Hey Scotty my 07 Avalon will let me shift the gears as though it were a manual car with some limitations due to it being an automatic car. Sometimes in the winter the roads get super slick and I've used upshifting to slow the car down and avoid my brakes as much as possible to avoid slipping. I'm even able to make it to a complete stop via first gear if I'm careful about it. Is this bad for the transmission? To what extent is it OK? Also, even if I'm driving it normally using manual mode it gives me a slight jolt when shifting only from second gear to first gear IF and only if the car isn't at a complete stop (even if I'm going less than 5mph it does that) is this bad?
It's totally fine to be shifting the automatic transmission manually...it gives you the option to shift gears manually in the +/- option using the stick. Putting it in D just does it all "automatically" (that's why it's called an automatic transmission lol). The car is supposed to be in 1st gear when it's stopped, not in neutral like in a traditional manual tranny (some cars allow you to go in 2nd or even 8th gear at a standstill too). Although you're in manual mode, it will downshift or upshift for you automatically when slowing down or speeding up (some cars do this, some cars don't so be careful to not redline your engine speed).
It will NOT wear out your transmission faster by using the manual mode. The worst it will do is reduce your fuel efficiency, or it can wear out your engine if you're letting it redline in each gear.
As for the jolting between 1st to 2nd gears, that may or may not be normal. My BMW engine with the ZF8HP45 tends to do that as well, but that's most likely from the increased line pressure and clamping force of the clutches due to different software calibrations (not to mention I have a TCU tune as well). Often times when using manual mode, the line pressure of the transmission is increased, so the shifts feel a bit "jerky". This is why people with slipping transmissions most of the time stop slipping out of gear when using the manual shifting mode (which Scotty has mentioned in one of his videos I believe).
Automatics aren't designed to be driven this way frequently. They more you do that, they quicker you will wear it out. If you want to shift gears yourself, then get a manual.
So are we talking about something different than what was responded here?
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/is-using-the-overdrive-harmful-for-the-automatic-transmission/
MountainManJoe: The computer is smart enough not to let you blow anything up.
Mod Man: Using the Sport Shifter gate doesn't hurt anything. As Joe said, the computer will keep you from over-revving.
Bump @mountainmanjoe
Yes the computer will prevent you from making serious shifting mistakes. But I still believe that playing with an auto too much will wear it out. Just let it do it's thing.
There are particular situations when shifting manually is beneficial, and they are outlined in my owner's manual. For example, downshifting to to CONTROL your descent (not replace braking completely). Or taking off in 2nd gear to prevent wheel slip. There may be others. I don't think ATs are meant to be driven like manuals.
Yes, go ahead and use them. The car is smart and won't let you damage the transmission as in if YOU don't change gears in time, it will for you.
Here is a previous thread about whether it damages the transmission or not,
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/is-using-the-overdrive-harmful-for-the-automatic-transmission/
Keep in mind though, the car will have best performance and efficiency in regular Automatic drive mode, as the computer was designed that way. Its a modern transmission. Likewise, the computer is smart enough to keep you from causing damage. Whether there is a small amount of premature wear, I don't know, but if you use it once in a while you should be fine. FWIW, We have been using it once in a while for 12 years and haven't had any transmission problems.
Yes, go ahead and shift manually if you choose to do so. It won't damage anything or wear anything out.
IF the vehicle has a shift gate built into the transmission that allows for bumping the stick up for upshift, down for downshift, then it is perfectly OK to use that mode.
IF, however, this is a traditional automatic that does not have the "+" and "-" buttons or a separate gate and you are shifting it via the "123" gears on the shifter, you want to avoid that as much as possible. Traditional automatics were not designed to be run through the gears manually and you can damage the transmission clutches, amongst other things. The modern transmissions with "Sportronic", "Paddleshift", whatever they call it at your manufacturer, can be shifted safely. However, dont be surprised to feel some surging when downshifting sharply, especially 2-1. First gear is really to get the car rolling, so down shifting an already-in-motion vehicle will give you that lurch. It is normal.
It’s good.
As long as that’s an automatic and not the MMT (putting extra strain on the already super weak Motorized manual is a terrible idea)
