Automatic transmission - coasting damage?

[BenScoobert]

After searching for more data I found info on what American refer to as Dinghy towing, from an RV/motorhome.

It seems the 2003 yukon can be flat towed with xfer box in neutral, 2004 yukon is just towable as is.

My dilemma is mine was built in 2003, but appears to be 2004 spec. If i can confirm it is the one listed on 2004 then I could even EOC

[BenScoobert]

Just to add, mine is canadian spec

[BenScoobert]

The owners manual only says to leave the car in drive because you are more likely to cook your brakes without engine braking

[PaleMelanesian]

All that means is, "Don't be stupid. If you are, it's not our fault since we told you not to."

[mcrews]

I own an Infiniti Q45 2002. I bought it at 40k. I have coasted w/ engine on for the last 5 yrs. I have 219,000 miles and still have the origial transmission. I can shift in and uot of neutral while coasting at speed. I agree that each vehicle is different but I can speak for infiniti.

[BenScoobert]

I found this site Free VIN Decoder - Vehicle Identification Number Report

You type in your VIN and it gives you a shed load of info on your specific model.

Seems I have the 285bhp engine from 2003 so I can coast, but not EOC

[BenScoobert]

I've spent a couple of days coasting on my journey to work. The problem is I've been working nights and the weather has been rough. So coasting with headlights, 3 wipers, heater, heated seat, heated mirrors and radio on have taken their toll.
I went to start it the next day and it was almost flat, it just started, if it hadn't started any savings I made would have been wasted in lost pay for being late.

So I'll probably leave the coasting for daytime dry days when I only have minimal electrics running.

[Angelus359]

I tried it for a week. My gas milage increased, but I just keep getting stressed by obsessing over it. I also was anxious about damaging the trans.
I stopped doing it. The anxiety wasn't worth it. I drive an automatic chevy aveo. Not the best fuel efficient vehicle, but atleast its better than my last car.

[Phantom]

Ben if you were costing and then the next day you had a hard time starting the car then you need to get that problem fixed. You should not have a problem starting as the alternator will still charge the battery when coasting, check the grounds for the starter and to the battery if those are fine and clean it might be time to get a new battery.

[gone-ot]

FWIW -- the 2011 Chevy Cruze Owners Manual says the automatic transmission model can be dinghy-towed (flat-towed) in neutral at moderate highway speeds as long as the vehicle is started and driven once per day.

...that's the GM Hydro-Matic 6T40 (RPO code MH8) 6-speed automatic transmission, which is also used in Malibus and Buicks.