Ever since I got my exhaust done (on my TH) I have this overwhelming urge to use my gears in my auto... this hasn't been a problem... but lately I've noticed a lack of responsiveness while the car is in Drive and its also idling really low (I've changed the spark plugs.. all with platinum)....

Do you think using my gears is affecting my car, causing a sort of, flat spot? Or could it be something totally unrelated that's making my car run, not so good?

You're used to the gears changing when you want and being able to hold them out -- drive doesn't do that (well.. to a degree)

Hence - as soon as I find a manual gearbox in she goes!

Ever since I got my exhaust done (on my TH) I have this overwhelming urge to use my gears in my auto... this hasn't been a problem... but lately I've noticed a lack of responsiveness while the car is in Drive and its also idling really low (I've changed the spark plugs.. all with platinum)....

Do you think using my gears is affecting my car, causing a sort of, flat spot? Or could it be something totally unrelated that's making my car run, not so good?

:lol:

speedy gonzalas

are you always at a hurry in your 3.5 TH?
using the gear selector shouldn't do any damage to other things except for the gear box it self. but this is very minimal anyway.

I think it could just be you getting too used to the gear selection that like what Magna said, you hold out on each gear a bit more, hence its more responsive compared to in Drive.

I can try to give one explaination to this lack of response in Drive, it is more likely that the torque convert disconnects more often when you're in drive whereas compare to 2nd or 3rd. and when you want to accelerate again, you have to wait for the torque converter to lock back up before you feel the response.

Before you didn't feel this probably because you didn't use the gear selectors and now you're used to the feeling of the gear selector and hence like the better response that a lower gear offers..

you check ya atm fluid?

ya comp always learning your driving style n its probly learnt to boot. so when u cruise it isnt used to it...so it hold out hoping to get given a punch!

oh, i used to 'manualise' my auto all the time...even to goto the shops! was more fun!

i had my TE for 18months n reguly serviced it...was fine...btm im a P plater so i drive in normal P plater fashion....holdin onto 2nd upto almost 6g racing old v8s....

You're probably right, it is me jus getting too used to changing gears when I want... :)

ya comp always learning your driving style n its probly learnt to boot. so when u cruise it isnt used to it...so it hold out hoping to get given a punch!

Did that model come out with the adaptive auto box? thought it was in the tiptronics only... :-k

[quote:4ea74dc69e="ONL-04N/DSL-03L"]
ya comp always learning your driving style n its probly learnt to boot. so when u cruise it isnt used to it...so it hold out hoping to get given a punch!

Did that model come out with the adaptive auto box? thought it was in the tiptronics only... :-k[/quote:4ea74dc69e]

Nah...the INVECS II has been used since the TE.

I love doing that with my AT.
You can buy mobil high performance AT fluid (i did).
Somehow it makes shifts feel a little more direct & responsive.

The TH definately has the invecs II, didn't think it was used in the previuos models sept tipronic.

cHrYsTaL, I like manualling mine too (mainly in corners) but if you drive it hard alot (guilty :badgrin: ) then you will find the kickdowns rather appealling, mine kicks back to 2nd up to about 120Km/hand if I floor it it will do it at 130Km/h and readily kicks back to 3rd at 160Km/h with medium throttle.
One other thing if you want to take it out to 6 grand in second check for cops :) cause your gunna hit 140Km/h. More if your game to go into the red zone :evil: .

Good point there... I better be careful being a P Plater with 6 points! :(

but oh yeah... I love it! :lol:

The TH definately has the invecs II, didn't think it was used in the previuos models sept tipronic.

cHrYsTaL, I like manualling mine too (mainly in corners) but if you drive it hard alot (guilty :badgrin: ) then you will find the kickdowns rather appealling, mine kicks back to 2nd up to about 120Km/hand if I floor it it will do it at 130Km/h and readily kicks back to 3rd at 160Km/h with medium throttle.
One other thing if you want to take it out to 6 grand in second check for cops :) cause your gunna hit 140Km/h. More if your game to go into the red zone :evil: .
Yes,Yes,me knows what ur talkin about :badgrin: :badgrin: :badgrin:
Cept the REdlinin,i dun like doin that :oops: :oops: :D
I thought the INVECS II were only introduced 1st'ly into the TH,then TJ and TL?????

I'm STILL looking into getting a manual shift kit put in my auto. Should be getting some prices this week. I'll let you know in $newcastle dollars. Should be cheaper in sydney.