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Honda 2012 - Is this normal?

8 messages,  Last post on Nov 13, 2012 at 10:42 AM

You are in the Honda Accord Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#7 of 8 Re: Shifting [creppy1] by hondamaniac1

Aug 02, 2012 (8:39 am)

Replying to: creppy1 (Aug 01, 2012 1:27 pm)
Doing so not only wouldn't work, but would be extremely unsafe. While compression stopping (downshifting and using the resulting "engine braking" to slow down) is possible with manual transmissions (and, to a lesser extent, with automatics), it can not slow a car to a complete stop. You need to use your brakes. The purposes of "D3" are simply to lock out the overdrive gears to keep the engine in its powerband when climbing hills and to keep vehicle speed consistent on downhills. That said, because Honda automatic transmissions have Grade Logic Control, which holds lower gears when an incline is sensed, using D3 is generally unnecessary in all but extreme situations.

#8 of 8 Re: Shifting [hondamaniac1] by thegraduate

Nov 13, 2012 (10:42 am)

Replying to: hondamaniac1 (Aug 02, 2012 8:39 am)
I used D3 on a daily basis when on my highway commute (not interstate). When a light changes ahead and you're going 50 mph, D3 never hurt anything, it just aided in stopping. I used the brakes too of course.
 
I put 235k miles on my Accord and it was still going strong until an 18-wheeler clobbered me. Never a transmission hiccup over 15 years.
 
Use D3, but do so intelligently. If you're revving your engine to over 3k RPM when you downshift it, you're likely putting more wear on your tranny than your brakes.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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