I've noticed that in auto mode, at lower speeds if I floor it the car will shift down to first gear. I've always been told never to downshift to 1st gear unless nearing a stop. Accelerating in 2nd gear while in the lower rpm's seems a bit slow though.

So is it ok to downshift to 1st with this car in manual mode for accelerating? Or will I end up doing damage to the tranny?

 

the automatic tranny is more or less fool proof, so it will change gear for you or ignore your input if it deems it "unsafe".

 

Get a 6 Speed!

 

 

I would have like to, but for the price I got on my base 5at with the mileage and condition, I couldn't pass it up.

 

there are always better deals.
Always.

congrats on the pick up
and
Happy Motoring!

 

It was a special circumstance though. I bought it from my parents because they wanted something more fuel efficient. So I knew all the vehicle history and how it was driven (like a fricken granny). They ended up getting a 2014 mazda 6 to replace it.

 

has the tranny fluid been changed?
now that its in your care, lets get it in tip top shape so that you can enjoy it for many more years to come!

 

The tranny fluid hasn't been changed. It's at 32,000 miles. I thought I read that tranny fluid doesn't have to be changed until 50,000?

 

Stellar!!

Enjoy, Sir!

 

I would not wait! A 1x3 fluid change is in order

 

dang another low mileage TL, Wish mine only had 30000 some odd miles...

 

What year is your TL? I am not aware of being able to actually downshift to first. The sacrifices parents make for their kids! your a lucky child. You should calculate how long it will take to pay for the new car based upon the difference in the cost of gas used by those two vehicles. Ah better not

 

2008. I can downshift to first anywhere under like 28mph. It also does this on full auto if I stomp the pedal at a low speed. I don't really understand what you mean with the calculating? I paid for it all up front. 18 grand in cash.

 

He means the cost savings associated with buying a newer, more fuel efficient vehicle versus one that is already fully paid off.

 

its fine, not that bad to downshift to 1st, the 5at in the TL has long geared ratios so accelerating in 2nd gear isnt always viable because it's not that quick until after 40mph. ppl who say dont downshift to 1st are usually stick shift drivers

 

Exactly. Not going down into first is an old thing that carried over from manual transmissions. A lot of times first gear was not synchronized so you stayed out of first until you came back to a stop. Not a problem anymore, especially on an auto that doesn't actually shift gears.

 

When you say it shifts to 1st when ur on auto mode, do you see the shift points on ur display? I thought it will only show the shifts when u take it out of auto mode?

 

Welcome to AcuraZine. Enjoy the ride.

 

it only says it in manual mode, but its easy to tell what gear you are in even in automatic mode by the rpm

 

If you mean by looking at ur speed and the rmp! Yes I agree. However 1st gear is very short! You can quickly switch to manual mode to see the gear your on than just tap it back to auto. I notice my TL upshifts really quick to 5th driving in city. I guess for fuel efficiency.

 

Sorry paperboy I meant to say rpm instead of rmp lol

 

Downshifting into first with any car that has decent power will jar the drivetrain very hard. In the event of any downshift (mostly of WOT), there is a momentary "rocking" effect that can stress engine/trans mounts, transmission internals as well as body bushings and grommets.