7AT - First Gear Lag

Originally Posted by VCuomo

Ummm...no. TCM won't allow you to over-rev the engine.

It's not any more wrong to downshift a 7AT than it is to downshift a 6MT. But, generally speaking, I wouldn't downshift a 7AT to first (just like, generally speaking, I wouldn't downshift any MT into first) while the car is moving. Not to mention that the 7AT does a pretty good job of deciding on its own when to downshift.

Originally Posted by VRSean

Well that really escalated in a hurry. Yes, @NickTurnon I have had the same lag issues with my 7AT. It seems to spike out of no where sometimes in the lower gears as well. Really hard to tell when its going to happen

Originally Posted by osbornsm

Are you serious or kidding? Can't tell sarcasm over text.

It's almost the worst thing you can do to a transmission, even with a double clutch. Just use 2nd.

Originally Posted by ElVee

It's not really an angry thing. You should just never actually downshift into first. You should let the car do it for you.

Besides not being good for the car (use the brakes, they're cheaper to wear out):

1- It's not very nice to the guy behind you that doesn't see any brake lights. (This is why engine braking is prohibited in some areas). The last thing you want is to get rear-ended and have the other person be able to claim they didn't even know you were braking. This is not a defense, ultimately, but it might convince someone to make you share responsibility.

2- It's a very, very, very bad habit to develop. Our Z has judicious protection from trying to drop down into first too early (this might be what you're experiencing, even), but not every car has this. You'll potentially get whiplash in some other cars if you get used to dropping to first while moving.


The intention of first gear is to get the car moving from a stop. After that, it should see no further use.

(Yes, I'm in first when I go over speed bumps, but only because I'm not going up to speed to move to second yet. That's probably about the only time you should drop down, if you're just barely rolling already. I admit, I do it on speed bumps at work since they're next to a building that bounces back the rev. And I almost always downshift early to 3rd or even 2nd when stopping, just to hear it.)

Originally Posted by critical

you put it in manual mode to go over speed bumps? you're doing it wrong. anything in a parking lot should be in D

Originally Posted by NickTurnon

Glad I am not the only one..

Why are the three people having this issue with 7AT's in Phoenix? LOL

Sean, how are your fluid levels.

Also, thanks Ghost... I appreciate your reply.
Unknowns: mileage on the car (81k) , transmission fluid level (??), fluid and filter condition (recently serviced) (Yes, Serviced 500 miles ago), does the OP get an audible 'clunk' or noise when it goes into gear. Yes, Sometimes it lags and then revs so much that the tires spin out from under me while trying to go forward haha.) Does the problem occur in D or only in 1st. (I want to say it happens in both, but maybe I am more aware of it in sport mode because I use that often to get over speed bumps and other high inclined exits. But maybe the others can chime in..

Originally Posted by chops

are you downshifting into 1st? you shouldnt be doing that even in with a 6MT

Originally Posted by Elan

What's wrong with downshifting into 1st?

Originally Posted by Wonka2581

Hmmm... torque converter maybe trying to catch up??

Originally Posted by F.I. Inc.

Yes, they are Tony approved! Frank, when I get around to it, I may put your pipes into production. We will call them, "The FP" option.
-Tony

Originally Posted by luigi90210

THIS or anything in general that isnt "spirited" driving, i dont see a reason to buy an auto only to shift it manually all the time