RPM drops to around idle level while coasting at 60-65 MPH

[White_98_3.8]

I have a 98 V6 Camaro, and I just noticed last night while driving around 65 mph and going down hill with my foot off the gas that the RPM's will drop down to around 1000 RPM's. When I put my foot back on the gas, the RPM's go back to where they were and the transition is still smooth and the car accelerates normally.

I can't always get it to do it, I just noticed it and thought it was strange. Otherwise, the transmission is completely normal and shifts out as good as it always has.

[Bandit127]

Re: RPM drops to around idle level while coasting at 60-65 MPH

Thats completely normal if you mean that when you coast down hill, in drive, with no throttle, it drops to 1000 rpm. Mine has always done that.

[White_98_3.8]

Re: RPM drops to around idle level while coasting at 60-65 MPH

Thanks for the reply, good to know! The car has around 204,000 miles (Engine only has about 109,000 miles) and has never been abused. I figure that with the transmission being the same as the 5.7 Z-28's, it should last a long time having to only back up a 3.8 V6.

[Rob Bell]

Re: RPM drops to around idle level while coasting at 60-65 MPH

Mine will not do it unless you tap the brakes. I wonder if it's kind of like running in neutral to save gas. Mine is a 2002

[Bandit127]

Re: RPM drops to around idle level while coasting at 60-65 MPH

Infact, almost all automatics I've driven have do that.
It has to do with the Torque Converter I believe, I think it unlocks to separate the engine from the transmission to save gas like Rob Bell said.

Its not really in neutral, but it puts less drag on the engine, creating efficiency when coasting.

[Mark42]

Re: RPM drops to around idle level while coasting at 60-65 MPH

My 98 Bird drops to about 1500, but it has 3.73 gears. Probably has something to do with it.

I agree its the converter unlocking.

[01PewterDropTop]

Re: RPM drops to around idle level while coasting at 60-65 MPH

Mine will not do it unless you tap the brakes. I wonder if it's kind of like running in neutral to save gas. Mine is a 2002

mine is exactly like this its a 2001