Pros: Enhanced driver control relative to automatic transmissions without manual modes
Cons: Generally less responsive and efficient than an automated manual transmission
If you’re shopping for a car with an automatic transmission and you see a term such as “manual mode,” “manumatic” or “shift-it-yourself,” it likely refers to a regular automatic transmission that lets the driver select specific gears on demand.
It’s worth noting that automatic transmissions have technically been “shiftable” for decades. There’s traditionally a sequence of numbers below “D” in the shift pattern — for example, a conventional 4-speed automatic looks like “D-3-2-1.” If you leave the lever in “D,” the transmission can choose from all four gears. But if you put it in “3,” it will lock out fourth gear. If you put it in “2,” it will lock out both third and fourth gears. And if you put it in “1,” it will only operate in first gear.
Most drivers, however, leave the lever in “D” all the time. As such, many automakers have more recently augmented or outright replaced the traditional shift pattern with a dedicated “manual mode,” hoping to encourage more drivers to shift for themselves.
How Does Manual Mode Work?
Manual mode actually provides more control than traditional shiftable automatics, because it lets you choose a single gear and keep it there. Think of it this way: If you shift into “3” on that old-school 4-speed automatic, it simply tells the transmission, “Don’t go higher than 3.” That means the transmission is free to use 1 and 2, and not necessarily when you expect it. But if you select “3” using manual mode, most transmissions will hold that specific gear as long as possible. In this respect, it’s very similar to a true manual transmission.
Manual modes vary in detail. But, most involve a separate area of the shift gate with joystick-style shift action between “+” (for upshifts) and “-” (for downshifts). Many vehicles also offer paddle shifters. Manufacturers mount paddles either on the steering wheel or behind it on the steering column, putting this “+/-” functionality at your fingertips.
What It Means to You
As a driver, the more control you have, the better. Whether you’re in the middle of a snowstorm or driving up a winding mountain road, you don’t want your transmission to catch you by surprise with an untimely shift. The beauty of manual mode is that — in theory, at least — it takes the unexpected out of the equation.
Keep in mind, though, that a good automated manual transmission may be an even better choice, when you can find one.
I bought my daughter’s a new car (Hyundai Venue Limited) and had no clue that it had a manual mode and was never told of this feature by sales person. I guess they see a 50 yr old woman and just assume I would know about manual mode. Nope. Took my daughter to school in the new car and had inadvertantly put it into manual mode while shifting into drive. Car was loudly grinding, burning smell coming from vents bcuz I was going 30-40 mph on speed 1. I had no clue why the car was grinding bcuz I was never taught to drive a stick shift. I made it home, but had to turn off engine by putting the emergency brake on then turning off car. It wasn’t till I read the car manual that I learned about this horrible feature. I almost killed the engine of a car I bought just 2 weeks prior bcuz no one bothered to educate me on this. My teens never heard of “manual mode” let alone “stick shift.” Had they been driving and were further away they could have destroyed the engine. Car makers need to put a lock button so the shift stick can’t easily slip into manual mode when shifting to drive. Or better yet, get rid of the option all together, no one uses it.
Yes actually, lots of people enjoy manual mode because it gives you some control – when you know what you’re doing. A lock button is not a bad idea.
He claims it as the fault of the rebuilder. ( Because it is a 300TDi diesel we had it done in London by a well respected rebuilder ) We know it wasn’t the rebuilder – but, it costs a lot for R&R plus freight to England – so, we will try to run it as a shiftable Automatic, as described above.
We really hope it won’t hurt the transmission. It is no big deal to start in 3 and move it up to D every time after stopping.
Just a word to the wise – careful where you do business. Check Social Media for references, if you don’t normally deal with a transmission shop. ( And most of us don’t except for once or twice in a lifetime. )