Quote:
Originally Posted by ImmortalZ No it won't. My 08 car will not do so. Either you got a different ECU software revision or you're dreaming.
Do you want me to take a video for proof? :P |
My car was purchased in Aug 09, just before the facelift was launched its completely in stock condition. One point to remember at the outset, my response was in the context of using paddles to engine brake. Im not claiming or looking to use paddles in D mode as a
full manual mode.
I cant comment on your vehicle nor am I aware of what changes Honda may have carried out over the years. Perhaps they made this change in the electronics before launching the facelift - might be worth checking. In any event you are welcome to see this first hand if you ever visit Mumbai. But heres how the paddles in my civic work.
D mode
In D mode, if I use the + or paddle, the car upshifts or downshifts as applicable (provided Im in the permissible speed range). During such gear changes, it also displays the gear its moved into (e.g. 3 or 2 it does not display the gear like it does when using paddles in the S mode, which is M3 or M2). I can tell from the RPM meter as well as the engine sound that the car has in fact actually downshifted. If the speed is not right for the gear change, the gear number simply flashes on the screen without allowing the change.
Having changed gear, the car will continue in auto mode and subsequently change gears on its own at the RPM / speed levels one would associate with the D mode. Effectively, it provides a brief override benefit without changing to full manual mode i.e. requiring me to use paddles continuously like I would in S once one uses the paddles.
S mode
Gear changes automatically albeit at higher revs until paddle is used.
Once paddle shift is used, all up-shifts have to be undertaken using the paddles allowing the car to redline. Downshifts however are undertaken automatically by the car if the speed slows well below the selected gear. Like I said earlier, gear number is displayed preceded by an M when using paddles in this mode.
Personal use (point 1 being what I was mentioning in my original post)
To me, using the paddle in this manner in D mode is my most preferred manner of use since it provides me temporary overriding control over the automatic without having to be forced into full manual mode and having to only shift using paddles. Some typical scenarios where I find this helpful:
1. Engine braking I supplement my regular foot braking with a suitably timed paddle down shift, particularly so at times when slightly quicker braking is required.
2. Overtaking instead of using kickdown, I engage a single downshift in D mode when I want to overtake or zip ahead a bit and I feel Im not in the sweet spot of the power band. I find the resultant quicker acceleration I get is smoother to what the kickdown option offers.
3. Upshifting Very rarely I may use the paddles to upshift marginally quicker if I feel Im likely to maintain pace but this is really quite rare since its mostly unnecessary.
All of this to me is even more useful on the highways, where again I preferred using the paddles in D instead of S using the short bursts of power without having to use full manual mode.
Hope this clarifies.
PS: I don't need video proof for your car - I would credit you with some basic understanding of your own car.