Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and had my RDX no Tech since the 4th . I have 580miles on it and Love it! Avg. 16.8 MPG so far after two fill ups.
Question: Is leaving the transmission in D the same as S (S not using paddle shifters). Does S use a more aggresive shift feel?

 

If you leave it in S and you accidentally hit the paddle shifters for some reason it will stay in "manual" mode until you switch to D.

Thats the only difference. I don't think its like bmw where each gear setting gives you different response.

 

The shift points in S mode are generally higher and it will hold a gear longer but if you accelarate slowly or hold a constant speed it can still shift you into a low RPM. Also, S mode does not use 5th gear.

 

I cant speak for the '07 but the '08 allows you to shift even in D but it will eventually go back to auto mode after a few seconds. So even in D you could downshift in a curve to hold the gear or whatever and then have it go back to full auto. S will be more manual as it wants you to shift it but eventually will shift for you if you dont do it.

My car goes into 5 even in S. You just have to be going over about 50 before it will do it.

 

The '07 works the same in D.

When in 'S manual' (you've hit a paddle in S mode) you can paddle shift into 5th above 48. Also in 'S manual' it will shift for you at predetermined speed limits (listed in the owner's manual p302) at the edges of the RPM band to avoid engine damage. But if you don't hit a paddle and stay in automatic 'S' mode it doesn't use 5th (p297).

 

You guys are sooo nice.

Are there no more irritable codgers who'd write DAFS! or RTFM! ??

 

Thanks for all the info!
I appreciate it.

 

it doesnt seem like this was made clear, just putting the car into S mode makes it more aggressive fully automatic with no 5th gear. in S mode with the paddle shifters used the car will NOT upshift, you MUST do this yourself or just keep hitting the rev limiter, the car will only downshift to avoid stalling. if you do use the shifter in S mode it will at NO TIME go back into automatic S mode, ur are driving manual with pad shifters until you put the car back in D mode. In D mode car shifts for you, you can quick change gears at any time and when the car feels like you have leveled out ur power needs it will go back into fully auto mode. Hope this helps.

 

RTFM FTW!

 

I was giddy as a little girl when I first tested the "does it upshift no matter what" theory the other day. Getting onto the highway in 2nd gear, floored it...then wham wham wham wham! Rev limiter! Woohoo! Most manumatics I've driven will automatically upshift even in "manual" mode. Honda got it right with this transmission. It's truly the best fake-manual I've ever driven.

 

That's because we all RTFM'd and it still makes no sense....

Mike