I'll test several VXes this weekend ( '00 & '01) but have no doubt they ALL will stay in or below the gear selected - that is how automatic transmissions are designed and WHY they have the selections that they do. Most importantly when towing, you want to be OUT of OD (4th) and remain in 3rd, especially on hills. Torque converter lockup is what I believe the confusion or feeling of a 'shift' up to be while operating in 3rd.