Thread: Manual shifting

yep. very true. that is how most people were out trannys. but most people are dumb azz and dont follow those guide lines. ive been driving around in the manaul mode lately and i kind of find that if you keep it in third it rides pretty well. like i will start off in second then go to third. third will still use second sometimes, just enough to get going then go right into 3rd. i kinda like it cuz its like no bull, just go straight for your gear. no waiting on slow auto to finally shift. i also have stock pcm. and i have no idea if that is bad for the tranny or not tho. it just feels better for it sometimes. not all the time. its like crusing driving

This is what the 4T65E Technician's guide says:

OD- Should be used for all normal conditions for maximum efficiency and fuel economy.

D3- Manual third can be used for conditions where it may be desirable to use only three gear ratios. These conditions include: towing, hilly terrain and for engine braking when descending slight grades. Upshifts and downshifts are the same as overdrive range, except that it will not shift into 4th.

D2- Manual second adds more performance for congested traffic and hilly terrain. Manual second can be used to retain second gear for acceleration or engine braking as desired. Manual second can be selected at any speed, but it will not downshift into second gear unless vehicle speed is below 62 mph.

D1- Manual first can be selected at any speed. If the transaxle is in 4th or 3rd gear, it will immediately downshift into 2nd, and then into 1st when vehicle speed drops below 37 mph. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining maximum engine braking when descending steep grades.

Just be aware dropping into manual 2 or 1 can cook your manual band clutch if you manual shift excessively. (Not noted in the tech manual)

Is there any harm to the transmission to drive it in "3" in the city? Most of my driving is city driving and with my car now at 125k miles with the original tranny i think im going to start doing that, as long as there is no harm in doing it.