Question Regarding Downshifting in an Auto

[Dak2Zeke]

Sometimes while either in S or D and I try and downshift, the gear number just flashes on the dashboard a few times instead of downshifting and then a few seconds after when you downshift again it will work. Anyone know why?

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[Dak2Zeke]

Anyone ?

 

[airfuel]

You are going too fast for the downshift.

 

[Must_Tang]

What rpm are you at when you try to downshift? From what I've seen in my car, it means that if it did downshift you would over rev your engine. Think of it as a safety net.

 

[oldgeezer]

I have a manual tranny myself, so I can't speak with any authority, but perhaps you are trying a downshift that would exceed redline and the computer won't let you?

 

[ScottsGT]

Not sure about newer autos, but I destroyed a C4 by "engine braking" to slow down by downshifting. Trans mechanic told me you never downshift an auto unless you're accelerating.
EDIT: not a one time event, over many months of horsing around.

 

[airfuel]

Nonesense.
Modern automatics are dummy proof.

 

[jasonstang]

It means the gear is not available.

 

[Dak2Zeke]

It means the gear is not available.

Because I was going too fast?

 

[Dak2Zeke]

Not sure about newer autos, but I destroyed a C4 by "engine braking" to slow down by downshifting. Trans mechanic told me you never downshift an auto unless you're accelerating.
EDIT: not a one time event, over many months of horsing around.

Doesn't make sense. isnt it a regular thing to downshift while slowing down

 

[Dak2Zeke]

What rpm are you at when you try to downshift? From what I've seen in my car, it means that if it did downshift you would over rev your engine. Think of it as a safety net.

Makes sense. Same thing happens to you? Just wanted to make sure my cars not screwed up lol

 

[jasonstang]

Because I was going too fast?

Yes.

 

[jasonstang]

Not sure about newer autos, but I destroyed a C4 by "engine braking" to slow down by downshifting. Trans mechanic told me you never downshift an auto unless you're accelerating.
EDIT: not a one time event, over many months of horsing around.

Well your C4 didn't have rev matching so the clutch packs were dragging everything to speed. It will be like downshifting on a manual without rev matching except manual clutch packs are much more durable than auto.

 

[Snide]

The light will also blink if you try to downshift if you are going too slow for that particular gear.

 

[ScottsGT]

Well your C4 didn't have rev matching so the clutch packs were dragging everything to speed. It will be like downshifting on a manual without rev matching except manual clutch packs are much more durable than auto.

That and it destroyed the planitary gears. Transmission started whining really bad. He thought it was the pump until he got inside it.

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