Manual-Paddle Shift Mode
In D, the Sport Mode has two modes; the automatic shift mode and the manual-paddle shift mode. In the sport driving mode, the transmission keeps the engine at a higher RPM than the Normal Mode or the ECON Mode setting, and the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are ready to be activated to switch to the manual-paddle shift mode. In the sport driving mode, the shift indicator and the M indicator in the gauge control module do not come on.
When the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) or paddle shifter - (downshift switch) is pressed, the sport driving mode is canceled and the manual-paddle shift mode comes into operation. The shift indicator displays the number of the selected position, and the M indicator comes on. In the manual-paddle shift mode, the driver can shift up and down manually from 1st through 7th positions by using the paddle shifters, much like a manual transmission. The paddle shifters are installed on the back of the steering wheel, and the driver can shift positions by pressing the paddle shifters without taking either hand off the steering wheel.
In the manual-paddle shift mode, the transmission must be shifted up and down by pressing the paddle shifters. However, if the vehicle is coasting at a speed that would cause the engine to over-rev by downshifting, the transmission will not downshift when the paddle shifter - (downshift switch) is pressed. The shift indicator blinks the number of the selected position several times, then returns to the current position. If the vehicle speed reaches an appropriate speed while the shift indicator is blinking, the transmission downshifts and the shift indicator displays the selected position. Likewise, if the vehicle speed is below an appropriate speed to upshift when the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) is pressed, the transmission will not upshift. The shift indicator blinks the number of the selected position several times, and then returns to the number of the current position. If the vehicle speed reaches an appropriate upshift speed while the shift indicator is blinking, the transmission upshifts and the shift indicator displays the selected position.
This mode has automatic upshifting areas to prevent engine over-revving, and downshifting areas so the vehicle can run smoothly with more power to cope with upcoming acceleration. When coasting, the transmission downshifts to the next lower position if the vehicle slows down to the programmed speed, or by pressing the brake pedal. When the transmission decelerates to a stop, the transmission shifts to 1st position automatically. The transmission can be shifted to 2nd position by pressing the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) while the vehicle is stopped, and the vehicle can start off in 2nd position.
The number of the selected position goes off from the shift indicator, the M indicator goes off, and the system changes from the manual-paddle shift mode when the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) is held for about 2 seconds or when the optional Mode switch is pressed.