Honda Car Forum

I have a 2005 Acura RSX with the "SportShift" automanual transmission (can be driven in either automatic, or in a clutchless pseudo-manual). I really like the control I have driving it in the automanual mode, but some people have said it is bad for the transmission. Anyone know if this is true or not?No, the computer does not automatically shift it, it will redline, it does not automatically shift before that point in automanual mode.

It's not bad for the transmission. The transmission is designed to able to use it. If it was bad for - why would the transmission be designed that way? You're still using all the same transmission components in the same way - you're just telling it where to shift. Tell "some people" they're idiots.

It's only bad for the transmission if you beat it up (i.e. not shifting until the RPMs are in redline). Most cars have computers that automatically shift if you are abusing it anyway. You should be fine if you're shifting as the car naturally would

Not a problem... the transmission is DESIGNED to be shifted....Besides, nearly all automatic transmissions are at least partially "electronically" controlled these days, and the computer won't let you go overboard... I've got an 01 PT Cruiser Limited and I could leave the selector in 1 (low) all day long and the transmission will still shift....HOWEVER, it will hold a lower gear until it can't hold it anymore and it will downshift to that lower gear when I slow down....But on your Acura (or any product with a "sportmatic" or similar) can be driven with shifting...

I don't think there is a problem. If you abuse it by putting excess strain on the engine or redlining it, then sure you can reduce the life of the transmission, and possibly other components.But the fact it the vehicle was designed to use this feature. So you should have no problem. My Acura TL has the same feature, but if you really abuse it it will auto shift into another gear.The people who caution you about this are thinking of the very old fashioned automatic transmissions where you could force it into a lower gear. These modern cars are a different ball game.