Down shifting OK?
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8
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From: SoCal
Down shifting OK?
Never having owned an automatic trans before...I wonder if what I'm doing to my truck may cause problems in the future. I've got a 2004 FX4 scab with the center console and regularly downshift using the overdrive button first, then grab the shifter and pull it into second whenever I have to come to a stop. I don't do this just a few times, I do it almost all the time. Does any one know if this is safe? Tranny wise?
Any techs out there know if I should stop....it's hard to break an old habit like downshifting, but other than being an automatic I really like this truck and would hate to screw it up. But I figure I'm helping the brake pads some.
Comments?
Any techs out there know if I should stop....it's hard to break an old habit like downshifting, but other than being an automatic I really like this truck and would hate to screw it up. But I figure I'm helping the brake pads some.
Comments?
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
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From: MA
Brake pads - $20
Auto Tranny - $1500
Use the pads. Downshifting with the O/D is ok. It would mimic the same action as you putting the gas pedal all the way to the floor. It is tripping a sensor, which shifts. It is the manual shift to second that is going to cause you some possible damage down the road.
Rich
Auto Tranny - $1500
Use the pads. Downshifting with the O/D is ok. It would mimic the same action as you putting the gas pedal all the way to the floor. It is tripping a sensor, which shifts. It is the manual shift to second that is going to cause you some possible damage down the road.
Rich
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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Downshifting in the manner you are may cause problems in the future, however the owners manual clearly says to downshift for engine braking when going down hill. This will help you maintain control of your vehicle. You can not steer as well when braking. It also says that the transmission won't shift into a gear until you are at a safe speed for that gear. Just another feature to provent you from damaging your engine/transmission.
I use engine braking every time I am in the mountains.
I use engine braking every time I am in the mountains.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 279
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From: Subz of the Windy City!
I've been downshifting automats for year without ever replacing a tranny. using the OD button is pretty much the way to drive around here because of the people in front of you that love to feather their accelerators pedal. Oooo I hate it when that happens. or you get the brake happy people that ride their brakes throughout their trip. you get my drift! Rich has a valid point but downshifting has never been a problem for me and if I do, it's only to 3rd and thats when you get the joker that decides they're gonna hit the brakes at the last minute. I see it this way, do it if you must.
