Chaotik

Is it possible to downshift to 1st gear using the flappy paddles ?

I tried it a bunch of times when arriving at intersections today and I was not able to do it. It will go down to 2 and when downshifting to 1, the 1 displays itself briefly but blinks and the gear does not engage.

That's true even when going very slow (like 10 mph).

When I had the ILX loaner from the dealer, I was able to downshift to 1st with no problem.

TLisious

I'm assuming your tl is a 2012+? If so, the computer will not let downshift into first. If you start out using the paddle shifters (at a stop and floor it in first) it will also shift on its own into second. It sucks we can't bring it closer to redline and have more control in first. 2nd-6th lets you go to redline and will not shift until you shift it....first is the only one that auto shifts even in paddle shifting more. The weird thing is that the older 2009-2011 with the 5-speed auto, will not shift out of first until you shift it

Chaotik

Yep. It's a 2012.

2 weeks ago I drove it to the top of Mount Washington and it would have been real handy to have the ability to drop it to 1st on the way down as the 2nd wasn't doing much to slow the car down.

Oh well. At least I know it's not an issue with the car.

potmilkz

my 10 lets me do it.. thats the only good thing about the 09-11 vs the 12+.. i can hold my gear and change it to whatever gear i want in S mode.

dtrayers

There have been several threads on this:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...8#post14903228

For everyday commuting, I don't find it's an issue. 2nd is tall enough. But there are times when I wish it would stay in first when I'm entering traffic from a rolling start.

I would love to hear from the engineer who programmed this the rational behind it. Maybe with the taller gearing in the 6-speed the torque converter can't handle prolonged periods in 1st?

potmilkz

6 speed = shorter gears.. so im not at all any suprised that you guys cant hold first gear.

Mab543

You can downshift to first in a 12 but it's tricky. You have to be with in a certain RPM range, below a certain speed and have to be accelerating. It's a pain in the ass but it's doable. As for those variables...I have no clue on them as I usually just do it without taking notice to the dash. The key here is you have to be on the gas, not the break. Like stated above...it will shift to second automatically at some point.

Buffa

This has been my experience as well in the '12. It seems to allow it, but only sometimes.