General GM Chat When starting new posts, please specify YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE type, and whatever modifications you have made. Chat about all things GM (and related cars). Off-topic stuff should be in the Lounge, and all Model specific mechanical problems should be posted in the proper forum.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

What gear?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-11-2006, 12:41 AM
  #31  
Junior Member
 
2000SilverBullet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2000SilverBullet is on a distinguished road
Default

These electronically controlled trani'* are not very good at manual control.....the PCM always intervenes.
Best just to leave it in D or OD whichever applies to the top gear of your car.
BTW my 2000 is 1 2 3 D but that'* the same as others with 1 2 D OD.

With my Firebirds Turbo 350 three speed non OD transmission, I always shift manually. It is an all mechanical trani with no electonics at all. If you put it in 1st, it stays there up to the MSD limiter....same with 2nd and 3rd gear.
Likewise when downshifting but that is trickier because you really have to watch your speed so as not to over rev it or lock up the rear tires. It squacks pretty good upshifting 1-2 or downshifting 2-1.
Old 08-11-2006, 02:22 AM
  #32  
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
 
BonneMeMN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 15,928
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
BonneMeMN is on a distinguished road
Default

The computer knows best how to shift, it was programmed by experts, your hand is not!

In reality all keeping it in your 3rd gear selection (whether it be D or 3) just keeps you out of your 4th gear. There'* no reason to put it in 3rd when in the city unless it goes in and out of 4th a lot due to hills, slight traffic changes, etc. It may put slightly more stress on the trans even with all the low gear slowing as opposed to coasting.
Old 08-11-2006, 11:47 AM
  #33  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
tallbump's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Erie Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
tallbump is on a distinguished road
Default

So...I'm confused. Is there a clear answer? I have the 1-2-D-OD set up. If I am doing city driving under 50 or so, what do I use? What about highway, like 70 or so. I jus alwasy use D right now, seems fine. But, if there is something I can do better...WHen do I use D and when do I use OD? Help :(
Old 08-11-2006, 11:53 AM
  #34  
Junior Member
 
2000SilverBullet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2000SilverBullet is on a distinguished road
Default

So...I'm confused. Is there a clear answer? I have the 1-2-D-OD set up. If I am doing city driving under 50 or so, what do I use? What about highway, like 70 or so. I jus alwasy use D right now, seems fine. But, if there is something I can do better...WHen do I use D and when do I use OD? Help
Simple. Around town for speeds of less than 40 mph use D. When you are on the highway or for speeds over 50 mph use OD.
That transition speed between 40 and 50 you will have to use your discretion depending on the terrain and traffic. You can't go wrong if you leave it in D but you may see reduced mpg. You also can't go wrong if you leave it in OD but you may build up heat if it is cycling constantly between 3 rd gear (D) and 4th gear (OD) caused by changing throttle positions or hilly terrain.
Old 08-11-2006, 12:08 PM
  #35  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
tallbump's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Erie Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
tallbump is on a distinguished road
Default

Thanks, I have been wondering this since I got this car and it'* been drivin me nuts. Just haven't wanted to ask cuz I was kinda ashamed.
Old 08-12-2006, 03:21 PM
  #37  
Senior Member
Posts like a Northstar
Thread Starter
 
Skippy1827's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Skippy1827 is on a distinguished road
Default

well stated jr...
Here is what I see in my car:
D is what I drive in on the highway.
3 is what I drive in the city
Name:  gears.jpg
Views: 10
Size:  46.4 KB
What is OverDrive considered?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
caminated2k
2000-2005
8
06-04-2019 04:57 PM
ssewannabe
1992-1999
32
05-09-2003 11:32 AM
Phallout
1992-1999
7
03-18-2003 07:59 PM
StoopidSavant
1992-1999
6
12-29-2002 09:29 PM
Drifter420
1992-1999
10
08-14-2002 07:24 PM



Quick Reply: What gear?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:55 PM.