8 replies to this topic

[New game mini]

Hi folks,
Sorry, this is a daft one but I cannot find a definitive answer anywhere. I've always driven manuals but my mini is an auto that has the option to use the 'semi auto' function when I want a bit more poke/fun. My question is, when using the stick to change up gears should I take my foot off the throttle like you do in a manual? The car sounds happier when I do this particularly from 3-4 as it tends to over rev if I leave my foot planted. Any thoughts welcomed.
Thanks,
Jamie

Edited by New game mini, 21 August 2015 - 03:13 PM.

[sledgehammer]

IIRC , the kick down (throttle linkage) will hold the car in the lower gear , until the revs are high enough to change up

 

by releasing the throttle the change up is earlier / at lower revs

 

I often find , that holding the pedal down just thrashes the engine 

 

where as releasing the throttle , lets it change up , then back on the throttle , gives better acceleration & is in the power band

 

wonder if the link needs adjusting ?

Edited by sledgehammer, 21 August 2015 - 03:42 PM.

[New game mini]

IIRC , the kick down (throttle linkage) will hold the car in the lower gear , until the revs are high enough to change up
 
by releasing the throttle the change up is earlier / at lower revs
 
I often find , that holding the pedal down just thrashes the engine 
 
where as releasing the throttle , lets it change up , then back on the throttle , gives better acceleration & is in the power band
 
wonder if the link needs adjusting ?

Thanks for the reply. So just to clarify, when using the lever to change gear myself (ie not using 'D') Ud recommend I lift off the throttle between changes?
Thanks

[jime17]

Yes. Lift off like a manual.

The condition you mention between 3&4 is called flare. Its common. Especially when the oil is cold or old.

[Guess-Works.com]

It's not "semi automatic" its an override...

 

when in Drive your auto is in full automatic where the throttle position and road speed determine the forward gear.

 

when you select 3 2, these hold the gear and should be used for descending or engine breaking

 

1 is a free wheel gear and does not provide any engine breaking..

 

Change down or up outside of operational parameters will damage the transmission and clutches.

 

Flaring as mentioned before is no different to clutch slip in a manual, essentially the clutch pack/bands are worn and are no longer holding drive on the unit... failure is a consequence...

[sledgehammer]

 

IIRC , the kick down (throttle linkage) will hold the car in the lower gear , until the revs are high enough to change up
 
by releasing the throttle the change up is earlier / at lower revs
 
I often find , that holding the pedal down just thrashes the engine 
 
where as releasing the throttle , lets it change up , then back on the throttle , gives better acceleration & is in the power band
 
wonder if the link needs adjusting ?

Thanks for the reply. So just to clarify, when using the lever to change gear myself (ie not using 'D') Ud recommend I lift off the throttle between changes?
Thanks

 

 

Ah - I read it wrong -

 

thought you were talking about holding it in gear on the throttle - delaying the up change

 

as above ,

 

lifting off the throttle gives the bands / clutches time to grip , before load is re applied

 

a very interesting gearbox when you look at the gear layout - has anyone done a similar layout ?

Edited by sledgehammer, 21 August 2015 - 07:47 PM.

[New game mini]

It's not "semi automatic" its an override...
 
when in Drive your auto is in full automatic where the throttle position and road speed determine the forward gear.
 
when you select 3 2, these hold the gear and should be used for descending or engine breaking
 
1 is a free wheel gear and does not provide any engine breaking..
 
Change down or up outside of operational parameters will damage the transmission and clutches.
 
Flaring as mentioned before is no different to clutch slip in a manual, essentially the clutch pack/bands are worn and are no longer holding drive on the unit... failure is a consequence...

Thanks! I've heard so many conflicting opinions on using the 1-2-3-D method outside of the normal parameters mostly saying that it's fine some saying it's actually better for the car (if well maintained with reg oil changes) than using 'D'. I definitely take on board all opinions tho as don't want to fudge anything up by being a t*t.

[New game mini]

Just to add, when I lift off throttle when changing from 3-4 it doesn't do the over rev thing and never over revs or misses a beat in 'D' mode.

I'll be lifting that heavy foot from now on! Thanks folks!

[hazpalmer14]

What about sticking in 3rd. So to thread hijack, we have a 1275 auto and particularly from cold it well stick in 3rd gear. This is when its in D, normally i change to 3 and then go back D to get into 4th. When the engine has warmed up after a drive its fine.