Please excuse my ignorance, but I have a question about the transmission. First, there is automatic ("D" mode). Second, there is manual-matic ("M" mode) by using the the shift knob or the paddle shifters. Third, there is using the paddle shifters in automatic mode. Does anyone use the third option? What are the advantages/disadvantages?
Transmission
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It is covered in the manual.
It does not switch to manual mode - it is a handy way to drop 3 or so gears immediately - something you can't do in manual mode. It will then limit the UP shifting to go no higher than that - for a while, at least.
Say you're in Auto, and it's in 8th. Flick left paddle and it will drop usually to 5th. Then, as you slow down, it may shift (as if in auto) to 4th, 3rd, and so on. Then as you speed up again, it will shift from 3rd to 4th to 5th, again as if in normal auto, BUT IT WON'T go past 5th. If you had manually shifted again using the left paddle to 4th, then it won't upshift past 4th. Up-shift using the right paddle, and now that gear becomes the highest gear to get used.
If you come to a complete stop, it will reset to normal auto mode, and after a few minutes of non-spirited driving it will also reset to normal auto mode. Also, flipping the right paddle for 3 seconds will totally reset to normal auto.
Think of it as 2 things - first, a way to limit the HIGHEST gear for a while, and also as a quick way to drop 3 gears in one shot.
It does not switch to manual mode - it is a handy way to drop 3 or so gears immediately - something you can't do in manual mode. It will then limit the UP shifting to go no higher than that - for a while, at least.
Say you're in Auto, and it's in 8th. Flick left paddle and it will drop usually to 5th. Then, as you slow down, it may shift (as if in auto) to 4th, 3rd, and so on. Then as you speed up again, it will shift from 3rd to 4th to 5th, again as if in normal auto, BUT IT WON'T go past 5th. If you had manually shifted again using the left paddle to 4th, then it won't upshift past 4th. Up-shift using the right paddle, and now that gear becomes the highest gear to get used.
If you come to a complete stop, it will reset to normal auto mode, and after a few minutes of non-spirited driving it will also reset to normal auto mode. Also, flipping the right paddle for 3 seconds will totally reset to normal auto.
Think of it as 2 things - first, a way to limit the HIGHEST gear for a while, and also as a quick way to drop 3 gears in one shot.
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28 Posts
Another way to put it: this is the equivalent of the "low" gear setting in a traditional A/T car, for engine braking.
Great explanation by cdn, by the way!
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360 Posts
I use the third method for engine braking when going down a steep hill when I'm not in manual mode. It is real handy for me as my subdivision has a huge hill and I would end up riding my brakes all the way down it. True, I could use manual mode to do the same thing, but it's nice to just be able to use the paddles and not even mess with the shift lever.
Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS F
Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS F
Yes, you could use manual mode, but I've found using manual to drop 3 or 4 gears is just too slow. Sure, it remembers how many time you shifted, and will eventually get there, but it takes w..a..y.. too long. The paddle method drops all 3 gears in one shot.
Also helpful when getting ready to pass on a 2-lane road - drop from 8th to 5th while waiting for the moment, then kick-down gets you there - fast. Cuts down on any hesitation.
Also helpful when getting ready to pass on a 2-lane road - drop from 8th to 5th while waiting for the moment, then kick-down gets you there - fast. Cuts down on any hesitation.
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