TL1947

I just bought a 2012 TL AWD base. Loving it so far. I'm a former manual driver, and wanted a manual TL, but they were so hard to find I went with the AT. The paddle shifters are the next best thing to a true manual. Does anybody have advice on how to get the most out of the car in sequential shift mode, i.e strongest/best gears, when to shift up/down, best performing RPM range, what to look out for, etc? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

pickler

leave it to the computer to decide. i noticed its a big waste of effort using paddle shifters for performance reasons. i've run tests with absolutely no advantage in using flappy paddles. only there for fun. If you go tracking drop in S mode and it will more aggressive in downshifts.

boss2k

can you drive in S mode without using paddle shifters, thats the question i had and dealer told me i need to use paddle shifter i drive in S mode

pickler

yes just drop in s-mode and do not touch paddle shifters. Don't do this for an extended period of time though. The car won't go into overdrive (gears 4 & 5). Hence it will generate engine braking and may result in transmission overheating. Just use it for maneuvering or going in an out of traffic. The throttle will feel more sensitive and the engine will be more responsive. But honestly honda has the best Auto transmission in terms of responsiveness that i have had. My acura doesn't hesitate to kick down from gears 5->2 in less than a second when i'm merging. In comparison, my older BMW 325i was hesitant to downshift and it would take a full second or two when i hit the gas. That's why i don't bother with paddle shifters on my Acura since the car is pretty responsive anyway. So just use s-mode for spirited driving

012TL-GLM

This is what I've discovered with the paddles on my '12 from reading forums to experimentation

In D mode

After having to slow down (tight corner, someone turning) i'll tap the downshift and take right off instead of being stuck (usually in 4th gear). I haven't used the paddles for anything else yet in D

In S mode

**I have never shifted into S mode while in motion

After shifting to S, you have to tap a paddle to tell the car you want to be in control. Shifts from 1-2 are automatic, but you're in charge from there. If you don't paddle after moving to S, the shifting will be automatic from 1-3, and it will be hard shifting.

4-6 is completely up to you. So far I've found S mode to be good for 2 things, makes the engine sound awesome, and burns gas like a V8.

I don't have access to a track or any gizmos for recording speed, but S mode does make the car feel faster

boss2k

Not in my 10 TL , shifting is not automatic from 1-2 , you need to shift which i like

englishtony2002

That loss of control from 1-2 bugs the crap out of me (subject of a different thread). My '11 AWD lets me control every gear shift as does yours, why offer the option of paddles and then shift automatically from first?? Makes no sense to me.

Stew4HD

I would venture to guess that many people messed up the trannys on the 09 - 11 in S mode or blew engines as the reason for taking away that control plus factoring in the close ratio that now exists in the shift points on the 6AT

012TL-GLM

I haven't driven an '11, but I'll tell you with the '12 the shift from 1-2 happens so fast you don't even notice. It doesn't bother me any, in fact, coming off stop signs the tranny is still usually in 2, rarely have I seen it display 1 for long

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Thats not possible.
on the automatics, the computer controls fuel cutoff on upshifts and down.

on 6MT's the computer only controls fuel cutoff on upshifts.
Down shifts is where you can get in trouble....bending rods, pistons, etc.

Stew4HD

Good points.. I forget about that other aspect.. computer controlled limits

boss2k

I noticed that in a freeway when you arr driving around 75-80 mph if u shift to S mode and use paddle shifter the transmission defaults at 3rd gear -- is that right ? Anytime you switch to S mode the gear is at 3rd?

Secondly if you are driving in S mode using paddleshifters at low speed eg 30-40 mph and if you slow down without downshifting the car automatically does that

Are these intended features?

012TL-GLM

You got it on both counts - S mode won't go any higher than 3rd without your input so if you're above say 30mph and switch to S that's where you'll be. Excellent programming actually considering 3rd is by far the power gear - 3500-6K rpm is crazy fast and fun.

I only downshift when slowing but not stopping. If its a red light I let the computer do the work.

I've been driving in S mode the past 2 weeks and now I can't stand D. Especially with the snow we've been getting lately driving around town mostly in 2nd and 3rd the engine does most of the braking for you.

When I first got the car I thought paddle shifters were a gimmick, but now I'm sold

TL1947

A couple of times it has appeared as though it has shifted from 2nd to 3rd without my input...has anyone else noticed that? According to the manual, only the first to second shift is "automatic".

012TL-GLM

It will automatically shift to 3rd if youve got it in S and havent tapped a paddle. Ive never seen mine shift past 2nd on its own

boss2k

Observed new thing today

1.While starting from stop in S mode without tapping the paddle shifter the car was shifting on its own , does it shift to 3rd gear automatically and stop there and expect driver to shift using paddle shifter henceforth

2. If i were to shift manually in S mode from stop do i need to tap the minus button so that it shows M1, actually i did that and then was able to shift manually right from 1st gear at my control

3.In S mode when shifting manually do i let go the accelerator just like driving a manual car , does the manual explain the paddle shifting and how best to use it

This is my 1st car using paddle shifter and hence the questions

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

it will eventually shift from 3rd to 4th, but you have to take it to just about redline....

NwTSXmt

leave it at the dealership

boss2k

Is this reply to my questions as above ?

boss2k

Can anyone please respond to my below questions

1.While starting from stop in S mode without tapping the paddle shifter the car was shifting on its own , does it shift to 3rd gear automatically and stop there and expect driver to shift using paddle shifter henceforth

2. If i were to shift manually in S mode from stop do i need to tap the minus button so that it shows M1, actually i did that and then was able to shift manually right from 1st gear at my control

3.In S mode when shifting manually do i let go the accelerator just like driving a manual car , does the manual explain the paddle shifting and how best to use it

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

i answered question 1 in my earlier post....

2 you answered on your own...

3 keep your foot on the gas, its not a manual transmission......

AcctCanc01

I found the S-Mode was very useful when I was on the track last week. It was much easier to down shift in the braking zone so that when I wanted to feather in the gas I was already in the proper gear. I find that in everyday driving I rarely put it in S-Mode and just keep it in the standard position and just blip the down shift paddle as I am entering a turn. Remember to brake when you are going straight prior to entering the turn, be in the proper gear before you hit the gas, then apply the throttle progressively through the turn so that you are at full power at the end of the turn. I hope that makes some sense. I learned a ton during my track day and I think it made me a better driver as a result. There are a set of turns near my house that I was on the ragged edge at about 50 mph before. Now I can take the same turns at 62-64 mph and there is still room to hit it a little faster. Good stuff!

I hope that helps.

GrOvE_GuArDiaN

So is the fastest way to drive just in S mode with the pedals?

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

why would anyone be on the track with a 4 door sedan....

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

if ya'll want to go fast, get a fast car, or better yet, a sportbike....and then put that on the track!

RIneuron

IMHO GLM really knows what he is talking about. Both his posts reflect my experience 100%.

boss2k

when i am reving the car and shifting upwards in S mode say in the 5-6K rpm range the engine seems to hold on more than it should before it upshifts , i mean its not exactly smooth like driving a manual car . Does anyone feel the same

I drive both manual and automatic cars and hence i can easily see the difference