acura2009

Hi

So I've always driven automatic and since getting the TL, I have only used the "S" mode with the paddle shifters twice with pretty bad results.

Any tips + advice for a starter in this? Shoild I leave it in regular "D" and use paddle shifters or go into "S"? As I noticed it works both ways.

Thanks!

Bearcat94

"S" w/paddles is the "total control" postion.

"D" w/paddles is the "temporary control" postion.

"S" w/OUT paddles is the "sportier full automatic" position.

"D" w?OUT paddles is the "full automatic" position.


My suggestion re: paddles - put it in "S" and click the "+" paddle to get the "full control" mode. Then, shift it like you'd shift a manual; except keep your foot on the gas. Rev high then shift for sport/performance; rev low/moderate then shift for casual/daily driving.

GearDriven

Just leave it in D/S unless you really have a good reason that you think you can do better than the computer...if you are having trouble then just let the computer do it...it does a fairly decent job.

PetesTL

I almost always leave it in "D." The car shifts much faster this way.

bmode

I leave it in D, and use the paddle shifters for downloading in turns and coming to a stop, then the car resumes the automatic transmission with no thought from me. I actually love this feature, but I do miss the "tip-tronic" shifter as I don't like keeping two hands on the wheel to access gears. I'm not a F1 racer? I think Acura might of thought of a cool thing, for no real advantage, at least for my driving styles.

DLeeWebb

I have had issues with this exact question. I come from three decades of manual transmissions. I have had the TL for a month and I just don't feel like it's shifting correctly. What should I do? Do I put it in "S" mode and let it shift for itself? When I put it in "S" mode with the intention of shifting it myself, it seems to want to shift before it "feels" right. It is really driving me to distraction...

Wavehogger

It shifts faster this way because...? Pete just pwned himself. You can't be that old Pete. You need to sharpen the skills with some Grand Turismo 5 prologue.

PetesTL

Yeah, right, Wave....what do you think you're driving? A M3? To me, the TL is just a sporty entry-level luxury car, nothing more. My previous BMW 545i had a true "S" (sport) mode and a true "M" (manual) mode....the car's character was totally different in each mode and you had much more control. The paddle shifters in the 4G, to me, is nothing more than a gimmick. (Left in there by Acura because every other competitor had one).