Shifting my automatic manually, will it hurt my trans?

[Lynx331]

I just got a quick question, when im driving occasionally i find the need to pop it in 1st then run it up to 2nd and 3rd manually? Ocassionally i'll downshift it into first. Could i tear up my trans by doing this? Lately ive been pretty good about keeping it in good ol D but im just curious?

 

[doc4444]

Just my opinion but I'd stay in Drive. The tranny wasn't made for the type of shifting you are doing. (ie....auto vs. manual) These cars are known to be able to take a little beating but what you are doing just does not seem right. If you really want to manual shift, install a 5 Speed and or trade it in for a manual. Just my .02.

 

[85GTlover]

It is not good for the Synchro's in the tranny, but many people do it and once in a while probably wouldn't kill it as compared to not doing it, a standard would be the smart option if you like driving like that but I bet you knew that. A shift kit for your auto may make you happier.

 

[szer0]

Just stay in drive. You have an automatic and that's the way it's driven. The lower gears on an automatic are meant for engine braking on steep hills and/or towing (are you actually going to tow in a mustang?)

 

[ChrisYellowV6]

make sure you're totally stopped before you put it in first, thats a general rule for auto or std

 

[marvinmycat]

TransGo makes an aoutomatic shift kit for our aoutomatics. It is not a chip, but rahter a mechanical kit. I read that you can manually shift the gears, set the shift points, as well as the kit firming up your shifts. Anyone have any information on these kits?

 

[Jamez]

The worst thing about doin that is you make it rev higher and longer than it wants to which just creates extra heat and wear as opposed to letting it do its thing. Having recently recieved a 2500 stall converter, I can now praise not only Trans-Go shift kits, but high stall converters as well. These two devices along with a cooler will make you forget about shifting your auto manually

 

[propellerhead]

I sometimes click off the OD to drop into 3rd and do an engine brake as I exit the freeway. Sometimes when I am 40 mph or below, I might drop it into 2nd to engine brake. As long as you're not slamming into low gear and causing the engine to rev really high, you should be ok. The owner's manual of my 04 GT states that the electronically controlled auto trans in my 04 GT will prevent you from downshifting in a situation that could cause damage. I trust the software and electronics in the transmission to keep me from doing any damage.

 

[marvinmycat]

Actually after reading up some more on the TransGo shift kits (either manual shift or auto shift), it actually improves fluid flow within the tranny, thereby allowing it to run cooler (provided your manual shifting isn't red lining the RPMs all the time).

But yes, you are correct in that the stall converter, shift kit, and cooler are a good way to go.

I don't think that I'm up for the manual shifting of an auto. Kinda defeats the purpose of having an auto (as much as I would have liked to have a standard to begin with!).

 

[mustangmat99]

i know when i had my auto peeps would say when u race put it down in first and shift up cause ull have more power in the lower gears to get you off the line faster, as a matter of fact i would have spanked this one camaro i raced but when i had it in first and hit it i spun the tires forever and by the time i stoped the race was a dead tie, but yea i donno if its any good for ur trans id doubt not over time, but im sure every now and again wouldnt hurt : P