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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: chrisgixer on 31 July 2013, 21:35:05

Title: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: chrisgixer on 31 July 2013, 21:35:05
....Like reverse?

The thought occurred today. (yes I know  :o )

 I was using the gears manually on my auto box. Just for some extra engine braking following another car, as I'd misjudged it slightly.

On re engaging drive, I was slightly unsure how many gears I'd gone down,(long day) and hence needing to go back up the same number to engage normal drive again. So had to visually look at the selector. I nearly engaged neutral, but not quite. So I wasn't far off.

But suppose I went really daft and actually went passed neutral and selected reverse? (Wince) ...what would happen?
 Would there be a nasty noise and an expired box? Or, as the box is electronic, would the box refuse to engage the apparently desired gear and save the idiot drivers blushes by refusing...?
It does this if engaging first at excess speed, as the revs would be too high. So will only engage second or whatever, until the road speed was low enough. Blah...


What happens if engaging reverse at speed...? :-\

Who wants to try it? ;D
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Broomies Mate on 31 July 2013, 21:37:53
You have to pull the lever to get it to enter reverse!

But, there is a failsafe anyway.  It won't allow a gear to engage until the speeds are within a tolerance.  I'll let you test it though!  ;D
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 31 July 2013, 21:39:58
Mechanical autos make quite an interesting graunching type noise.... apparently  :-X
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 31 July 2013, 21:41:20
Mechanical autos make quite an interesting graunching type noise.... apparently  :-X

That'll be the rear subframe making a bid for freedom. ;)
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Andy B on 31 July 2013, 21:43:53
.....
So had to visually look at the selector.  ....

It wasn't till I got the Omega that I realised how much I used to use the Senator's dash PRN321 tell tale.  ;) ;)

We'll let you try it on your g/box  :y :y :y
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Broomies Mate on 31 July 2013, 21:48:01
Seriously, the BMW doesnt engage reverse until the car is 100% stationary..... I have got into a habit of popping it in reverse as I'm slowing (when parking).... I have taken that habit to the Omega, and it will not engage reverse gear until the car is nearly stopped.  No popping, no banging into gear... it just settles in.

I'd imagine a foot full of throttle might end up with Transmission and differential planet gears being spread across the neighbourhood though.  :-\
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: chrisgixer on 31 July 2013, 22:03:00
Seriously, the BMW doesnt engage reverse until the car is 100% stationary..... I have got into a habit of popping it in reverse as I'm slowing (when parking).... I have taken that habit to the Omega, and it will not engage reverse gear until the car is nearly stopped.  No popping, no banging into gear... it just settles in.

I'd imagine a foot full of throttle might end up with Transmission and differential planet gears being spread across the neighbourhood though.  :-\
Talking yourself into a job there BM. ;)
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Broomies Mate on 31 July 2013, 22:09:09
Seriously, the BMW doesnt engage reverse until the car is 100% stationary..... I have got into a habit of popping it in reverse as I'm slowing (when parking).... I have taken that habit to the Omega, and it will not engage reverse gear until the car is nearly stopped.  No popping, no banging into gear... it just settles in.

I'd imagine a foot full of throttle might end up with Transmission and differential planet gears being spread across the neighbourhood though.  :-\
Talking yourself into a job there BM. ;)

More than likely  ;D

Although, the handbook does state that when stuck in mud.... yadda yadda yadda.

I daren't try it at say 5 or 10mph.... I'm only rolling to a stop when I engage reverse.  The Omega is great.... it lets me slowly depress the throttle and I can then reverse onto my driveway.  The BMW is a tinker...... I can change into Reverse (It says 'R' on the dash) whilst still creeping forward, but until I have put my foot on the brake until the car is STOPPED it will not engage.
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Andy B on 31 July 2013, 22:09:47
Seriously, the BMW doesnt engage reverse until the car is 100% stationary..... I have got into a habit of popping it in reverse as I'm slowing (when parking)....  .....

My Merc will let you engage reverse at a few mph forwards, but my gear selector is a short stumpy arm on the column which engages the gearbox electrically. It won't engage Park while on the move ........ I've tried it - accidently!
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Vamps on 31 July 2013, 23:19:07
Seriously, the BMW doesnt engage reverse until the car is 100% stationary..... I have got into a habit of popping it in reverse as I'm slowing (when parking)....  .....

My Merc will let you engage reverse at a few mph forwards, but my gear selector is a short stumpy arm on the column which engages the gearbox electrically. It won't engage Park while on the move ........ I've tried it - accidently!

