Auto Tranny Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
Auto Tranny Question
I asked this question on another forum and only got a few opinions, no REAL answers based on tech data. I have the stock A4 transmission in my 1999 C5. A local (and reputable) transmission shop here told me that if I am driving around town where I rarely exceed 45 mph, I should leave my shifter in "3" rather than the "D". This will prevent the transmission from going in and out of overdrive all the time, causing some premature wear. The mileage may suffer slightly, but than anyone concerned about mileage shouldn't really be in a Corvette. Has anyone else addressed this issue before?
;) John In Albuquerque ;)
;) John In Albuquerque ;)
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Auto Tranny Question (Vettepartz)
That has been an issue in the past due to poor engineering with engine and trans calibrations...It has since become "old school" and is really not necessary...
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 0
From: Norman Oklahoma
Re: Auto Tranny Question (Vettepartz)
:bs How many guys have had a A4 go out on them for reasons other than 1) faulty trans 2) stock trans & not stock engine. My girlfriend drove her moms car (that has a shifter that looks like it is in D when it is in 3) from work to home in it, only doing 45 the whole way. It is getting the trans replaced right now. Put it in drive and leave it there. The computer knows the best gear :cheers:
Jerry
Jerry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2
From: Chicagoland Illinois
Re: Auto Tranny Question (99 Corvette)
For ANY GM AOD (Automatic OverDrive) transmission, leave it in drive...if you find the transmission "hunting" for the right gear...shifting up and down rapidly...then...get it fixed. Obviously you may want a different gear for racing or whatever but for "normal" driving...keep it in DEE!!! :chevy
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 58,783
Likes: 1
From: D*ck ina Box
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Auto Tranny Question (intel55)
I'm on the other side I guess, I drive around town in 3rd and even sometimes on the highway up to 70 in 3rd and that's with the PLII...I love to unleash the Borla's ;) :D
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,630
Likes: 8
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Re: Auto Tranny Question (Vettepartz)
I have always heard that you should just leave it in "D." The constant shifting between "D" and "3" will cause more harm (and you know how long you're going to stay below 45MPH...not long at all).
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA
Re: Auto Tranny Question (Mark S.)
Drive it "D" or "3". In "3" you'll just use more gas. My Y2K with 3.15 doesn't shift into high at WOT until about 130, so 50-70 isn't going to hurt it. If you get a PL (Power Loader) then your A4 driving experience will be much improved. The PL will hold in gear longer between shifts, downshift with less throttle and provide a quicker/firmer shift.
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Rowlett TX
Re: Auto Tranny Question (SRitger)
Whichever floats your boats. With the highway bruiser gears I have in mine still I can stay in 2nd at 45 lol. *sigh* 83 mph is 2,000 rpm exactly in overdrive hehe. I've had it up to 65 in 2nd gear and it was still nowhere near the red heheh.
Pro
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
Re: Auto Tranny Question (Vettepartz)
I drive my A4 in 3 unless I'm on the freeway and moving over 60 mph. I do this mostly for the drag when I lift the throttle. I have 2.73 gears. I've driven mine up to 90 in 2nd and it screams nicely. When you are negotiating turns in 3 or D you don't always know when it will downshift.
:flag
:flag
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,981
Likes: 0
From: Houston,Tx. USA
Re: Auto Tranny Question (Vettepartz)
I like the 3 selection for around town, as I do seem to experience up and down shifting when I don't want it (could by my foot!); a little less mileage and oil runs 5 or 10 degrees hotter. Traffic here speeds up and slows down too much.