Never. Because if I downshift manually in SSM, it's sooner than the ECM is programmed to to prevent lugging the engine. Usually, if in SSM, I'm just breaking my way to a stop light, and let the AT do it's thing. If I need power (the light changes green), I'll shift down for power, then use the throttle. I got messed up trying to downshift AND squirt the throttle like in a real manual.

I've only noticed the 5AT shifting to 4th from SSM 5th when I'm doing about 35 - 40 MPH, IIRC.

 

That person who said that needs to wake up. In MB, you nod to the left to jump into Manual shift mode. You nod left or right to change gear. You nod to right twice to get back to D. I drove my TSX and Dad's B200T in manual mode most of the time, even tho left-right nod is retarded, the shift is definitely faster (up or downshift), but it's CVT so I guess direct comparison would not be good.

 

I have to Google what you mean by this ... "nod" your head? "nod" your hand? "nod" your steering wheel?

 

I mean the shiftknob sorry. MB shiftknob action in manual gate does not shift like TSX. A little sideway nod will shift up/down, once you got used to the TSX M mode, you will probably shift 1+ gear (up/down) on the MB, because when you hold it for more than 0.5-1sec, it will auto downshift to the most aggressive possible gear or vice versa.

 

Got it. A coworker just got a C350, and wondered what the "wiggle" position was for. I told her to try it peeling out from childcare after picking up her boy....

 

Whoa!!! I better shape up.....

 

I've seen that too. One of the side streets I take into work has a 35 MPH speed limit. If I'm using SS, it'll go up to 5th at just under 40, but it goes back down the 4th pretty quickly. But honestly, at that speed you're pulling maybe 1100 RPMs in 5th. Not good if you need to adjust your speed.

As for the Nissan trannys, they're using CVTs in the Maxima and the Altima. As a general rule, I can't stand CVTs. I like that act of shifting. And a CVT and near WOT is about the noisiest, cheapest sounding thing I've ever heard. You might as well just put it in neutral and rev the engine. Oh, and if something shears in there, forget it. A single sheared off tooth will turn your CVT into a housing full of ball bearing sized chunks in a matter of minutes. I've seen it happen. Pulled a CVT off a Saturn and the biggest piece left inside it was smaller than a dime. Sounded like a moraca. Although, Dad did say a few years ago he drove an Audi prototype with their 2.0T motor and a CVT. He liked it, said it put you back into the seat and left you there until you took your foot off the gas. Smooth and quiet.

Back on topic.... I like the SS simply because the tranny in D will not go above about 5300 RPMs. I discovered that pretty quickly when I bought the car. Even at WOT, it shifts well before VTEC engagement. Which I guess makes sense. If you want the power, you probably want the control too. And if you can't control it, you shouldn't have the power to begin with.

 

Yes it will [1] .... Try harder ... or find an uphill freeway on-ramp where you can achieve lift-off.

I've read elsewhere that the ECM "learns" the driver's driving behavior and adjusts the shift points. This can be reset by disconnecting the battery for 20-30 seconds (be sure to have your radio and nav unlock codes).

[1] Did it earlier this week in fact. Shifted from 2nd to 3rd at about 6800.

 

Ha! You said uphill! I live in Florida. The only hills here are artificial and smell like.....well you know what I'm talking about.

And most electronic auto trannys learn the driver's habits and shift accordingly. Generally, I drive like a granny. Gas is way too pricey to be aggressive. The SS is there when I need a little more juice, so I don't worry about it too much. And bumping it left and down is pretty much second nature at this point.

 

I love it, "the ol' left an' down." Like Alex the droog's "ol' in 'n' out." Have to remember that....

 

Perfect, thx Jim, that was exactly the explanation I was looking for. I had to read it a few times before I fully comprehended it...but I think I get what you're saying now

 

You'd be proud, I got it up to 5500 in "D" on my way to work this afternoon Was getting around some old lady in a Camry after a light. I was quite pleasantly surprised.