Calling all A4's......
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 3
From: Phoenix AZ.
Calling all A4's......
I've had my vette for five months and noticed something while driving it tonight. When I'm in 4th gear and nail the gas it gets up and goes. On every other vehicle I've ever driven they would always down shift from 4th to 3rd and then back up to 4th. Should the tranny automatically downshift to 3rd when I nail it? 
Please let this be normal
Please let this be normal
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
It may depend on how fast you are going. If im on the interstate doing 70 and nail it it will down shift into 3rd but only stays for a few seconds then shifts to 4th. Perhaps if i was going 80 it would not down shift at all. Of coarse in the city it will kick down to 3rd, 2nd or even 1st (if im going slow enough) and they go back to 4th. I do have 3.15 rear end if that makes a difference too.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 9
From: Camdenton MO
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by JEEP/C5
It may depend on how fast you are going. If im on the interstate doing 70 and nail it it will down shift into 3rd but only stays for a few seconds then shifts to 4th. Perhaps if i was going 80 it would not down shift at all. Of coarse in the city it will kick down to 3rd, 2nd or even 1st (if im going slow enough) and they go back to 4th. I do have 3.15 rear end if that makes a difference too.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 3
From: Phoenix AZ.
Originally Posted by JEEP/C5
It may depend on how fast you are going. If im on the interstate doing 70 and nail it it will down shift into 3rd but only stays for a few seconds then shifts to 4th. Perhaps if i was going 80 it would not down shift at all. Of coarse in the city it will kick down to 3rd, 2nd or even 1st (if im going slow enough) and they go back to 4th. I do have 3.15 rear end if that makes a difference too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,479
Likes: 13
From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
Originally Posted by JEEP/C5
It may depend on how fast you are going. If im on the interstate doing 70 and nail it it will down shift into 3rd but only stays for a few seconds then shifts to 4th. Perhaps if i was going 80 it would not down shift at all. Of coarse in the city it will kick down to 3rd, 2nd or even 1st (if im going slow enough) and they go back to 4th. I do have 3.15 rear end if that makes a difference too.
When cruising around about 77ish it can shift down into 2nd for a second or two before you shift up to 3rd.
Anything beyond 85mph, it will shift into 3rd and no lower.
Play with it and see where it's shift points are at.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 3
From: Phoenix AZ.
Originally Posted by JoshVette
Here's what I've found in driving my 02 coupe A4 with 3.15's when cruising at 35mph, it can shift down into 1st.......and look out when it does for about a second or two then 2nd gears kicks in.
When cruising around about 77ish it can shift down into 2nd for a second or two before you shift up to 3rd.
Anything beyond 85mph, it will shift into 3rd and no lower.
Play with it and see where it's shift points are at.
When cruising around about 77ish it can shift down into 2nd for a second or two before you shift up to 3rd.
Anything beyond 85mph, it will shift into 3rd and no lower.
Play with it and see where it's shift points are at.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,879
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield Ill.
I usually get that when crusing at around 30-40 mph and slams the gas pedal, it would feel like I would slow down first and suddenly jerks and goes. I guess it does downshift first. 
Also have 3.15's
Also have 3.15's
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: CA
Because your transmission is computer controlled you may get different responses at different times. Your computer has to look at various inputs, speed engine, RPM, gas pedal position, etc. before downshifting. So one time it may select third and then shift back to fourth innediately, or stay in third until you let off the gas pedal. Remember that it is unlocking your torque converter at the same time so you may feel this as a hesitation before the downshift is complete. You don't "kick down" your transmission like you used to with the old mechanical/pressure transmission types.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 1
From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
All I can say is when you get the 3.42's you're going to launch like a bat-out-of-hell! You will definitely feel the jerk going into 4th! 
Good times await!
Good times await!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 0
From: Prosper TX
Originally Posted by 2000NASSAU
I forgot to mention I have the standard 2:73 gears. I'm going with 3:42's or 3:73's in January. Is that just something I have to deal with until I get the gears changed out. I appreciate the relief
A4 with 2:73 (I have tested this many times at autocross events):
1st - 56 MPH
2nd - 102 MPH
3rd - 160+ MPH
4th - Unknown
If you are at 70 MPH and punch it, the car will down shift to 2nd, reshift to third at 97 and then shift to 4th (drive) when you let off the gas.
If you are at 50 and punch it, it will still only down shift to 2nd.
If you are at 40 and punch it, it will down shift to 1st.
I recommend if you want the car to be in a specific power band range, you shift it manunally just before punching it. DO NOT punch it and then try to down shift yourself, the automatic is already working by the time you reach for the shifter.