A4 drivers - keep it in 3rd around town?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,091
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by Vette_Fan
Been told by a mechanic who rebuilt my AT tranny many yrs ago, on a Mustang. AT transmisions are not to be shifted like 1,2,3,D..or too much downshifiting. I'd suggest a reprogramming, and leave it in D.
How ya' like dem apples?
besides, the owners video and manual both say it can be done with confidence.
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by 2000BSME
well I'm a mechanic by trade and a mechanical engineer by degree, and I say: shift it manually.
How ya' like dem apples?
besides, the owners video and manual both say it can be done with confidence.
How ya' like dem apples?
besides, the owners video and manual both say it can be done with confidence.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 1
From: Seekonk MA / RI border
Originally Posted by 2000BSME
the owners video and manual both say it can be done with confidence.
...hmmm, there's no west wing on tonight...
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Wow! 75 in OD to 46 in 3rd. Might have been better if those 75 owners bought a Caddilac 
Just kidding!!!
Just kidding!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,137
Likes: 1
From: Insane Diego Kalifonya Baby
I use to drive around in 3rd alot and 2nd in the twisties. Then I put the 3.42s in and she stays in D if I want to shift I just mash the shifter pedal (it's the long one one the right)
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Joined: Mar 2005
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And the owner's manual says....
Fellas, fellas, fellas...
From page 2-26. And I quote...
"AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving."
"THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D)."
Me, personally, I keep it in 3rd all of the time except on the interstate or speeds above 60-65 mph. I don't like the low rpms of 4th gear (D), and I can't hear my Bullets sing...
I keep it in 3rd to hear and feel the experience of what the car was designed for.
However, I do not shift the tranny manually. I let the A4 shift itself and make up its own mind as to what is best.
From page 2-26. And I quote...
"AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving."
"THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D)."
Me, personally, I keep it in 3rd all of the time except on the interstate or speeds above 60-65 mph. I don't like the low rpms of 4th gear (D), and I can't hear my Bullets sing...
I keep it in 3rd to hear and feel the experience of what the car was designed for.
However, I do not shift the tranny manually. I let the A4 shift itself and make up its own mind as to what is best.