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Driving in 3rd gear.

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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 12:40 PM
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When I am driving slow (stop and go traffic or around a parking lot) in often put it in manual mode and leave it in 3rd so the ride is smooth with no shifts. Is this bad for the transmission? Does it put too much strain on the transmission?

Thank you

-Krozi
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 03:27 PM
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no idea, but that just sounds wrong
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 03:50 PM
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1st is way too jumpy i keep mine at 2nd when at lights and slow traffic 3rd and vroooom! im out lol
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Krozi' post='797859' date='Feb 20 2009, 02:40 PM
When I am driving slow (stop and go traffic or around a parking lot) in often put it in manual mode and leave it in 3rd so the ride is smooth with no shifts. Is this bad for the transmission? Does it put too much strain on the transmission?
The only problem with an auto tranny is when it is hunting for the right gear, constantly up- and down-shifting, because you are at a speed that is right on a boundary of a normal shift point. This effect is increased in hilly terrain. This can cause tranny overheating.

Your solution prevents the tranny from constantly shifting, so I wouldn't be concerned with the tranny; but, you probably don't want to run the engine much below 1,000 rpm. So keep an eye on the tach and downshift if the rpm gets too low.
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by SilberGrauE60' post='798011' date='Feb 20 2009, 08:32 PM
The only problem with an auto tranny is when it is hunting for the right gear, constantly up- and down-shifting, because you are at a speed that is right on a boundary of a normal shift point. This effect is increased in hilly terrain. This can cause tranny overheating.

Your solution prevents the tranny from constantly shifting, so I wouldn't be concerned with the tranny; but, you probably don't want to run the engine much below 1,000 rpm. So keep an eye on the tach and downshift if the rpm gets too low.
I don't have that happening with my automatic .. should I complain to my SA and have the trans / sw updated

Seriously ... instead of going the Manual mode maybe moving to S will hold the gears longer and reduce the hunting when driving in hilly areas ??
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 05:41 PM
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From: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
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Originally Posted by SilberGrauE60' post='798011' date='Feb 20 2009, 08:32 PM
The only problem with an auto tranny is when it is hunting for the right gear, constantly up- and down-shifting, because you are at a speed that is right on a boundary of a normal shift point. This effect is increased in hilly terrain. This can cause tranny overheating.

Your solution prevents the tranny from constantly shifting, so I wouldn't be concerned with the tranny; but, you probably don't want to run the engine much below 1,000 rpm. So keep an eye on the tach and downshift if the rpm gets too low.
What happens happens when the RPM drops below 1000?
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 05:53 PM
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Don't worry - with steptronic the car will not let you harm the transmission. If the RPM were to drop to a level that would create an issue, the car will downshift, even in manual mode.
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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 09:37 AM
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From: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
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Originally Posted by swajames' post='798061' date='Feb 20 2009, 09:53 PM
Don't worry - with steptronic the car will not let you harm the transmission. If the RPM were to drop to a level that would create an issue, the car will downshift, even in manual mode.
Ok thanks. but just out of curiosity...what does happen if the RPM drops below 1000?
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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 09:47 AM
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If you were at low RPM in too high a gear you'd lug the engine and it would eventually stall. The step won't let any of that happen and it'll up or downshift as needed. The occasional stall isn't too bad for the engine but it's best avoided.
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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 10:11 AM
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From: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
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Originally Posted by swajames' post='798416' date='Feb 21 2009, 01:47 PM
If you were at low RPM in too high a gear you'd lug the engine and it would eventually stall. The step won't let any of that happen and it'll up or downshift as needed. The occasional stall isn't too bad for the engine but it's best avoided.
Ok thanks!
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