Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinp
This has been a great discussion as other possibilities have arisen and the clear oversight by all the manufacturers would have been an idiot light that came on when your brakes got to a particular temperature. Then instructions in the owners manual that would instruct the driver to shift down and or slow down. With this system we would have taught another generation how to drive. With the new infrared non contact technology this would be a pretty easy addition these days.
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Being in the brake service business for years I can say this would not be a bad idea. You know it all comes down to common sense and a basic knowledge of what limits your vehicle systems have. I have seen many brake systems destroyed from "pedal riders" but if you where to ask them, "do you ride the brakes" they would be offended. One thing I've learn from working on cars all my year is "parts don't lie!"
I did look up engine braking in my 02 manual, under Automatic Transmission use. There is a lot here about of what speed you can down shift to a given range. Downshift to low at 80 and you'll likely break something of course.
They do caution that abrupt down shifting on slippery surface could cause loss of control. They also caution not to over-rev the engine, watch the tach and give more speed ranges.
They caution that continued hard use (towing or hill climbing) in low or 2 can cause transmission damage from overheating. They say that drive should be used for these conditions.
In the towing section they state to not tow with the overdrive on.
You names some of the best automatic trans ever built. But one thing that turn me from GM to Toyota was transmissions. It seemed that GM can't built an automatic that last anymore. 700 r4 (that can be built to last), commonly fail between 50 and 100k Early Chryslers 4speeds couldn't make 50k and some Ford truck transmissions need a $1500 upgrade to make them durable. No wonder Toyota is kicking their behinds.
Mike