Fairly new C7 (Z51) owner (Feb 18 and only put on 1300 miles) and just started using the paddle shifters after reading the issues with the V4 mode. To be honest I thought that V4 only came on at highways speeds (say 55 and above). I was shocked to see that it came on even in my neighborhood when going 30 to 35 mph. Utter BS with the V4 mode so I've been using my paddle shifters but have one issue. Say I'm at intersection waiting to go and have to make an immediate right turn. Almost immediately the revs are way up there in 1st gear and the steering wheel is turning and I'm trying to locate and tap the paddle shifter to get into second. My question - Why can't I start out in 2nd? If I'm in that situation where I have to make an immediate turn from a stop I have been starting in 2nd. Otherwise, if going straight 1st gear is the gear of choice. Any suggestions or comments on my 2nd gear start. Also, I usually drive around with the exhaust in Sport or Track Mode. Maybe just get the "Range Device" and not worry about it. Thanks

 

 

My 2019 allows me to start in 2nd gear from a stop. It defaults to first but I always upshift to 2nd

 

You can, nothing prevents it.

 

My 2015 allows starting in 2nd also. In op's situation with the turn, just put it into D and after you make the turn, go back to M mode.

 

 

I've read somewhere that both the A6 and A8 start in 2nd when in D. It doesn't do any harm to use the paddles to start in 2nd. Not sure why the OP is asking why he can't.

 

fake news

 

Quite possible. I read it here, but it's been 2 or 3 years.

Edit: Unless you're saying that starting out in 2nd not hurting the trans is fake news.

 

I just tap the paddle as soon as I start rolling away from the stop sign. But you can also paddle up to second before you start moving for a second gear start.

As you have probably already found, you don't need to use the paddles to downshift when coming to a stop unless you need additional engine braking for some reason. The vehicle will downshift automatically as it slows.

The Range anti-AFM module works very well. For people not used to driving a manual, the most important thing to remember in manual/paddle mode is the transmission will never downshift automatically in this mode based upon throttle input nor will it upshift out of the selected gear but will just run up to the limiter and stay there. If you have to make an emergency move, you have to remember to downshift when more power is needed and to upshift before you hit the limiter if you need to continue accelerating. Holding the left paddle in will cause it to select the lowest available gear for the current vehicle speed. The paddles can be used to make gear selections in auto mode but it will revert to auto after a short time (time to revert based upon driving situation).

The car will easily start in second gear, when there is a communications fault between the ECM and TCM the transmission will default to 4th in forward mode starting and staying in this gear. You can manually select starting in 4th but this is what the car will choose and use if there is a communications fault.

If you plan to drive in paddle mode, be sure and get used to shifting quickly so it will be second nature in emergency situations.

 

Here's my technique - the A8 is famous for a slight delay when shifting. It is at its worst (at least in my car) between first and second. Get on the gas and start moving and just upshift to second before turning the wheel (even if it is immediate). You will have about 1/2 second in first which is usually good enough.

If this works for you, you can consider the A8 delay a "feature" :-)

 

In D, the A6 drops to first.

In M, the A6 drops to 2nd. I must drop it to 1st to start in 1st and I do that.



I believe it is the same for the A8


Elmer

 

The A8 does drop to first in manual mode, as you slow to a stop it will do a 3 to 1 automatic downshift in manual mode. I can't remember if the A6 (6L45 lower torque version of the 6L80 used in the Corvette) in my 2014 ATS drops to first or second in manual mode; I rarely drive it in manual since the 2014 3.6 V6 doesn't have the stupid AFM system.

 

My A8 did drop to 1st in manual mode when coming to a complete stop.

 

Yes...take it to 2nd at a stop and it will literally take off in second gear.

 

 

 

Yes, the A8 will allow you to upshift to 2nd from a complete stop. I typically accelerate in 2nd not 1st

 

You can do both, like what I do. Get the Range device and start from 2nd at a stop. Worry-free option for when you need to switch between 'M' and 'D' and vice-versa.

 

OP: The Range is definitely the answer to the AFM problem. Just got it a few months ago and wish I would have bought it much sooner. Although, I understand the older Range device had some glitches with CEL etc. the new updated one I have works flawlessly so far. It makes the A8 much more enjoyable to drive without all that Micky-mouse back and forth V4 crap. Get one -- the people at Range are very nice to work with and nice to talk too. Also, tell them you are a forum member and they will give you a discount; I forget how much, but every dollar helps.