tv_dir

Is it ok to downshift in a 2014 Z51 A6 while in Manual sport mode? Also should I take It all the way down to first gear?
Always had manual shift... Last one was my C6, and I'm still trying to get used to these damn paddle shifters! Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thamks!
Michael

defaria

I rented a vette, a 2014 and then later a 2015. Rental cars are pretty much always autos. Personally I hate paddle shifters in automatics however I did play with it a bit. If you're traveling fast and attempt to paddle shift down to 1st you'll probably be greeted by the following message (which made me chuckle the first time I saw it) - "Shift denied!".

davepl

Mine's an A8, but if you PULL AND HOLD the paddle it will pick the lowest appropriate gear, which avoids you having to guess or worry.

If you tried to go to too low a gear, the computer should save you from yourself with a "Shift Denied" message.

Kraz8s

I down shift my A6 all the time, daily driver always in manual mode. You can be as agressive as you want as long as the tranny is up to temp. You can still down shift if it isn't up to temp but I'm always gentle and normally let the car do so as it slows down. Once up to temp you can pretend to be an F1 driver for all the car cares! There are provisions in place as stated above to stop you from down shifting at too high of RPMs.

As for down shifting to 1st, completely ok at a stop, rolling stop or going under say 30ish.

Play around to see what your car likes. The above is based on me owning a '12 Gen5 SS, a '12 GS, and now my '14 Z51 all with the A6. The C7's tranny is definitely better than the other two, heck GM did 3 years of R&D on it.

Hope this helps you out!

Power Hawk

Yes to your question of taking it all the way to 1st gear. The computer will not allow you to shift to a gear that is too low. Experiment with it. Enjoy.

owc6

The A6 does not do this.

However, I downshift regularly, even into first. No harm, except to your fuel economy (whatever that is).

JGarland

Yes. I downshift ALL THE TIME.

I rarely go down to gear 1 while still moving though. Usually go to 1 only while stopped at a light.

tv_dir

I wanted a thank all you guys! Now I won't feel like I'm grinding the Tranny. I usually just run around town, so I generally go up to 3rd or 4th....I won't worry anymore... Thanks again!!
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JMills