My Citroen was exactly like that..... :y :y
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 31 July 2013, 23:39:37
Mechanical autos make quite an interesting graunching type noise.... apparently  :-X

That'll be the rear subframe making a bid for freedom. ;)

It was a C reg black cab that a firm I worked for had bought a fleet of to replace several G reg Transits ::)

Incidentally, the Transits used to drop into reverse nicely at anything upto 35mph, especially if the road was damp 8) they were manual though...
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 01 August 2013, 00:11:56
Mechanical autos make quite an interesting graunching type noise.... apparently  :-X

That'll be the rear subframe banjo axle and a couple of leaf springs making a bid for freedom. ;)

It was a C reg black cab that a firm I worked for had bought a fleet of to replace several G reg Transits ::)

Incidentally, the Transits used to drop into reverse nicely at anything upto 35mph, especially if the road was damp 8) they were manual though...

Ahh. post revised. ;)
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: henryd on 01 August 2013, 14:13:43
Seriously, the BMW doesnt engage reverse until the car is 100% stationary..... I have got into a habit of popping it in reverse as I'm slowing (when parking)....  .....

My Merc will let you engage reverse at a few mph forwards, but my gear selector is a short stumpy arm on the column which engages the gearbox electrically. It won't engage Park while on the move ........ I've tried it - accidently!

Bloody good job too I should think :o :o
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Andy B on 01 August 2013, 15:53:53


Bloody good job too I should think :o :o


I was trying to wash my screen ..... the transmission selector is where the Omega's wiper stalk is  ::)  ::)  ::)
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Gaffers on 01 August 2013, 17:38:34
I did the accidental switch in to Reverse at 30ish mph.  Cue a very rapid deceleration.  No damage was apparent short or long term.  Once I pulled my teeth out of the steering wheel and changed my trousers we drove off again.  Just glad no one was behind because we almost stopped dead in our tracks. Without brake lights it would have been a certain accident :-[
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: YZ250 on 01 August 2013, 18:03:26
Can't answer your question directly but,

I was overtaking a line of cars and immediately prior to that I had selected gear 2 manually. I swung out to start the overtake, shifted to manual 3 with my foot planted in the carpet, shifted up again, and then again,  :-[ at which point I lost momentum and the car was revving it nuts off.  :-[ I looked down at the shift and I was in neutral at quite some speed.  :-[ In panic I shifted up and for a split second I was in reverse. This was instantly followed by an Aaaaahhh from me as I shifted back to drive. I must have just beat the gear engaging with my lightning reflexes.  ;) ;D
No harm done in my case, but it taught me to keep my hand off the release button whenever using manual shift, as you'll notice that you can select drive from neutral without the button but not reverse.  :y
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: TheBoy on 01 August 2013, 18:31:09
Any of the forward gears, it won't go in to an inappropriate gear.  Reverse to drive, it will do a significant speed.  It will go in to park at 20mph, to the detriment of the rear tyres.

It will go into reverse whilst going forward, *BUT* I've never tried it at a significant speed, so I cannot say what would happen in that scenario.
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: jereboam on 01 August 2013, 21:02:03

I was using the gears manually on my auto box. Just for some extra engine braking following another car, as I'd misjudged it slightly.


I can't say I've noticed any useful engine braking effect from using the automatic gearbox like a manual on the Omega, or on any other automatic for that matter.  And I've owned and used automatics for the last 40 years.  You get some advantage in extreme road conditions - ice, or excessive surface water, or mud - but mostly it's best to bung the thing in 'D' and leave it to sort itself out. 

Never found much use for the 'S' button either - TBH I'd forgotten it was there on the Omega.
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Andy B on 01 August 2013, 21:08:26
.

Never found much use for the 'S' button either - TBH I'd forgotten it was there on the Omega.

You're not driving it hard enough then. Sports settings make a noticeable difference to the gear shift points.  :y
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: jereboam on 01 August 2013, 21:16:16
.

Never found much use for the 'S' button either - TBH I'd forgotten it was there on the Omega.

You're not driving it hard enough then. Sports settings make a noticeable difference to the gear shift points.  :y
My Omega used to go like a bat out of hell if you floored it anyway.  S button didn't seem to do much. 

In the days when I commuted from Suffolk to West London, I actually spent a week using it more or less permanently.  As I recall, it didn't actually improve my driving experience, and I had to buy more petrol.
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: TheBoy on 01 August 2013, 21:32:02
.

Never found much use for the 'S' button either - TBH I'd forgotten it was there on the Omega.

