I have an automatic in my '98 SE and have wondered if there is any harm in making manual up and down shifts.

Reasonable care is taken and I'm not slamming it into 2nd after redlining in
1st, but I do like to choose the right gear to be in.

So is anyone aware of problems that have come up from doing this or am I shortening the life of the tranny?

Thanks for any help!

 

I used to do it in my sisters '92 SE. Just get a manual. I don't think it will hurt the tranny to upshift at a reasonable RPM, but I really wouldn't downshift except for using the Overdrive button...(the '92 had it, not sure if yours does). I'm sure someone with more experience can tell you more about this.

 

...
I do it all the time, some people think it's , but I think it all depends on how you want to use your particular powerband.

 

thanks guys ... I just found the other thread on this topic and the opinions vary. It would be great if somebody who knows gearboxes (like a technician?) could share their experience ... without that, we just don't know, do we??

Hey Adam, nice RC-51 ya got there. My other car is an Aprilia Falco -- gotta love V-twins!!

 

it wont hurt if you do it right. i used to do it. and then when i stopped the ecu "learned" where i was shifting and you could tell the difference. THEN I RIPPED IT OUT AND PUT IN A 5 SPD AND NEVER LOOKED BACK!!!!!!!!!

 

The TCU in our cars doesn't "learn" shift points.

My E46 does learn shift points in sport mode.

 

What would be the point in having those gears there for you to shift to, if it would cause harm?

 

They are really there for engine braking, i don't think it would harm anything to downshift though. I'm no tech though. Just do regular tranny flushes and you'll be all right.

 

They are there for you to hold gears in certain driving conditions where a sudden shift could cause loss of control.

 

i.e. snow. I know I personally will just put it in 2nd when I'm in fresh snow and leave it there.

 

The only thing that sucks about doing this is that putting it in 2nd will not make the trans start in 2nd. If it did, then it would be VERY beneficial.

 

Many other car's have this option ... Not in A32/33 Maximaland though


Also be cool for dynoing.

 

Yes, I know

 

It won't hurt your transmission at all as long as you are shifting before redline. Get a manual in there though, so much more satisfying to drive...