Started to use the manual mode more frequently. Is there anything to be careful about? Is this harder on the transmission if I'm not really redlining at all? Wonder how many of the transmission problems discussed here are a result of being too hard on the manual mode.

 

When using the Sportshift feature, when coming to a stop, just let it automatically downshift into 1st...when you downshift manually, it's just putting more strain on the already weak tranny. If you do plan to downshift manually, try to rev-match so that you won't feel a huge jerk when downshifting.

As for the sportshift causing tranny problems? It may be the other way around..some say it has aided to tranny failures while others say it has prevented tranny failures.

I usually just leave it in D5 about 85% of the time I'm driving. The only time I use it is when I'm racing, or I need to quickly get into another lane on the highway.

 

i like using mine to slow down, saves on the brakes. hey if my tranny can't handle that, they'll just have to keep givin me new ones. have 17k on her & have no probs what so ever.

 

I have an 03 model which falls outside of the serial no's of the supposed defective transmissions. At least I hope so.

 

I fall outside as well.

 

me 3

 

If you know how to drive manual, shift as if your were driving a stick. I recently shattered my wrist and have been driving in D5 100% and it's sooo boring!! It seems it's always in the wrong gear. I can't wait till I get usage of my left wrist.

 

left wrist? do you xover when ss ing? or is the driver seat on the right side in this car? LOL

 

then he doesnt have any hands on the steering wheel if he cant use his left wrist, or its just harder to use his left wrist to steer

 

i've heard of 3rd legs, mabe he has a 3rd hand? :-)

 

It auto ode the tranny shifts at the optimum rpm for least amount of tranny wear, in SS its up to teh driver, and the driver will just about never shift at teh correct points to not strain teh tranny. Like I said in another post, I would just keep it in D5 if I were you and not strain the trannyto $hit