Manually downshifting auto tranny

What are peoples' thoughts regarding slowing down using the gears in our V6 5-speed auto trucks? The owner's manual gives maximum shift speeds for forcing a change in gear, and in some towing applications like hill descents it seems like a good way to keep everything under control. Does anyone see any problems?

 

Wow Chris I'd hate to be in a duel at sunset with you! You reply so fast!!! Thanks, good to see that I'm not toasting my transmission. I figure if it's in thr owner's manual and you stick to the speed "limits" I should be good... And the built in safety is an extra safeguard.

 

best time to downshift...., on a gravel road, dwnshift, hit throttle... pepper tailgaters

 

x2 chris

 

The only thing I think my Tacoma is missing is an autostick/manumatic trans. I like the trans that we have, no question, I just wish it was autostick.

 

That is true but on my Altima I could just flick the shift knob up or down. Call me lazy.

 

Btw downshifting for slower grade speeds is refered to a compression braking, good thing to do to save the brakes. Beware of it in the snow though, it'll slide tires with low traction.

 

I downshift all the time saves on the brakes and when I need a little boost making a pass on a slower driver

 

OK thanks for that. I drove my girlfriends TJ at the weekend, it's a stick shift. I loved it (haven't driven stick since I left England 6 years ago... And I sucked back then. I think I was born to drive over here, I feel way more comfortable with the shifter on my right. Not really relevant, but I thought I'd share anyway lol)

 

^See, that's the thing. I never feel the need to downshift manually. The trans always seems to downshift just fine and I never feel like it's in the wrong gear.

I have noticed that it does a weird thing around 40 mph, though, like it can't decide what gear. Other than that, it's perfect IMO.

 

A wiser man than me once told me new brake pads are cheaper than a new transmission

that saying always is always stuck in my head when I go to slow down

 

bigmoozes first day in USA "Bloody 'Markins theyre allover the wrong side of the road... and off it!"

 

Hahahaha

 

I drove In Japan back in 1989, driver on right, i freaked out 5 times that night waking up thinking i was still driving, but i was in the rack (navy slang for bed )

 

Excellent point. The tranny would be called upon to help out under certain conditions though, like slowing down on a downhill slope, at the bottom of which is a stop light, while towing a load (I don't know if the towing package has bigger brakes, but I don't have the towing package, and the hill I'm referring to has a decent grade)

 

I think the pad vs trans wisdom sounds real good , but its cheaper to not turn on the truck. Done normal and properly, no downshift will ruin the transmission. The mistake that makes the quote true is going say 75 in a pre electronic auto, then forcing a downshift. Mine is a manual, so I cant speak 100% for the toyo autos. At work we drive anything from freightliners with jake brakes to 1 ton+ vans and trucks. Downshifting an auto under normal conditions/speeds is taught so you have cooler or cold brakes at the bottom of a hill.

 

Downshifting, like using the tranny as you would a stick in a sportscar causes wear on the auto-tranny's clutchpack. Newer electronic shifted trannys mitigate this somewhat. However forcing a shift at a non TCM selected load is auto unfriendly. Doesn't happen overnight - but a driving habit that contiually uses the auto like a manual will shorten the auto's life.

As opposed to selecting 3rd for an uphill haul, or for engine braking on a downhill slope - being a good choice. Generally you're operating the vehicle at a compatible speed/rpm at the point you'd need to shift manually.