Automated Tranny Pros and Cons

I kind of felt like that when I first drove mine (18spd Smart Shift).
The computer on mine flashes the selected gear (say 2) and is supposed to stop flashing once it's ready.
While it doesn't take forever to get to "ready" from one flashing gear to another flashing gear (R), what I've found is that if I start letting the clutch out, that it is almost always in the gear I selected *before* the flashing stops with no grinding or slipping.
In fact, it feels to me like letting out the clutch just like you would with a manual speeds up the time it takes to be "ready".

Now that I'm used to that, and also used to operating the gear selection switch with my fingertips (hand doesn't leave the wheel), I think I'm going between forward and reverse as fast as I would with a manual.

It does *feel* slower though because negating your hand leaving the wheel and finding the stick, pushing it, and returning your hand to the wheel leaves this void where your brain is waiting instead of doing something.

That is kind of hard to explain...sorry.

I will also add that IIRC, the transmission will let you select "inappropriate" gears if you are going less than 2 or 3 (can't remember) mph.
The idea being that you can't switch into Reverse on the highway...etc.
However, because it is not a fluid driven automatic, I think you can select reverse while you are still rolling to a stop...clutch depressed...when it can get a head start on the gear change and be there by the time you need it.
I haven't tried this yet. The truck is still new to me, but I do remember something about that in the manual.

 

I didn't take time to read all the posts so I am just going to put this out there. The best part about being a Tranny is that you can use either of the restrooms. No waiting in line.

 

That aint right, Ha,HA, HA.

 

Lol try ordering your next Ferrari with a manual box, automated manuals can match the best shifters consistently, they do however take away some of the fun of driving

 

On the Volvo the auto transmission has a M mode that keeps the tranny in it's current gear. I've driven it in two 6 inch snowstorms and would prefer my previous 10 speed, but you can get some control to prevent surprises. I'd prefer the option, like in other autos, of forcing an up or downshift. Man it's nice in the city or rush hour. My left knee gets stiff from never moving. It only took me a couple of days to not stab for the clutch in an emergency brake check.

 

All these complaints about snow/ice and this "magical control", makes me wonder if some people aren't driving in excess of the conditions. My first autoshift, never had a problem in 978K on snow/ice, no accidents, two stucks, one required a HD wrecker the other a very large farm tractor. My second autoshift, one stuck in snow/ice, again required a large farm tractor to get me out. The qualifier in all three, I WAS OFF-ROAD getting a container, not sliding off-pavement or spinning out of control. My current automatic, one winter under my belt, nope, not a problem, chained up 3 or 4 times, ran barefoot a few times when I should have chained, nope, not a problem.

So, this makes me wonder, are some of you driving too fast or too aggressive for conditions?

 

Ever since I'm driving for Fedex freight, majority of them are ultrashift (cummins package with isx15) and some a 12 speed auto on cascadias. Early trucks with auto had problems with auto clutch engaging, even when backing a trailer into the dock. The latest ones, proved to save more fuel but I hate that it uses 10th gear as fuel saving when 1200 rpm at 65 mph. Any small hill, it loses speed quicker than the older autos. I have more fun times when I drive 08 t800 with 10 speed Manuel and not in favor of being the steering wheel holder.

 

No they cannot. The best drivers shifting a manual are way more reliable. Autos are all about dumbing down the job. Everyone knows that but not everyone admits it.

 

Yeah that's why F1 cars have manuals right. Can't really fly an F-22 without a computer either. Aesthetically I'd rather have an 18 speed manual, it's fun and an art forms to shift well. If I were buying a fleet, they'd be AMT'S

 

Blah, blah, blah. How many miles between rebuilds on those F1 transmissions....50?