more power (and lower fuel efficiency) when pulling a trailer. "P" is power, "N" is normal. We never use ours, just leave it in "N". Ours has a 3 speed with overdrive (4 speeds total) and runs about 2800 rpm at 70 mph, so I would say you are not shifting into overdrive. Ours has a small switch on the side of the shifter lever that uncouples the overdrive when pressed in. A light comes on in the dashboard in that condition as well. Now, with your A/T switch unhooked, you may also have the overdrive switch unhooked. I'd check this out.

Our 2000 4WD 4dr Tracker has the A/T switch. I believe it adjusts the shift points on the automatic transmission so that you can get more power (and lower fuel efficiency) when pulling a trailer. "P" is power, "N" is normal. We never use ours, just leave it in "N". Ours has a 3 speed with overdrive (4 speeds total) and runs about 2800 rpm at 70 mph, so I would say you are not shifting into overdrive. Ours has a small switch on the side of the shifter lever that uncouples the overdrive when pressed in. A light comes on in the dashboard in that condition as well. Now, with your A/T switch unhooked, you may also have the overdrive switch unhooked. I'd check this out.


That switch performs 2 functions. I modifys the shift point to shift at a higher rpm underload and when shift selector is put in 2nd it forces the trans to start in 2nd to reduce the torque to the rear wheel to reduce wheel slippage on slick surfaces.