Quote:
Originally Posted by mechman600
Not true. Gear "2" on the shifter will cause the transmission to stay in 2nd gear on a Honda no matter what.
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This is correct -- I have a similar transmission in the Acura.
"1" and "2" will start and/or hold those gears when selected, and disables the torque converter.
"D3" chooses the proper gear: 1, 2, or 3 (and often disengages the "Hill Logic Control" that keeps the transmission from shifting back and forth up hills, or for engine braking down steep grades). Torque converter action is engaged.
"D4" common automatic stuff.
I'll start off in 1st and shift into "2" when I think it's appropriate (which is often earlier than the computer decides). This creates a higher load, lower RPM situation. After that, I'm at the mercy of the TCU to sort things out in D3 and D4.
I'll also do the same with the TSX and its manu-matic shift gate. You can force a higher gear, earlier -- depending on speed and load. It helps especially when cruising in 5th gear: it won't downshift to 4th unexpectedly unless you slow to the computer's setpoint. Again, lower RPM and higher load.
I think it does something for FE -- but I can't quantify it. I've been meaning to test it out, but ya know how it goes...
RH77