Switching From Manual To Automactics

Question to anyone that has switched from auto to manual how long did it take you to get used to it. My truck is in the shop for an extended visit, so I was given a 17 freightliner 12sp auto mine is a 15 10spd as a loaner. I just can't get used to the darn way it shifts it is very strange. I use the manual mode and it is better. Just wondering for those that have used both how long did it take for you to get over the quirks. I will be getting my truck back in a couple weeks so I can deal with this that long but going back and forth over Donner everyday is an experience thanks.

I switch back and forth between trucks daily, all with their different quirks and transmissions.

Auto's are really easy to learn. I encourage you to put it in Automatic mode and just play with it. Mountains are easy with it as well. When I drive an Auto, I leave it in Auto mode and I just shift gears as needed.

Give yourself a few days and you'll be alright with it. If Old School can drive an automatic, then anyone can!

Relax, Jim. I drove a manual, as my first truck. Last year I got an auto. Don't worry about the shift points, you'll get used to them. Also, when you get your old stick shift back you won't miss a gear.

If you have "Adaptive Cruise Control" let it do the work for you. Set it for your highway speed. If the traffic slows, the ACC will automatically match traffic speed. Downhill the ACC adds enough engine brake to keep you from over speeding.

You can over ride the ACC just by mashing the accelerator. Good for closing the gap in front of you so you can pass.

Yeah, I like it.

I drive an auto. Have been down 5% and 7% grades while heavy. Left it in auto with max engine brake and it slows down while going down hill. As a rookie, I may go to slow for some of the people behind me. However, it's my butt, my job, and my life in the driver's seat. Also, I'm addicted to breathing. Have fun with it.

A couple of years back during the initial transition when Swift was moving to auto-shift, I was in and out of auto and 10-speed manual trucks frequently.

Yes there was "that" period of searching for the sweet spot, but after about 30 minutes it was old hat again. In all honesty, it was the auto that required the learning curve, especially when backing.

I absolutely agree with Errol. Let the truck do the work for you, utilizing the control systems as they were designed. The only time I'll "pull the plug" and revert to manual is during winter weather. I do this to prevent an up shift when I want to maintain a lower gear, assisting with speed control.

Thanks guy"s I know I'll get used to it (just hope not too much lol). It kind of surprised how jerky the shifts are thought it would be smoother. I haven't experienced the problem backing or docking. I've heard of lag or where you have to kind of rev it a little to get it to move although that hasn't been the case with this rig. Again it is only a couple weeks. I did get stuck in pretty heavy traffic here in Sacramento both morning and afternoon commute didn't miss the ol clutch then.

In an automatic shift, Jim ...

didn't miss the ol clutch then.

Even after a year in an automatic, every so often I'll reflexively wave my right hand down between the seats, reaching for the "air" shifter.

OH yeah do that all the time didn't realise how many times I reach over and touch the shifter till it wasn't there. Not to mention pushing on the non existing 3rd pedal

I drive an auto. Have been down 5% and 7% grades while heavy. Left it in auto with max engine brake and it slows down while going down hill. As a rookie, I may go to slow for some of the people behind me. However, it's my butt, my job, and my life in the driver's seat. Also, I'm addicted to breathing. Have fun with it.

I find it best to stay off cruise going down a mountain with an auto. While in cruise, your Jake really only has 1 setting, high. If you take cruise off, you can use any of the 3 Jake settings and just down shift if you need a little bit more jaking power.

I drive an auto. Have been down 5% and 7% grades while heavy. Left it in auto with max engine brake and it slows down while going down hill. As a rookie, I may go to slow for some of the people behind me. However, it's my butt, my job, and my life in the driver's seat. Also, I'm addicted to breathing. Have fun with it.

Experienced or Rookie, this is me at ALL times.