Paddle Shift Automatic
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Texas
Paddle Shift Automatic
I have a 2010 Grand Sport with the 6 speed automatic transmission. I know you guys have a fix for just about everything.
The car's transmission does NOT shift when the paddle is pushed; there is a lag. I have not noticed such a lag when downshifting. If I shift up a gear at the redline, the engine hits the rev limiter before the transmission shifts. I don't want to shift early...I want it to shift exactly when I hit the paddle. So, what do you recommend to speed up the response of the paddles being pushed to go up a gear?
-Clark
The car's transmission does NOT shift when the paddle is pushed; there is a lag. I have not noticed such a lag when downshifting. If I shift up a gear at the redline, the engine hits the rev limiter before the transmission shifts. I don't want to shift early...I want it to shift exactly when I hit the paddle. So, what do you recommend to speed up the response of the paddles being pushed to go up a gear?
-Clark
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 148
From: 1000 Islands Ontario
Same problem for all A6's. The cure is a a software tranny "tune", that can make the shifts instantaneous. The only down side is possible warranty issues on powertrain related problems.
I may have this done after my warranty is over. For now, I time the shifts accordingly.
M...
I may have this done after my warranty is over. For now, I time the shifts accordingly.
M...
Last edited by Mike Green9; May 31, 2010 at 10:53 PM. Reason: typo
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,901
Likes: 361
From: TX
You'll probably need to get an aftermarket transmission tune done to reload your transmission calibration data in the TCM. The way the A6 transmission shifts in stock form is pretty bad, in all modes. The only way I know to fix it is with a transmission tune from a reputable tuner.
There are some hand held units out now that will let you load a transmission tune yourself at home. The EFI Live FlashScan V2 tool costs about $800 and will let you do it. But you'll probably still want a professional tuner to supply you with the updated calibration data. There are several good tuners on this site, check the Scan & Tune section of the forum.
There are some hand held units out now that will let you load a transmission tune yourself at home. The EFI Live FlashScan V2 tool costs about $800 and will let you do it. But you'll probably still want a professional tuner to supply you with the updated calibration data. There are several good tuners on this site, check the Scan & Tune section of the forum.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,901
Likes: 361
From: TX
By the way, I'd like to say that after driving a car both before and after a tune, a good transmission tune will totally change your driving experience. Once tuned, the transmission will progressively downshift like it should when you push on the pedal, and the terrible 4 gear downshift and lag you get when you give it the gas will be gone. A lot of it can be blamed on the torque management of both the engine and transmission, and the shift points are all set to try to keep the rpms low for gas mileage, so it won't let the car downshift when you need it to. A car with a good tune in it, will feel like a completely different car.
Personally, I don't know how GM could even release a car on the market with the transmission set up as bad as it is on the Corvette. I guess it's a sign of the times. And then to rub salt in the wound they threaten you with voiding your warranty if you try to fix what they screwed up to begin with. Pretty pathetic if you ask me.
Personally, I don't know how GM could even release a car on the market with the transmission set up as bad as it is on the Corvette. I guess it's a sign of the times. And then to rub salt in the wound they threaten you with voiding your warranty if you try to fix what they screwed up to begin with. Pretty pathetic if you ask me.
Last edited by CSixDude; May 31, 2010 at 11:08 PM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo MI
My biggest issue is when I go for a fast start, 1st gear limiter kicks in all the time when I go WOT in full auto mode, I have to lift the throttle a little to give it time to shift, this wasnt an issue before I had the Vararam and Diablo tune installed. Dealer checker her out and said there is nothing wrong with the car, guess I'll have to get a COW tune when I get the Edelbrock and headers installed to make it more responsive.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,231
Likes: 451
From: Maryland
I have a 2010 GS A6 too and noticed the up shift lag in the sport mode; only tried it once or twice to date. The paddle shift only works in the sport mode. I have not tried the paddles with the completive mode on also, it may be worth a try but I have a feeling that it may not do a thing but I could be wrong.
Last edited by C7/Z06 Man; May 31, 2010 at 11:50 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
COMP mode is selected by pressing the ACTIVE HANDLING button on the console quickly two times. Be aware that this defeats the Traction Control system.
If you're drag racing, let the A6 do the shifting... it's faster than paddle-shifting and you don't risk hitting the rev limiter.
Depending on the situation, paddle-shifting can be a half-second slower than auto-shifting!
More details and videos:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...g-problem.html
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
I have a 2010 GS A6 too and noticed the up shift lag in the sport mode; only tried it once or twice to date. The paddle shift only works in the sport mode. I have not tried the paddles with the completive mode on also, it may be worth a try but I have a feeling that it may not do a thing but I could be wrong.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...g-problem.html
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,464
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
For best paddle-shift response, put the gear lever in "S" and select Competitive (COMP) Driving Mode.
