When I'm in any gears in SS mode (except in 1st of course), I notice a sudden acceleration when I give the gas pedal a heavier press. Before any flames come my way, I know the car goes faster when I press the gas pedal harder. But that sudden acceleration feels like it downshifted. If shouldn't downshift if I'm in SS mode. Is this the result of the intake valves sense the need for more acceleration and open wider? I'm not in VTEC range either. Hope you sharp dudes out there understand what I'm trying to explain.

axleback

 

I think I know what you're talking about... .and what it sounds like is the torque convertor unlocking.

If you're at a constant speed the torque convertor locks and drops the RPMs. This is how the TL-S gets the advertised gas mileage. However, when you press on the accelerator, the torque convertor unlocks, and it feels like a downshift, even though you're in the same gear. It brings the RPMs up a little which allows for more acceleration. Once you go back to a constant speed, it will lock again and the RPMs will drop.

 

i have noticed that as well. feels like its downshifting

 

Yeah... that's exactly what it is... the torque converter unlocking. It's kind of annoying, but all auto's, save the Mercedes C-class I think, do it. The car magazines have raved about the Merc's transmission because that sudden increase in power can throw off your line coming out of a turn... although the TL does it fairly smoothly, it would be nice to have a more seemless flow of power.

I'm trying to remember... but I think if you keep the revs high enough (like near or in V-TEC range) it won't lock up.

Also I've noticed if you shift into 5th somewhat early, the transmission will "slip" the torque converter if you get on it as revs rise unproportionally to road speed a little bit. I would imagine this probably creates an inordinate amount of friction and heat and can't be good. Any thoughts?

 

Thanks guys. Ok, so this is probably gonna sound stupid. But, what the heck does a torque converter do? Does it mean what it says...converts torque into power at the wheels?

axleback

 

Here's another stupid question. When does VTEC kick in. Is it at different RPM in each gear? Is it a different RPM in the same gear if in auto vs. SS?

 

Regarding how the torque converter works, check out this link http://www.howstuffworks.com/torque-converter.htm
The entire website of <howstuffworks.com> is full of great information. You will want to bookmark the homepage from which you can perform searches for almost anything. I can't take credit for finding the site... some other nice person from this forum turned us on to it in another post a few months back. Check it out!