Neutral Coasting 4X4

[JonnyG]

My car is full time four wheel drive and I've read that it is bad to coast in neutral with an automatic. The owner's manual doesn't say anything about it. I've done it at speeds up to 25mph and it re-engages into drive silky smooth. So should I not do it or what? Unfortunately, I don't really understand automatic transmissions.

[Neddy Seagoon]

I would say as long as the engine is still running while coasting you should be ok, the engine will keep the oil pump in the transmission turning over. Also look in the hand book to see if you can tow it with the engine off, if you can then that is a good thing as you will not damage the transmission.

Good luck, Neddy.

[bestclimb]

What does your owners manual say about flat towing?

[JonnyG]

The owner's manual shows a picture of the various ways to tow 4X4, however, none of them show the tires touching the ground. The owner's manual goes on to say that four wheel drive models must use a towing dolly under the wheels not lifted up by the tow truck. So I'm guessing this means no coasting in neutral?

[99LeCouch]

If you keep the engine running there's no damage to the transmission. The engine feeds a pump that sloshes ATF around while the engine is on.

I think they don't want you to have the vehicle rolling while the engine is off and in N.

[99metro]

I agree with 99LeCouch. Leave the motor running and it's ok to coast in neutral. Flat towing with the engine off and neutral coasting with the engine running are two different animals.

[JonnyG]

It still just doesn't seem right to do it with an automatic transmission. Everything I read online says that it's harmful to the tranny. I guess I'll just have to do a manual transmission conversion