Is downshifting in an automatic bad for the transmission?

[BENZ BOY15]

I have a question. I was riding with my friend and her dad in his early 2000s S80 (I think...I wasn't really paying attention, but this isn't the point) and when we would slow down, he would grab the shifter and go from drive to third or sometimes to second. It's an automatic. Is this bad for the transmission? Obviously, you can do it and keep it there, but to downshift every time you slow down? I remember when I was 17, I did that and my dad yelled at me, "you're gonna ruin the fucking transmission." But he couldn't explain why. "It's just bad." Yes, dad...I'll never do it again. I haven't. 

My friend didn't know and she said he does it all the time. I didn't want to ask her dad.

Bad or not?

[2o6]

IIRC, no. Not too sure on it, but it might screw with the computer.

[Laconian]

It's fine. The transmission shifts in response to a command to do so, it makes no difference if that signal comes from a person or a computer.

[Vinsanity]

I do it all the time. I'll let you know if my transmission asplodes.

[2o6]

It's fine. The transmission shifts in response to a command to do so, it makes no difference if that signal comes from a person or an electronic brain.

I don't think he's talking about shift paddles. Wouldn't the transmission downshift or upshift if whoever was downshifting did it wrong?

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Is this one of the "Professionals that use drugs" that are so abundant in your area?

I'm sure it doesn't harm the transmission, though it is completely pointless and if anything a bit sad.

[Tave]

I do it all the time.

Why?

[2o6]

Is this one of the "Professionals that use drugs" that are so abundant in your area?

I'm sure it doesn't harm the transmission, though it is completely pointless and if anything a bit sad.

I know, right? Get the real thing; a Manual transmission.

[Laconian]

I don't think he's talking about shift paddles. Wouldn't the transmission downshift or upshift if whoever was downshifting did it wrong?

I'm not talking about automatics. I'm talking about moving a lever from D to 2 or 1. There's no magic to paddle shifting, it's another kind of joystick but it's just the same slushbox in the end.

[2o6]

I'm not talking about automatics. I'm talking about moving a lever from D to 2 or 1. There's no magic to paddle shifting, it's another kind of joystick but it's just the same slushbox in the end.

Hmmn. Seems kinda stupid, though.

[AutobahnSHO]

Unless you drop it into "2" at 90mph...

It SOUNDS painful usually because auto cars don't usually hit redline- you're not used to hearing the car revved that high. But it shouldn't do any damage.

[Vinsanity]

Why?

Somewhat noticeable engine braking effect when approaching a red light or going off a freeway offramp.

[the Teuton]

Generally, auto transmissions can electronically override your idiocies.  It should be fine.

[Eye of the Tiger]

It doesn't matter, because you'll wreck the car before the transmission ever has a chance to go bad.

[Laconian]

Generally, auto transmissions can electronically override your idiocies.  It should be fine.

I don't think so, at least not the Ford 6AT. Remember the issue where ass ends of the Mazda5 kept going up in flames?

[Catman]

I can't imagine that practice being good for a transmission.  The fact that it's pointless in the first place is reason enough not to do it.

[Eye of the Tiger]

As long as you don't downshift into 1st gear at 90 mph or something stupid, I don't see what is wrong with it. The transmission shifts all the time - whether or not it's because you put your foot on the gas or because you move the shifter, why would it matter? Read your owner's manual - if for some reason downshifting is bad, it will would probably say so. Otherwise, it's a transmission - it's whole purpose in life is to shift.

[Laconian]

I can't imagine that practice being good for a transmission.  The fact that it's pointless in the first place is reason enough not to do it.

Most car manuals endorse it for steep or long hill descents.

[2o6]

As long as you don't downshift into 1st gear at 90 mph or something stupid, I don't see what is wrong with it. The transmission shifts all the time - whether or not it's because you put your foot on the gas or because you move the shifter, why would it matter? Read your owner's manual - if for some reason downshifting is bad, it will would probably say so. Otherwise, it's a transmission - it's whole purpose in life is to shift.

Transmissions need to learn how to enjoy themselves. Take some time off, go see a movie. Enjoy a nice dinner or something.

[Vinsanity]

Transmissions need to learn how to enjoy themselves. Take some time off, go see a movie. Enjoy a nice dinner or something.

/rimshot
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/crickets

[Rupert]

It's fine. But it's also pretty dumb when just coming to a stop. I use the gears of an automatic a lot, but it's for controlling speed on a downgrade, or getting more power without having to floor it, or keeping the transmission from shifting all the damn time.

[Secret Chimp]

/rimshot
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/crickets

/owl
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/man in outhouse farting

[Madman]

I have a question. I was riding with my friend and her dad in his early 2000s S80 (I think...I wasn't really paying attention, but this isn't the point) and when we would slow down, he would grab the shifter and go from drive to third or sometimes to second. It's an automatic. Is this bad for the transmission? Obviously, you can do it and keep it there, but to downshift every time you slow down? I remember when I was 17, I did that and my dad yelled at me, "you're gonna ruin the fucking transmission." But he couldn't explain why. "It's just bad." Yes, dad...I'll never do it again. I haven't. 

My friend didn't know and she said he does it all the time. I didn't want to ask her dad.

Bad or not?

Do you recall if this S80 was the 2.9 or the T6?  Both used the same GM-sourced automatic transmission, but the T6 had the Geartronic shifter.  Volvo's Geartronic was basically the same as VW/Audi's old Tiptronic; in other words, a conventional automatic with a manual override function.  If he was driving in Geartronic mode, it's possible he was just shifting to match the engine revs.

Even if it's not the Geartronic transmission, I don't think you could really do any harm by downshifting to a lower gear when slowing down.  I rarely take my car out of "Drive" but there are rare cases when I do.  Downshifting when going up a very steep hill, for example.

I wouldn't worry about it.


Cheers,
Madman of the People

[S204STi]

It's fine. But it's also pretty dumb when just coming to a stop. I use the gears of an automatic a lot, but it's for controlling speed on a downgrade, or getting more power without having to floor it, or keeping the transmission from shifting all the damn time.

This, friends, is the correct use of gears in an automatic transmission.

And for like the bizzilionth time, it doesn't hurt it to downshift one or two gears.  Going from D to 1 might be an issue...

[GoCougs]

It's not bad per se, but it does cause extra wear and tear on the shifting components (bands and clutches), especially at the higher engine speeds; IMO a concern considering that the AT remains one of the weakest yet most expensive components on a modern automobile.

(On the rev matching ATs, this concern probably goes away almost entirely.)

[Xer0]

Everytime he slowed down?  Thats so pointless, it sounds like he never could figure out the clutch but still wants to seem "cool".

[Submariner]

Everytime he slowed down?  Thats so pointless, it sounds like he never could figure out the clutch but still wants to seem "cool".

+1

It's pretty stupid.  Downshift if you want to engine brake, not when you come to a stop on a level road.  Automatic's do that for you...that's why they're called automatics.

[Rupert]

Oh, and congrats to Benz for his first automotive post and thread!

[BENZ BOY15]

Oh, and congrats to Benz for his first automotive post and thread!

Thanks.

I didn't realize this many people posted here. I posted the thread expecting to get 3 responses in two days, but then I turn around and there's 20something posts.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Thanks.

I didn't realize this many people posted here. I posted the thread expecting to get 3 responses in two days, but then I turn around and there's 20something posts.

Believe it or not, we actually like to talk about cars here.