You're not driving it hard enough then. Sports settings make a noticeable difference to the gear shift points.  :y
less so on the 2.5/3.0 with the latest firmware, although it does affect the downshifts.

S is pretty essential on the 2.6/3.2s
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Andy B on 01 August 2013, 21:45:19
....
less so on the 2.5/3.0 with the latest firmware, although it does affect the downshifts.
 .....

My car car has had the later gearbox firmware installed almost from when I bought the car ..... pre OOF. I notice the difference.  ;) ;)
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: TheBoy on 01 August 2013, 21:48:14
....
less so on the 2.5/3.0 with the latest firmware, although it does affect the downshifts.
 .....

My car car has had the later gearbox firmware installed almost from when I bought the car ..... pre OOF. I notice the difference.  ;) ;)
Is your kickdown switch working properly? As in kickdown, a v9 GS820 TCM will only change at redline.
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Andy B on 01 August 2013, 21:58:55
....
less so on the 2.5/3.0 with the latest firmware, although it does affect the downshifts.
 .....

My car car has had the later gearbox firmware installed almost from when I bought the car ..... pre OOF. I notice the difference.  ;) ;)
Is your kickdown switch working properly? As in kickdown, a v9 GS820 TCM will only change at redline.

Pretty sure it is, it certainly was when I drove it more often than I do now. I know that on occasion when I've put it in S & forgotten, it doesn't take me long to realise it's still in S because of the way it drives ie shift points/revs

Anyway, the point I was making to Jereboam is that Sport should make a difference enough that it's of use  :y :y
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: tidla on 01 August 2013, 22:39:51
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k536/tidla1/starsky-hutch-tornio-x425_zps799cf054.jpg)

Often seen this motor smoking its tyres from a stationary start.

I assume its a case of some proper revvs and dropping it into drive??
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 01 August 2013, 22:42:37
Yup 8) and no electronics to say 'No' ...
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Andy B on 01 August 2013, 22:43:17
....
I assume its a case of some proper revvs and dropping it into drive??

 :o :o :o :o Remind to never let you drive any of my cars.  ;) ;)

You just give them a boot full from a standing start.  :y
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Broomies Mate on 02 August 2013, 21:28:25
I have had four V6 Omega's, 3x 3.0 and my current 3.2.  NONE of which have ever made a difference when accelerating with 'Sport' Mode or not!

It doesn't add power, torque or re-map the ECU..... All it does is tell the transmission not to change up so soon - which kick-down does on WOT.

It's a gimmick, it's a pointless button which I don't ever thinking about pressing, because it's pointless.

Did I mention it is useless?

NB: Anyone who can get their Auto Omega to spin up in the dry really needs to check the quality of their tyres (please no more tyre threads).
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: Andy B on 02 August 2013, 21:51:31
I have had four V6 Omega's, 3x 3.0 and my current 3.2.  NONE of which have ever made a difference when accelerating with 'Sport' Mode or not!

It doesn't add power, torque or re-map the ECU..... All it does is tell the transmission not to change up so soon - which kick-down does on WOT.

It's a gimmick, it's a pointless button which I don't ever thinking about pressing, because it's pointless.

Did I mention it is useless?

NB: Anyone who can get their Auto Omega to spin up in the dry really needs to check the quality of their tyres (please no more tyre threads).

WOT with S pressed or not makes no difference, but other than WOT S does make a difference. You don't always need WOT to overtake, & S is generally enough to ensure that the transmission changes down for the manoeuvre. I don't consider it a gimmick ......  but whatever.

If you were in a manual, you wouldn't always need WOT to overtake, & you'd probably let the car rev a little higher if you were driving a little more spiritedly ...... that's what S does - and if an Omega does the same as a Senator, S also prevents changing up to 4th unless you're doing silly mph
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: chrisgixer on 02 August 2013, 21:58:44
I have had four V6 Omega's, 3x 3.0 and my current 3.2.  NONE of which have ever made a difference when accelerating with 'Sport' Mode or not!

It doesn't add power, torque or re-map the ECU..... All it does is tell the transmission not to change up so soon - which kick-down does on WOT.

It's a gimmick, it's a pointless button which I don't ever thinking about pressing, because it's pointless.

Did I mention it is useless?

NB: Anyone who can get their Auto Omega to spin up in the dry really needs to check the quality of their tyres (please no more tyre threads).
Can't cant talk for the 3.0...

But on the 3.2 it certainly does make a difference. Especially applying power at the apex.

However....


