Downshifting in 1st gear
#1
Cruisin'
Thread Starter
Downshifting in 1st gear
I bought a 2016 Elite/Advanced RDX last May. I am trying to use the paddle shifters to downgrade when slowing to red lights. I am not able to downgrade to the 1st speed, whatever the speed of the RDX. I noticed the same thing in a 2016 RDX loaner, but not on a Canadian Acura CSX we also own. I have searched the manual for some information, but I did not find any.
I also find the paddle shifters much less responsive than those on the CSX.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks
Denis
I also find the paddle shifters much less responsive than those on the CSX.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks
Denis
#2
Pro
I bought a 2016 Elite/Advanced RDX last May. I am trying to use the paddle shifters to downgrade when slowing to red lights. I am not able to downgrade to the 1st speed, whatever the speed of the RDX. I noticed the same thing in a 2016 RDX loaner, but not on a Canadian Acura CSX we also own. I have searched the manual for some information, but I did not find any.
I also find the paddle shifters much less responsive than those on the CSX.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks
Denis
I also find the paddle shifters much less responsive than those on the CSX.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks
Denis
The following users liked this post:
dlevesque (09-12-2015)
#5
Cruisin'
Thread Starter
#6
Cruisin'
Thread Starter
The manual states that we should shift from 1st to 2nd at 15 mph (24 km/h) (page 278).
I thought that we could safely downshift to 1st below 15 mph, but it does not seem the case. The video abobe explains it clearly as giovani posted.
Thank you all for your replies
Denis
I thought that we could safely downshift to 1st below 15 mph, but it does not seem the case. The video abobe explains it clearly as giovani posted.
Thank you all for your replies
Denis
#7
IMO, the paddle shifters are pretty useless. If it was a DCT it might be different but with a conventional automatic I don't think they're very useful.
And why downshift manually at lights anyway? I can maybe see it on downgrades but in normal city driving what's the point?
And why downshift manually at lights anyway? I can maybe see it on downgrades but in normal city driving what's the point?
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Moderator
Downshifting in 1st gear
Originally Posted by markAZ
IMO, the paddle shifters are pretty useless. If it was a DCT it might be different but with a conventional automatic I don't think they're very useful.
And why downshift manually at lights anyway? I can maybe see it on downgrades but in normal city driving what's the point?
And why downshift manually at lights anyway? I can maybe see it on downgrades but in normal city driving what's the point?
Just a guess
Or because race car
#9
Mine also moves to second gear all by itself in sport mode. I suspect the first gear is not cut the same as others. It is noisy on my '16, suggesting it has perpendicular teeth rather than helical ones. It is probably only there to creep in very bad conditions.
#10
OK, I guess I shoulda been more precise (I'm an engineer too)...
I see little advantage to downshifting an automatic trans car like the RDX in normal street driving. It will downshift on its own as required. The engine braking in those circumstances is pretty insignificant, the brakes do a fine job.
If one want to feel like he's driving a cool sports car, I guess that's OK but there's otherwise no real reason to do it. And it probably adds a little extra wear & tear to the trans. Brakes are cheaper than transmissions.
But what the hell...if you like to do it, have at it...
I see little advantage to downshifting an automatic trans car like the RDX in normal street driving. It will downshift on its own as required. The engine braking in those circumstances is pretty insignificant, the brakes do a fine job.
If one want to feel like he's driving a cool sports car, I guess that's OK but there's otherwise no real reason to do it. And it probably adds a little extra wear & tear to the trans. Brakes are cheaper than transmissions.
But what the hell...if you like to do it, have at it...
#11
Cruisin'
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the replies.
As thoiboi said, I wanted to downshift for engine braking. I know that ther is a debate between transmission wear and brake wear.
As markAZ said, it is pretty useless to downshift the RDX in city driving. It is much more fun on my wife's CSX.
I will revert back to my normal driving and keep the paddles as a decoration to my steering weel.
As thoiboi said, I wanted to downshift for engine braking. I know that ther is a debate between transmission wear and brake wear.
As markAZ said, it is pretty useless to downshift the RDX in city driving. It is much more fun on my wife's CSX.
I will revert back to my normal driving and keep the paddles as a decoration to my steering weel.
#12
Keep in mind the sequential shifting mode is not the same as a MT car. The electronics set limitations so the engine will not be damaged.
Engine braking is useful when you are carrying excessive load and the normal disc brakes cannot handle the load. In normal driving conditions the disc brakes should be able to provide adequate stopping power.
The only time I downshift manually is when I am going up a steep hill and want to add some speed and torque and only if the automatic transmission has not down shift already.
Engine braking is useful when you are carrying excessive load and the normal disc brakes cannot handle the load. In normal driving conditions the disc brakes should be able to provide adequate stopping power.
The only time I downshift manually is when I am going up a steep hill and want to add some speed and torque and only if the automatic transmission has not down shift already.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SidhuSaaB
3G TL Problems & Fixes
18
05-30-2020 12:40 AM
joflewbyu2
5G TLX (2015-2020)
139
10-08-2015 11:16 AM
guyvelella
2G TL (1999-2003)
8
09-30-2015 11:02 PM
AcuraKidd
Non-Automotive & Motorcycle Sales
1
09-26-2015 04:10 PM