I Have always wondered, if you shift from 1 - 2 - D3 - D4 Doesn't it wear down, maybe even possibly damage an automatic transmission?

 

I wouldn't imagine that shifting up in this way would damage the transmission in anyway. The only issue would be with downshifting, as this puts unnecessary strain on the transmission. BTW, the only shift you actually control is from 1 to 2, and once you shift into D3 the TCU takes over, but restricts the 4th overdrive gear. D4 is D3 just with an overdrive gear.

 

Right on man, Couldn't have explained it clearer. Thanks a bunch.

 

manually shifting an auto will not harm it.

when you manually shift from D1-4 you are controlling when the trans will upshift when you are accellerating from a stop, the main reason for manual shifting is to control descent down a hill, 2nd gear start (slippery conditions), towing (holding the car in gear longer)

Acura with sequential sport shift will actually HOLD the gear you are in when in sport shift mode. The only time it will not hold a gear is when

you bounce off the rev limiter more than 2 times
are going too slow to hold the gear

The Acura system has one flaw- it will not hold first at all when is SS mode you can get the trans to hold first by placing the selector into the 1 gear position.

when you manually shift a trans using d1-dX the trans still has control over the downshifting

 

Aight man, Thank's for clearing that up for me, I have always been worried about whether or not it had any effect. I'm sure it does to some extent if you abuse it.. such as red-lining it so much, but thats natural.