Automatic Transmission

[DonSor]

When going downhill with your foot off the accelerator pedal, is there any link (direct or hydraulic) connecting the drive train to the engine? For example driving down a steep hill at about fifty miles and hour with your foot of the gas. Will the engine remain at idling speed, or will the drive train cause it to speed up? I know that in manual trannies, with the clutch engaged, the engine will cause the vehicle to slow down when going downhill.

[cj091184]

NO, an automatic transmission always has some sort of kickdown switch, wether its a vaccum switch, a cable, or most newer cars are electronic controlled by the computer. Either way the torque converter does not allow engine brake, when the vehicle speed is greater that the motor speed the trans should kick down to neutral or similar free rolling position, In any case a factory auto trans should accelerate when rolling down a steep hill in drive. If you slow down going downhill and you dont have some sort of fancy traction control, then your brakes are the most likely cause, and are not completely letting go when you take your foot off the pedal. this is normally caused by the rubber part of the brake line swelling on the inside or simply a bad master cylender.