COMP mode is selected by pressing the ACTIVE HANDLING button on the console quickly two times. Be aware that this defeats the Traction Control system.
If you're drag racing, let the A6 do the shifting... it's faster than paddle-shifting and you don't risk hitting the rev limiter.
Depending on the situation, paddle-shifting can be a half-second slower than auto-shifting!
More details and videos:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...g-problem.html
COMP mode is selected by pressing the ACTIVE HANDLING button on the console quickly two times. Be aware that this defeats the Traction Control system.
If you're drag racing, let the A6 do the shifting... it's faster than paddle-shifting and you don't risk hitting the rev limiter.
Depending on the situation, paddle-shifting can be a half-second slower than auto-shifting!
More details and videos:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...g-problem.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
The lag in the downshift is because the tranny is programmed to "rev match" the newly selected gear to the speed of the vehicle. Owners of manual shift vehicles would have to try and learn how to do the heal/toe shift to simulate the rev matching downshift.
The tranny upshifts in less than 1/2 second. You can't even shift a manual that fast. It does shift quicker and harder when in sport mode. It holds the gear a little longer also when in sport mode but only if you are driving in a spirited manner.
The tranny upshifts in less than 1/2 second. You can't even shift a manual that fast. It does shift quicker and harder when in sport mode. It holds the gear a little longer also when in sport mode but only if you are driving in a spirited manner.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
The lag in the downshift is because the tranny is programmed to "rev match" the newly selected gear to the speed of the vehicle. Owners of manual shift vehicles would have to try and learn how to do the heal/toe shift to simulate the rev matching downshift.
The tranny upshifts in less than 1/2 second. You can't even shift a manual that fast. It does shift quicker and harder when in sport mode. It holds the gear a little longer also when in sport mode but only if you are driving in a spirited manner.
The tranny upshifts in less than 1/2 second. You can't even shift a manual that fast. It does shift quicker and harder when in sport mode. It holds the gear a little longer also when in sport mode but only if you are driving in a spirited manner.
As for speed of upshifts, the auto upshift itself may be 1/2 sec, on par with a typical manual time, but the delay that occurs between when you press the paddle and when the upshift begins is a sepatate issue.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 384
Likes: 9
You will always have that "delay" feeling with the A6, that's just the way the automatic works, if you mash the pedal to the floor, it won't just be an instantaneous upshift unfortunately. Even, after your tune.
I know this because I have a tune with my A6 for my 08 C6, and do not get me wrong, before the car wouldn't even chirp the tires on the 1-2 shift, now I can leave a strip of rubber almost 10 feet long going through 1-2 shift at WOT sometimes with my A6 and get the car a little sideways, so a tune is definitely something you will want, it still won't feel perfect though.
At least that's in my experience....
I know this because I have a tune with my A6 for my 08 C6, and do not get me wrong, before the car wouldn't even chirp the tires on the 1-2 shift, now I can leave a strip of rubber almost 10 feet long going through 1-2 shift at WOT sometimes with my A6 and get the car a little sideways, so a tune is definitely something you will want, it still won't feel perfect though.
At least that's in my experience....
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 255
From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
Thanks Very much!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 642
Likes: 70
From: EAST TEXAS
I know the answer to this may be subjective, but with a Chuck Cow tune, how does the transmission shift feel in D? I have had transmissions rebuilt before which afterwards shifted with too much of a "bang" or "hit" even when accelerating gently. That I do not like the feel of. I would welcome a more responsive and aggresive shifting in S and paddle mode but still want to retain the gentle shifting when I am in the "boulevard cruiser" mood which is much of the time. Also, is it possible to get the trans tune only, without the engine tune?
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 255
From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
Talk to some of the guys on the forum.....
I know the answer to this may be subjective, but with a Chuck Cow tune, how does the transmission shift feel in D? I have had transmissions rebuilt before which afterwards shifted with too much of a "bang" or "hit" even when accelerating gently. That I do not like the feel of. I would welcome a more responsive and aggresive shifting in S and paddle mode but still want to retain the gentle shifting when I am in the "boulevard cruiser" mood which is much of the time. Also, is it possible to get the trans tune only, without the engine tune?
Part throttle shifts are smooth like butter and WOT shifts can strike the tires....
All shifts are completed quicker and more precise, however I am painfully aware of the pitfalls of the old school shift-kit that you could not "turn off" even when driving easy.
I spent a lot of time making sure that I minimized complaints and after all this time I've honored the feedback of everyone who has the tune which has helped me "polish" the tune to what it is now.
I can definitely say at this point that it is the most refined A6 calibration that anyone has seen to date....
Best thing is with me, come to my shop and I'll install it and let you drive it..... If you don't like it, I'll take it out and you owe me nothing.
Can't beat that.
But, BEWARE! It's a TRAP!
I guarantee that you'll go home with it!
Chuck CoW
