buckmeister2

The 2008 I sold would operate the paddle shifters in "S" mode, only.

The 2012 I just purchased will operate the paddles shifters in either "S" or "D" mode, identically.

Was this a design change between the years? Or, a mod that has been done, or possible malfunction?

I really prefer it to only operate in "S" mode.

Jim

Vette_DD

Haven't looked at your owner's manual, have you? It's in there. Don't remember the details about how to do it, but that manual will tell you.

Yes, that is a change.

See pages 9-29 and 9-30 in the owner's manual.

buckmeister2

Well, that figures. With 6,000 pages, it probably covers every question I could ask. Going out to the car right now to look it up.

Thanks for the heads up.

Jim

Vette_DD

You're welcome.

An electronic copy of the owner's manual is probably still available on the GM website. I always kept the paper copy that came with my car, but I also downloaded the electronic copy to make it easier to look stuff up.

ruxvette

Hang on...back the truck up...you sold the 2008 after agonizing over buying one for years and IMMEDIATELY bought a 2012?

FatsWaller

Just checked both manuals - in 2008 the paddles only worked in 'S',
"While in the SPORT MODE (S) position, the paddles
located on the steering wheel, can be used to manually
up-shift or down-shift the transmission."

In 2012,
"The Manual Paddle Shift system
can be used in D (Drive) or
S (Sport Mode)."

I must have OCD or something, 'cause I downloaded all the manuals from 1993 to 2013. Also, you never know when the online stuff gets 'disappeared'.

buckmeister2

Well, now...I see a little clarification is in need for those who are paying attention (you may be the only one, rux, in this case).

It was not agonizing...it was research.

I bought the '08 because it was an excellent choice for me to see if I would be happy owning a Vette. Unlike quite a few others, I did not spring for $30G on a car I had never owned, thinking I would love it forever, then find out I did not like it, and lose my butt selling it.

I really loved the '08. And, I significantly improved my financial situation. I decided to let someone else enjoy the '08 as much as I did, and bought a newer Vette with lower miles that I can keep for a long time. Initially, I was looking for a 'vert, but when I saw this one, I was hooked.

Sorry for the confusion, but am pleased that you have followed my journey so closely. Best to you, rux.

buckmeister2

Yes, I checked my manual and found it. Now, it begs the question...if both modes now command the paddle shifter, what is the purpose of "S" mode? I have heard, but never confirmed, that "S" raises the shift point slightly. Not sure I believe that. If it does not, why do we need both "S" and "D"?

Vette_DD

As you suspected:

buckmeister2

this is all great info! I think I safely assume that "noticeable upshifts" is a euphemism for "firmer" shifts. I have often driven hard, in both modes, and never noticed a diff in shifts. I will have to pay more attention. Very cool....and thanks, again, for the info.

ruxvette

No confusion...just givin you the raspberries.
BTW...get a manly stick shifter and you only have to worry about when YOU will shift.
I'm done now...
Congrats on the new car?

Knob Jockey

If you use the paddles in D mode and then don't touch them, the trans will return to Auto in about 10 seconds.

When you use the paddles in S mode, the trans stays in paddle mode, as with earlier models.

The newer trans will also let you exit paddle mode and return to auto by holding down an up-shift paddle.

Here's an old thread explaining how using D puts the trans/brain in 'Adaptive Programming/learning' mode.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...s-come-in.html

buckmeister2

that is a great story, Knobbie. I can't imagine the dealer near me taking that kind of effort to help out a customer.

So, it all makes sense, but now I have to wonder if that has changed in the 10 years since the post. Is the tranny still in adaptive mode in "D"? I have read on here many times that adaptive mode is "S" but that is not what the engineer said 10 years ago. I can't imagine why they would create the confusion by changing it, so I am going with what the engineer said. Drive it hard in "D" mode for a couple days, then drive in "S" mode all the time so the trans will not revert to casual driving, right?

buckmeister2

You would not be You without the raspberry, rux. As a young'n, I really enjoyed the Muncie M21 in my SS Malibu, and would probably enjoy the M6 in a Vette. But, I love the instantaneous, hard downshift when I jump on the A6. It's there right now, and very predictable. Maybe too easy, but I am in the "life is easy" mode now, so it fits.

Who knows, maybe another Vette next year, with an M6....haha.