Hypermiling an automatic transmission

[MadisonMPG]

Originally Posted by mcrews

Towing a car (implies it is not running) is completely different than coasting with the enigine ON!
Of course, you tow an automatic with the wheels up. Towing with the car off, wheels on the ground and the automatic in nutral is Bad for the auto transmission.
When you coast with the engine on and the car in neutral, the transmission fluid is still curculating bcause the engine and the electronics are on.

I always mix up coasting and EOC.

[99metro]

Engine-on coasting with an automatic in neutral "should" be safe [insert disclaimer here]. I am doing this with 1989 and 1990 Ford Broncos and a 2003 F250 diesel. No problems. Engine off coasting would more than likely cause problems.

I agree with the first gear comments. Almost all automatics won't go into first gear until you at a low enough speed to be safe, usually less than 10 mph or so. It will rev the engine too high. The best it will do is go down to second gear if you are still at speed.