Understanding Manual in Automatic Transmission

[sonicite]

Hi folks:

I don't understand how/when to use Manual mode with my automatic transmission. I've had a number of manual transmission cars, and understand 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th.

When I'm driving in automatic, and I move into Manual, do I need to do so when I'm driving at a slower speed, going up a hill or down a hill, or trying to get traction in the snow?

Is it like the "low" option in other automatic cars I've driven?

And how does manual work without a clutch?

As you can see, I'm confused!

Thanks for your help in clearing out the fog!

Karen

 

[Breezybro]

I believe you never -have- to use manual mode. Only time I would use it is times of low traction such as winter so you can start in second. Manual mode basically works the same as automatic except you choose the gears and it does the work.


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2013 Chevy Sonic RS 1.4l 6M Black Granite Metallic

 

[$ub$onic]

Some people will never use it. It's just a option to manual control the gear selection.

It does not turn it into a manual transmission. It's a electronically controlled automatic trans. The computer tells it what gear to use.

 

[Swordsmith]

You are overriding the decision the automatic wants to make. If you want more power you shift down, if you want better mpg you shift up. most of the time you can leave it in auto mode and ignore it.

 

[Sonic]

Please search before starting new threads, as probably almost every possible topic is already being discussed.
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...602-semi-manual-discussion-manual-mode-t.html