manual switch on automatic transmission?

Submitted: Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 01:10
ThreadID: 45812 Views:3598 Replies:4 FollowUps:3
This Thread has been Archived
Hi everyone,

I have a 1992 Subaru Liberty GW Wagon 4WD, Automatic. On the center console is an orange switch that reads "Manual". As per the owners manual description, it forces the transmission to change and remain in whatever gear is selected by the driver (ie. like a manual transmission). In short, it stops the car kicking down a gear, to the extent that I can take off in 2nd gear if i really want to.

That's the question, though. Why would I want to force my car into a gear, and prevent it from changing down?

For the record, the owners manual simply states the function, not the reasoning, which i am after :P

Thanks in advance.
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: c j - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 07:16

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 07:16
For things like starting off on low traction surfaces like snow or mud to reduce the chance of wheelspin or for steep climbs to prevent it changing up and shifting out of the power band.
AnswerID: 241977

Follow Up By: subaruforallofyou - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:14

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:14
Ah, right. Makes sense.
I just worry i'm hurting something by taking off in 2nd.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
0
FollowupID: 503017

Reply By: Notso - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 09:17

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 09:17
Yep, nothing worse than a car with a mind of it's own EH. That's why I use a manual.
AnswerID: 241994

Follow Up By: subaruforallofyou - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:14

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:14
Agreed.
However, for a first car, i for one am certainly not complaining.
I of course do have a manual license :P
0
FollowupID: 503018

Reply By: sailor1man - Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 16:55

Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 16:55
That's correct for starting in snow or sand.
I have an auto patrol and have modified it so I can lock up the torque converter, its great for towing, stops the gearbox from overheating, don't need an oil cooler, auto converters slip this creates heat. Have best of both worlds drive it as an auto or manual but have to remember to disengage before stopping, embarrassing "how to stall an auto"
AnswerID: 242711

Reply By: Axel [ the real one ] - Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 18:44

Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 18:44
Have heard some crappola replies on the forum but the ones your getting from Notso and Eh ect take some beating , yes the button locks your auto box into what ever gear you are in at that point of time , so do most auto boxes simply by selecting the gear ,ie L 2 3 D ,, put the lever into L and lo and behold the box stays in 1st , the only time the auto will shift by itself is if in D .
AnswerID: 242727

Follow Up By: subaruforallofyou - Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 23:26

Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 23:26
My experience has been that putting the transmission into say, '3' will mean that that will eb the 'maximum' gear. Ie. It will not selected a gear higher than what is selected. IT will, however, change dfown to '2' and '1'.

Same as if it's in '2' - I will take off in 1st, and it will kick to 2nd when i reach speed/revs.
0
FollowupID: 503834

Sponsored Links