gokhanturk

In the past experience with tiptronic, downshifting was not good for the transmission. Does anyone know now if it would harm the transmission if we downshift with the paddle shifter?

012TL-GLM

The computer will not allow you to downshift unless it deems it safe - I'm sure it can still be abused, but in my experience it doesn't hurt anything

silverrevlis

It will not harm the engine. It has a couple of failsafes. If you try to downshift to a gear at a speed in which the RPMs of the engine will reach near redline, the gear indicator on the dashboard will blink stating no downshift is currently available. In addition, the transmission has a rev-match feature to ensure the engine RPMs match the vehicle speed for the gear that you are trying to downshift to. This greatly reduces the stress that is applied to the trans during a downshift event.

gokhanturk

thanks for the info guys. Yea i noticed the rev-match feature, its pretty nice.

Edward'TLS

I don't think it is true. The +/- manual-shift auto boxes in the past were designed to be used to do manual upshifts and downshifts. It wouldn't hurt the auto tranny, unless someone rev up the engine before putting into gear.

The only exception is the 2G TL tranny which was poorly designed, and even full-throttle automatic downshifts would overheat the 3rd gear clutch pack, let alone manual downshifts.

BLEXV6

Don't get me started with the 02 TL I had. Anyway, aside from when I am in snowy and icy conditions, to me the paddle shifters are pretty useless and I virtually never use them. There is plenty of power just using your foot.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

I'm with you. I can feel your pain, because last year I had no choice but to dump my 2002 TL-S right away, as soon as I detected some familiar hiccups with the already-replaced tranny, that could cost me $4K to repair.

I ended up spending that $4K on buying a new 4G TL instead.

Booya4139

They are great. Very useful for passing situations. Love how it goes back to auto after up shifting

gokhanturk

The only reason i ask this question is because, lets say your in 4th gear and you slow down to take a turn. After talking the turn it accelerates slow. So in order to pick up speed you would have to down shift.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

When you're in 4th and approaching a corner, paddle downshift a gear or two while slowing down. This will ensure that you'll be in the right gear for maximum acceleration later on. Once you've zoomed pass the apex, step on it to power out of the corner.

If you've an AWD, you can even apply engine power into and throughout the corner.

gokhanturk

thanks for the tip!!

Mugszy

Appears you can make use of the paddles when in D, S-mode keeps you there but I'm hard pressed to figure out when I would want to use it...

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Guys, for what it's worth, my dealership told me to NOT use the paddle shifters to slow down the car. They're fine for rev-matching, but not to downshift.


Now, with that being said, maybe the 4G's are different and they've made changes to the engine/paddle shifters.

Edward'TLS

Acura has added the "blip-throttle and match-rev downshift" feature to the 6AT for the 4G TL.

This functions exactly like the manual "heel & toe downshift" technique for manual trannies for minimal wear on the clutches.

I vaguely remember hearing that the 3G TL-S also has this. Is this correct ?

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

the rev matching is what happens during a downshift, so what you are saying makes no sense....why would i have a paddle with a (-) on it if were not safe to downshift....