[Shop-talk] Automatic Transmission Question

[Bob Spidell]

re: "... Think the shock-loading on the trans and drivetrain parts 
shifting in and out of gear at stop lights is harder on things than just 
leaving it in gear ..."

Isn't the transmission going to drop into low(est) gear at a stop, then 
upshift through all 3/4/5/6/8/9/10 gears when you accelerate anyway? I 
usually put the AT into park at a stop (and have for years with no 
issues--but I don't drive an AT all that much).  I see a LOT of cars 
with at least one brake light burnt out--you used to get a fix-it ticket 
for that, but not anymore apparently--and always figured it's due to 
people standing on the brakes through every stop light (and tailgating 
and riding the brakes a lot, too). At worst, I figure I'm using the 
shifting rods a bit more, and with a torque converter it's not like 
dumping a clutch (which /is/ pretty rough on a drivetrain). Without 
brakes, an AT car wants to creep forward, so by holding it stopped 
something has to be wearing (clutches, bands?).

Anyway, interesting topic. If there's solid evidence that shifting into 
park or neutral is truly bad, I will change my habit. I /always /put my 
Healeys in neutral at a stop; standing on the clutch prematurely wears 
the graphite release 'bearing,' and if my foot were to slip with cross 
traffic or someone in a crosswalk ...

Bob

ps. I presume everybody here knows the proper technique for parking an 
AT car on a hill, right (brake on, transmission in neutral, parking 
brake on, transmission in park)?


On 6/8/2021 11:18 AM, jem at milleredp.com wrote:
>> Quick question, I have a buddy that drives his automatic transmission 
>> like
>> a manual.  He shifts going up and down hill, even shifts into neutral at
>> stop lights.
>
> I often hold a slushbox in a lower gear going uphill, or coming 
> downhill for engine braking.
>
> As for the people who shift into neutral at stop lights: I often 
> wonder who taught them to drive.  Think the shock-loading on the trans 
> and drivetrain parts shifting in and out of gear at stop lights is 
> harder on things than just leaving it in gear, assuming you're not 
> doing it for half an hour or otherwise in a situation (using 
> torque-converter slip to hold you in position on a hill) that would 
> overheat the thing.
>
> John.

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://autox.team.net/pipermail/shop-talk/attachments/20210608/c861832b/attachment.htm>