Auto Stick mode do you use it much or not
#1
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Auto Stick mode do you use it much or not
Hello all I have a 05 ML with 39k and counting. My wifes uncle has a 99 GS I think, I gave him a lift in mine he saw the auto shift mode and went crazy. He couldnt believe a full size sedan would have or need that feature. He told me about how fun it was to drive cars with that style tranny and I should give it a try soon. I've owned a few manual cars and drove them well but its been awhile. I just wanted to ask you guys if you use yours much or do you think its not needed. all views welcome.
#2
It's a novelty at best... you really don't engine brake until you shift down to like 2nd gear and by then, it's so herky jerky. It's not a true manual fuel and the LS is so smooth on upshifts, it defeats the purpose of manually upshifting and probably more waste of gas.
I think I've used the feature twice or so when I first got it. Have not used it since. I'll leave the manual duty to my '92 Integra.
I think I've used the feature twice or so when I first got it. Have not used it since. I'll leave the manual duty to my '92 Integra.
#3
Driver School Candidate
What he said.
I've never been able to figure out why manufacturers promote this "feature".
I guess it's because the other guys have it.
Mind you - I've spoken to some young fellas with the german versions and they seem quite convinced that they are driving a manual because they move their stick back and forth. The power of marketting I guess.
I've never been able to figure out why manufacturers promote this "feature".
I guess it's because the other guys have it.
Mind you - I've spoken to some young fellas with the german versions and they seem quite convinced that they are driving a manual because they move their stick back and forth. The power of marketting I guess.
#6
I use it, but almost exclusively for braking in snow/ice conditions or (in any weather) when going down grades.
It's also very good to get moving from a dead stop in snow & ice by using a higher gear than the automatic mode would allow ("Snow" mode only lets you start in 2nd).
It's most valuable (to me) for braking in slippery conditions, though. I'm glad I have the feature.
Walt
It's also very good to get moving from a dead stop in snow & ice by using a higher gear than the automatic mode would allow ("Snow" mode only lets you start in 2nd).
It's most valuable (to me) for braking in slippery conditions, though. I'm glad I have the feature.
Walt
#7
Moderator
Haven't used it other than to check to see if it worked when I first got the car. I assume it might be used in mountainous driving with long down grades. Or maybe some emergency situational type of road condition or driving but I guess that's pretty unlikely....on rare occasions when road conditions are bad due to weather in Texas I have the luxury of just not driving (since I work from home). Other than that I would not use it.
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#8
Driver School Candidate
I live in a hilly area & use it a few times a week going down long or steep hills. I probably wouldn't pay a lot for it as an option, but do like it. I'm sure it helps my brakes to last for more miles.
#9
I never use it. I don't drive my LS in the snow but even if I did I certainly wouldn't need an 'autostick' mode to downshift for engine braking. Heck that's what I do on my Dodge Ram truck (which I do drive in the snow). My daughter has autostick on her Acura RSX and, still, it's not even close to driving a manual tranny and I never use it even driving that car.
#10
Driver
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I use it often
* on 2 lane roads, to preselect a passing gear without having to floor the throttle.
** accelerating on Interstate on-ramps, to keep a lower gear for a little extra acceleration without lots of throttle.
To me, it's much nicer than using the shifter gates.
Also just me: I've always wished it would stay in whatever gear I'm in when I switch the stick over for auto stick (instead of just showing "5") . It would get a lot more use that way, 'cause face it, LS430 ain't got all the low end torque in the world.
* on 2 lane roads, to preselect a passing gear without having to floor the throttle.
** accelerating on Interstate on-ramps, to keep a lower gear for a little extra acceleration without lots of throttle.
To me, it's much nicer than using the shifter gates.
Also just me: I've always wished it would stay in whatever gear I'm in when I switch the stick over for auto stick (instead of just showing "5") . It would get a lot more use that way, 'cause face it, LS430 ain't got all the low end torque in the world.
#11
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I originally discovered this "feature" in my parents Acura TL. I don't find it completely useless, just not frequently useful. As mentioned above I really only use it occasionally to
1. draw out all the accel from 2 and 3 when they're wound up near their safe limits or
2. down shift to 2-3 (city) or 3-4 (hwy) to pass or accel quickly or
3. very rarely for engine braking
During regular city driving I'm certain the engineers and their 6-speed know when to shift better than I do. The idea of shifting constantly in regular conditions makes it feel more like a gimmick for that type of usage.
1. draw out all the accel from 2 and 3 when they're wound up near their safe limits or
2. down shift to 2-3 (city) or 3-4 (hwy) to pass or accel quickly or
3. very rarely for engine braking
During regular city driving I'm certain the engineers and their 6-speed know when to shift better than I do. The idea of shifting constantly in regular conditions makes it feel more like a gimmick for that type of usage.
#12
Power
As for acceleration on the LS, if you're "downshifting" to pass, it's probably faster to jam on the gas than to hit the shifter 2 or 3 times to get into low enough gear to get any power. 6th to 5th feels like it's done nothing.
#13
Driver
iTrader: (1)
"As for acceleration on the LS, if you're "downshifting" to pass, it's probably faster to jam on the gas than to hit the shifter 2 or 3 times to get into low enough gear to get any power. 6th to 5th feels like it's done nothing."
Agreed , if I'm driving alone. Still enjoy the surge of power the 430 provides.
With passengers aboard, I tend to preselect, to avoid the surge.
Agreed , if I'm driving alone. Still enjoy the surge of power the 430 provides.
With passengers aboard, I tend to preselect, to avoid the surge.