If so, have you had to have your transmission replaced? Curious about real world experiences (I'm considering buying a 2003 Acura TL).

 

BTW, where's the edit button?

edit: i guess only the replies can be edited (.....strange.....)

 

Engine braking isn't good for our trannys, especially downshifting into 3rd and 4th.

Although if you brake hard, it does it automatically to assist. (in D5)

Edit is only allowed within 5 mins.

 

with ,my 6 speed

 

^same here

 

How many miles on the TL you are lookin at? How many times has the transmission been changed? Is it a TL-S or TL-P? (std TL)

EVERYONE either has or will have their transmission replaced.... this is kinda one of those things like death and taxes... we all gotta do it at some point.

How much is the TL you are thinking about purchasing?

 

Do not do this in an Automatic. Trannys cost $3000 to $4000 dollars, brake pads cost $30 to $60 dollars, whatever. It's fun to slowdown by downshifting, but I say use the brakes.

 

I would have to agree

 

its downshifting at high rpm into 3rd and 2nd that puts severe wear on a known weak part that doesnt get enough cooling oil flow normally--
Guess what happens when you subject it to extreme heat???..

downshift to be in the right rpm/torque to accellerate off the apex of the corner
Otherwise dont use it like that
SS is for backroads fun,,, and those with great warranty coverage

 

Agree with the consensus ...

Brakes >>> transmission to slow down automatic transmission TL

 

same goes for manual. why pay 10x more for a clutch when u can spend $50 for some pads.

 

Yah, my friend has a Dodge Neon like 03' or whatever and it's a 5 speed, he always did that, downshifted to avoid using brakes what do you know after a few months 1st gear is slipping like mad. $200.00 for the clutch, he's doing the work himself.

 

Excuse my lack of knowledge, because I've not driven manual before, and typically hear engine braking related to manual. But could someone please explain to me what engine braking is?

From what I've read above, as it relates to our automatic tiptronics, I'm guessing it's downshifting in tiptronic mode without applying the brakes? But what if I'm just in regular non-tiptronic drive mode. If i'm letting my car coast to a stop without using the brakes, is that considered engine braking, and more importantly, is that bad for the tranny?

Thanks in advance.

 

Engine braking is when you downshift [in SS(tiptronic) or GS(gate shifting)] to slow the car down while braking. This puts severe wear on the transmission that should be avoided.

Just leave it in D5 and you wont have to worry about engine braking.

 

Engine braking does occur even in D5, it is called Grade Logic Control. Whether you like it or not, or trying to use the brake to avoid engine braking, grade logic control will take place obviously when going down slope and/or with rapid change in speed reducing. It does happen in other instances, but is less obvious to the feel.

 

Well i'm more curious about regular city driving one traffic light to the next on even roads. If I'm driving at 60km/h and notice the traffic lights just turned red 150-200 metres ahead and just let go of the gas pedal and let the car slow down on its own (until I reach a point where I need to use the brakes if necessary) - is there anything happening there that's causing wear on my transmission? Or am I better off keeping my foot on the gas until I'm 15-25, etc. metres out and braking to a stop?

 

its best to take your foot off the gas early and let the car coast- it knows whats going on and shifts itself into low gear(s) as needed
Thats why its always in the right gear when you want to go from a stop or 35!

Normal driving is not considered engine braking- only shifiting down in the gears at higher rpms,,,lets say if you are doing it at 4000 to max rpm the computer will allow- as an example. In those cases you are on the brakes hard too,,for the corner entry to apex~
...thats putting severe wear on the trans clutches--yes auto trans are filled with clutches, much like a motorcycle with a set of stacked disc, but for each gearset

Tip: In stop and go traffic where speeds are less than 45 mph, put shifter in D4,
that will keep if from hunting for 5th all the time and is better for the car.
remember to go back into d5 when traffic clears- very easy to forget its in 4th--using more gas

 

Its ok to play with SS mode on the backroads but no need to drive it like that normally
Many of us track day the car- meaning lots of max rpm downshifts at full brake effort from 100 mph+, for 30 minutes at a time...so a little bit of fun isnt going to destroy a good transmission

The computer can outshift you in most cases - let it do its thing

Get an oil analysis done on the current fluid to see what the materials floating around are like- that tells trans condition
www.blackstone-labs.com is one source

 

The real purpose of manual/SS Downshifting is to be in the right gear for the rpm/speed coming off the corner apex,, to accellerate to the exit point and rocket down the straight

Other than that, at max braking with good brake setup--the trans might add a few percent more decelleration if rapidly shifted to lower gears

Invest in great brakes and have fun in the TL~

 

Hey, 01tl4tl: What would you recommend as a good brake setup - pads and rotors- for normal to spirited driving to avoid downshifting? I know this is a little off-topic but the OEMs seem to fade from higher speeds. I've read lots of posted opinions. What's your ?