Probably a stupid question, but transmissions are magic boxes to me. Is it OK to switch driving modes while you are driving? For example, if I am in Comfort mode and want to switch to Sport, do I need to be stopped or can I do it while in motion?
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Changing drive mode while driving
- Thread author Rich T
- Start date
MrMCar
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It's completely safe to do so.
MORE:
Long gone are the days of multiple check balls, mechanical pressure regulators etc.
Modern automatic transmissions have all of the functions controlled via computer and solenoids. The later open up and allow fluid to flow down specific paths in the transmission valve body controlling what gear is applied. There's also pressure control via one or two pulse width controlled (think fuel injector) solenoids.
With the above and clear communication with the engine computer of things; throttle demand, amount of incoming air, RPM etc, the transmission computer has several maps to access as to decide to give you a "Granny's ride home" complete with soft and early shift points to aggressive; Lets hold each gear until near redline and forget about making the shift points (transitions such as 1-2, 2-3, 3-4) soft. Let's bang em' and be quick about it.
All of this is possible with the little rotary knob, all while driving, owing to being just about 90% electronically controlled. There's also a bit of "adaptive" learning by the trans computer.
Lend your car to Junior for the day and his throttle inputs are all the way down or coast.
The transmission shifts a bit firmer and later (yes even in comfort) because of his actions.
Then Grandma gets in the next day and thinks something is wrong with her car. It will take a couple of hours for the adaptations to revert back to her driving style.
Modern automatics (2010's, eight speeds and more) are quite amazing when compared with the old 4 speed ZF units I used to rebuild.
BTW: The HARDEST working fluid in your car?
The Automatic Transmission fluid. Do yourself a favor and service it!
MORE:
Long gone are the days of multiple check balls, mechanical pressure regulators etc.
Modern automatic transmissions have all of the functions controlled via computer and solenoids. The later open up and allow fluid to flow down specific paths in the transmission valve body controlling what gear is applied. There's also pressure control via one or two pulse width controlled (think fuel injector) solenoids.
With the above and clear communication with the engine computer of things; throttle demand, amount of incoming air, RPM etc, the transmission computer has several maps to access as to decide to give you a "Granny's ride home" complete with soft and early shift points to aggressive; Lets hold each gear until near redline and forget about making the shift points (transitions such as 1-2, 2-3, 3-4) soft. Let's bang em' and be quick about it.
All of this is possible with the little rotary knob, all while driving, owing to being just about 90% electronically controlled. There's also a bit of "adaptive" learning by the trans computer.
Lend your car to Junior for the day and his throttle inputs are all the way down or coast.
The transmission shifts a bit firmer and later (yes even in comfort) because of his actions.
Then Grandma gets in the next day and thinks something is wrong with her car. It will take a couple of hours for the adaptations to revert back to her driving style.
Modern automatics (2010's, eight speeds and more) are quite amazing when compared with the old 4 speed ZF units I used to rebuild.
BTW: The HARDEST working fluid in your car?
The Automatic Transmission fluid. Do yourself a favor and service it!
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Not a stupid question.. sometimes u just can't be sure, but I love it... getting on the expressway and switching to sport to really see what that 6 cylinder made of! Vroom vroom!
