engine off danger to trans?

[farmerjohn]

I've got a 3speed auto trans,

tried shutting engine off in Neutral on long downhills, with key in ON postition there is a strange noise as if the engine is still ON but with no power, afraid this is not a good idea...can this damage anything?

with key in off position and coasting downhill the noise and drag are worse

any ideas what happens to auto-trans engines in glide/off?

thanks

john

[VetteOwner]

id stop doing it, some auto trans dont pump fluid when the engine is off and your slinging it all outa the torque converter which is not good.

neutral and coasting engine on is fine

[Jay2TheRescue]

Look in your owners manual. If it says that flat towing is not recommended for your car, then engine off neutral coasting is not recommended either. If you want to coast in neutral, leave the engine idling so the transmission pump is still running and circulating fluid through the transmission.

[farmerjohn]

Thanks Vette and Jay,

Pretty sure it's not towable, that explains it. Greatly appreciated help!

john

[FrugalFloyd]

Yes, make sure it is towable before trying engine-off coasting. Don't try it if it's not towable with all four wheels on the ground.