Does manually downshifting your automatic transmission frequently hurt it any?

Question

I have a toyota lancruiser turbo diesel and i live in a very hilly region. I often downshift to 2nd gear going downhills to spare my brakes. Does this make it more likely for me to have transmission problems?

Answer 1

Unless you do something extreme - like shifting into low gear @ 100 mph - it's perfectly fine. Not to mention that these transmissions are practically indestructable.

Answer 2

Definately check with your dealer about this, but you should be ok as long as you aren't running at too high a speed before you downshift. You may also want to consider more frequent transmission oil and filter changes too. Your dealer can advise you.

Answer 3

This is how you should slow down in hilly country to keep brakes from over heating and failing, just not at high rpm as this is hard on engine and transmission.

Answer 4

nope. manually downshifting your automatic won't hurt it one bit. Just make sure that you don't over rev going downhill in a lower gear.

Answer 5

If you're using the tranny for braking, then yes, over time, it will wear out faster.
In the long run, it's cheaper and easier to reline or replace brakes than drop a tranny.

Answer 6

it shouldnt hurt nothing,but it also depends on how fast your going when you downshift.when your going to downshift,slow it down,then downshift.

Answer 7

Shouldn't you are just forcing it to do what it normally does..as long as you are not over-reving the engine..shouldn't hurt it at all

Answer 8

over time it is possible,ask a local dealer what they recommend they see problems every day like this

Answer 9

I wouldn't think it would be bad. I sure hope not cuz I do the same thing sometimes.

Answer 10

douagh!!!!.
if You live in the hills ..Why You have an automatic?