switching gears while running

[cheesie]

i think i saw this before but just wanna make another thread thats just bout this topic

can you switch from D to s or visebersa while runing on the I2?

lets say for example
if im drivin down the street on S gear and im going to stop at a light and i want my car to do the autostop ... can i switch from s to D while the car still has speed so when it stops ill go on autostop?


or
if im gettin on the freeway while im drivin D mode i have the options of just turning off eco mode or just switch to S to gain speed fast then just go back on D

those are just two of many examples and ive done them before i just want to know if ill cause any trouble later on?

[kjanracing]

It won't cause any problems. Shoot, throw it into reverse too, won't do no harm. Just stay away from Park.

[nikeian]

Here's my concept, not sure if you prefer this:

When changing gears, it must be done with little or less aggressiveness. It's not Manual.

Upon changing gears from D to S or vice versa, one has to be cautious when changing.

When I needed more acceleration (ie: Overtaking or going up hill) I gently opt for S gear while at D. RPM hit close to 3000 or sometimes 4000. Once done, I let it cruise for awhile, let go of the accelerator, let the RPM drop to 2500 and then I switch back to D gear.

Once at D gear, allowing the RPM drop immediately back to 1000. (efficient driving)

Going S gear is fun, but as most of the Insight drivers comment - your MPG will be severely affected if done too many times.

[Ehetleos]

Originally Posted by kjanracing

..throw it into reverse too..

we did that once to a rental MT Suzuki Alto and the engine fell on the floor!!!

[kjanracing]

The transmission on the Insight, as well as most autos today, is controlled by a computer. The only physical operation inside the transmission is engaging or disengaging the parking pawl when you move the shift lever into or out of Park. Other than that, moving the shifter moves a switch that tells the computer what position you have selected. You aren't shifting physical gears. The computer will evaluate the position and decide if it is ok to do what you've chosen. You really can't do anything, short of throwing the shifter into park, that will hurt anything. If you are moving forward and move the shifter into reverse, you'll just get a "Sorry Dave, I can't do that", response from the computer. It won't shift into reverse. Or using the paddle shifters, you can't select a "gear" that will over rev the engine. So really, don't worry about it.

[carniver]

Originally Posted by Ehetleos

we did that once to a rental MT Suzuki Alto and the engine fell on the floor!!!

LOL!

But then, for the engineers, I guess it's a problem they have to address: How to make the transmission as foolproof as possible. Even when the fools are being really creative

[joecvt]

Originally Posted by kjanracing

The transmission on the Insight, as well as most autos today, is controlled by a computer.

Mostly accurate.

Originally Posted by kjanracing

The only physical operation inside the transmission is engaging or disengaging the parking pawl when you move the shift lever into or out of Park.

Not totally accurate....There is a physical connection from the gear shift handle directly to the transmission that changes position with each "gear" selected. There is also a switch mounted on top the transmission that tells the computer what "gear" you selected. However, there is a backup manual valve body assembly that WILL deal with a situation when the transmission computer is inoperable / defective (or can't "read" what gear was selected) and it takes responses directly from the shift lever position....Check the service manual for the description of what the manual valve body is for.....There is a reverse inhibitor for going over 6MPH but that is computer controlled and if there is a problem with the computer (or gear selection switch), it could lead to a problem attempting to go into reverse while moving forward.

Originally Posted by kjanracing

Other than that, moving the shifter moves a switch that tells the computer what position you have selected. You aren't shifting physical gears. The computer will evaluate the position and decide if it is ok to do what you've chosen. You really can't do anything, short of throwing the shifter into park, that will hurt anything. If you are moving forward and move the shifter into reverse, you'll just get a "Sorry Dave, I can't do that", response from the computer. It won't shift into reverse.

Likely if you are going over 6MPH and the TCM is operating normally. However, it is an expensive experiment if unsuccessful

Originally Posted by kjanracing

Or using the paddle shifters, you can't select a "gear" that will over rev the engine. So really, don't worry about it.

This is more safe to do compared to just throwing it into reverse while traveling down the road at fast speeds.

You don't have to be stopped to change forward driving modes is probably the best way to answer the question....Forward modes can be done on the fly.

But I certainly would not tell anyone that, heck, you can even throw it into reverse while going 50MPH and nothing will happen....While mostly true in this CVT design due to the inhibitor valve, I would not want to put my word on it that it would work every time and never cause any damage.

I would never want anyone to do that in my car unless they are willing to pay for a new CVT....

JoeCVT = Just your average CVT owner

Edit: This is my opinion based on the Gen1 Insight CVT transmission but I my response would still apply to the Gen2 CVT as I believe they both would react the same. I believe they are the same mechanical design with different programming firmware and drive maps for the control module.

[kjanracing]

Those are all really good points. My intent was answer the OP and his question about shifting between D and S while moving. Seems he was thinking along the lines of shifting a 4WD transfer case while moving. In any case, shifting between D and S while moving is perfectly fine. Thank you for adding more great info to my reply. Accurate information is a good thing.