THE most noticeable difference is applying engine braking on the over run. I wonder though, if gay drivers don't notice, if they rarely use it. Due to adaptions?
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: ree on 02 August 2013, 22:09:25
I've got the baby of the family, 2.0i 16v. If I hit my sport mode button, I really feel a difference in acceleration, and it's instant, and it accelerates for longer in Sport Mode. As soon as I click it out I can feel the car pull back. This 2.0 is very quick of the mark for an auto, I had the V6 Elite and found with the Sport Mode on the car it did respond but not as quick as my 2.0. Owing I presume to the extra weight of the V6 engine. I think the only thing that let's mine down at the moment is that the suspension needs upgrading.
REE
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: omega3000 on 02 August 2013, 22:49:52
3.0 , Sport button pressed engage 2nd  :y made a difference in mine  :y
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: tidla on 02 August 2013, 22:54:46
3.0 , Sport button pressed engage 2nd  :y made a difference in mine  :y

why 2nd?
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: omega3000 on 02 August 2013, 22:59:40
3.0 , Sport button pressed engage 2nd  :y made a difference in mine  :y

why 2nd?

Well it left a few v8 bmw's in the dirt so suited me fine  ;D
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: jereboam on 03 August 2013, 00:00:43
It doesn't add power, torque or re-map the ECU..... All it does is tell the transmission not to change up so soon - which kick-down does on WOT.


Wot's WOT?
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: tidla on 03 August 2013, 00:27:33
Wot?

I'm a trifle deaf.Too much..

Wide Open Throttle.
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: jereboam on 03 August 2013, 00:47:48
Ta!
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: TheBoy on 04 August 2013, 10:43:46
I have had four V6 Omega's, 3x 3.0 and my current 3.2.  NONE of which have ever made a difference when accelerating with 'Sport' Mode or not!

It doesn't add power, torque or re-map the ECU..... All it does is tell the transmission not to change up so soon - which kick-down does on WOT.

It's a gimmick, it's a pointless button which I don't ever thinking about pressing, because it's pointless.

Did I mention it is useless?

NB: Anyone who can get their Auto Omega to spin up in the dry really needs to check the quality of their tyres (please no more tyre threads).
Where it does make a difference on DBW is around the lanes and around town, as it hangs on to gears longer, and changes dwn earlier, so coming off a roundabout, or out of a slower corner, its already in the right gear. Its pretty much essential to use it.

The 3.0l with v9 software, less important, as the adaptions make more difference...   ...unless tunnie has been driving my car, in which case Sport is needed until the gearbox relearns
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: omega3000 on 04 August 2013, 12:05:29
I have had four V6 Omega's, 3x 3.0 and my current 3.2.  NONE of which have ever made a difference when accelerating with 'Sport' Mode or not!

It doesn't add power, torque or re-map the ECU..... All it does is tell the transmission not to change up so soon - which kick-down does on WOT.

It's a gimmick, it's a pointless button which I don't ever thinking about pressing, because it's pointless.

Did I mention it is useless?

NB: Anyone who can get their Auto Omega to spin up in the dry really needs to check the quality of their tyres (please no more tyre threads).
Where it does make a difference on DBW is around the lanes and around town, as it hangs on to gears longer, and changes dwn earlier, so coming off a roundabout, or out of a slower corner, its already in the right gear. Its pretty much essential to use it.

The 3.0l with v9 software, less important, as the adaptions make more difference...   ...unless tunnie has been driving my car, in which case Sport is needed until the gearbox relearns

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: jereboam on 04 August 2013, 13:33:21

Where it does make a difference on DBW is around the lanes and around town, as it hangs on to gears longer, and changes dwn earlier, so coming off a roundabout, or out of a slower corner, its already in the right gear. Its pretty much essential to use it.

The 3.0l with v9 software, less important, as the adaptions make more difference...   ...unless tunnie has been driving my car, in which case Sport is needed until the gearbox relearns
I think I must be too cautious.  Or perhaps Brackley lanes are wider than Suffolk lanes.  Due to the fact that much of the time the lanes are "single track with passing places" and forward visibility is about 100m to 150m, maximum speed is rarely above 40mph for any distance, and you might just as well leave the gear lever in 'D'.  My nerves aren't up to racing round these roads - too much chance of meeting someone racing in the other direction.  Evasive action is the order of the day.

Mind you, I don't say it wouldn't be fun.
Title: Re: Auto. Suppose I select an incorrect gear...?
Post by: zirk on 04 August 2013, 13:54:22
Did something similar whist driving a Cavalier SRi with Auto, got bored on the M1 and started wondering if it would change down to first at 90mph.

It did, and frightend the living daylights out of me.  :-[  ;D