Manual Mode in Automatic Transmission

[dumpedwagon]

Hello all. I drive a 92 legacy wagon. It's an automatic transmission and it has this little switch on the knob that says Manual. When I press it, a light appears on the dash that says Manual. I tried driving it in this mode by actually shifting through 1,2,3,4(D) but I don't know if thats what it is meant for. I was wondering if anybody could explain what the "manual mode" actually is and, is it stupid to drive it like a manual(tiptronic, almost) and will it kill my car? Thank you.

[Danny-G]

The only only thing I've heard about "manual mode" its a 50/50 torque split in 2 and 3, and it locks out first in 2 and 3. I believe I saw something about it in the owners manual. And sometime I manually shift my car and the transmission is just fine with manual shifting.

[Legacy777]

Welcome to the BBS.

Check out this info on my site regarding the manual button.

http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/tra ... nualbutton

[dumpedwagon]

Thanks guys. So it a very primitive version of traction control? Should I be using it in the snow than for better traction? And I'm still not sure if it's okay to just manually shift through the gears

[93Leg-c]

Probably the best time to start off in "2" would be on ice or very slippery snow if starting out in "1" or "D" would break traction.

As for shifting the AT manually, the best I can say is what an old-time mechanic told me. He said automotive engineers recommend just leaving the car in "D" for best longevity of the tranny. I didn't get a technical explanation so I can't tell you why and if that is the best way to drive.

[DevC]

If you put it in manual mode and you dont shift it, the tranny will shift to the next gear at redline anyways. Same thing will happen if you leave it in a lower gear.

Back when I had the auto in mine, I would just leave it in first gear at rally cross, as soon as the engine reached redline, it would shift up.

As for shifting the AT manually, the best I can say is what an old-time mechanic told me. He said automotive engineers recommend just leaving the car in "D" for best longevity of the tranny. I didn't get a technical explanation so I can't tell you why and if that is the best way to drive.

With the age of our cars, I guess. But if a car cant handle being driven in manual mode all the time, then its in pretty bad condition anyways. IMO

[dumpedwagon]

Hey, thanks again guys. I guess I'll just stick to D for now. So if I understood this correctly, if you put it in 1st gear and on manual mode, the car will only shift when it hits redline? I haven't experienced that but if it's true, that'd be great because I'm thinking about doing some rally-x this coming season.

[Legacy777]

Tha manual mode has nothing to do with the car shifting at redline. It will do that regardless of the manual button being depressed. The manual button only functions when the gear selector is in the 2 or 3 position.