Does an automatic transmission burn fuel when it's in neutral?

Question

Okay, just to clarify, I meant is there a difference between an automatic and a manual transmission as far as fuel consumed when in neutral?

I know when the engine is running it's burning fuel... C'mon people, we're all adults here, right?

Answer 1

Yes if the engine is still running, shift from drive to neutral is harder on a auto trans then just leaving it in drive while at a stop.

Answer 2

depends on the car

Answer 3

....anytime an engine is on it burns fuel...simple as that

Answer 4

If the motor is on its burning fuel!!!!

Answer 5

unless then engine turns off when you go into neutral, yes.

even manual engines need to idle while in neutral.

Automatics generally use more fuel in neutral because the transmission fluid is viscous and constantly causing sheer stress.

Answer 6

as above, the question could have been phrased better.

however, the answer to the question you should have asked is, not a lot.

you can tell that because when you're stopped, if you switch the transmission from neutral to drive, the idle RPMs don't change significantly.

which means that the transmission is not siphoning off much energy.

and not requiring the engine to work harder.

Answer 7

If the engine's running, it's burning fuel.

Answer 8

yes. duh

Answer 9

Yes.  As long as the engine is running, the car will always burn fuel.

Answer 10

If the engine is running, fuel is being consumed.

When 'Idling' in neutral, (transmission disengaged) (about 800 to 1,000 rpm), the consumption is low (unless you have a massive engine), when 'under load', the engine naturally needs more fuel and, the greater the load and the bigger the engine, the more it needs whether Manual or Auto.....I'm going to get a bike....maybe....