Stupid question on "S" mode on Mk3 VT

[peteo48]

Read the manual a few times on this. There is a confusing little diagram which could be interpreted several ways - in short it's ambiguous.

So the question is this: Can you shift from D to S whilst in motion and, if you can, do you need to depress the button on the shifter? Is it advisable, can it do any damage?

(tried S mode from rest this morning - it certainly improves acceleration).

[guest1372]

Changing between any of the forward motion modes while moving forward is 100% OK and what is intended. Changing direction or into park should only be done while stationary, this is what the manual cautions against.
--
TG

[trebor1652]

You can switch between S and D without any problems the car is designed with that in mind.

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[Johncb500]

In S mode.and using the paddles it transforms the driving experience. Reality sporty

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[Skyrider]

Can you use the manual gearchange paddles in both D and S modes, and how do you get back to auto?

[Downsizer]

If you use the paddles in D mode, the drive soon reverts to auto.  I sometimes use them to drop down when going downhill, and it stays in the selected ratio until I touch the accelerator again.  Engine braking is minimal, but old habits die hard.  I expect something similar happens in S, but I don't use it.

[John Ratsey]

Can you use the manual gearchange paddles in both D and S modes, and how do you get back to auto?

If you are accelerating and tug the left paddle the car will drop a gear (or give two tugs for even more performance) and stay at the higher revs until you ease off on the accelerator whereupon full auto will resume. Be aware that S mode isn't good for the mpg - I was wondering one day why the trip mpg was about 15% down on normal and then noticed that the gear lever was in S.

[peteo48]

John makes a good point about mpg. The performance is transformed by going into S mode in terms of getting away quickly from the lights but the revs stay much higher.

For the most part I'll be "wafting" in D mode but I can see S being useful for increasing engine braking, hill climbing etc.

[Hebden]

I too would like to know about whether using the button is needed when moving the gear level position. Certainly it is from P but what about the rest?

[Pine]

Try moving the lever without depressing the button; if it doesn't move then depress it. 

[JazzandJag]

You need to depress the button when moving from D to S but not the other way. This means that when you have finished accelerating in S, all you need to do is gently push the lever and it will pop back into D. It soon becomes second nature, so much so that I can't think when else you need to depress the button. I will check later....

[Skyrider]

There is a diagram on page 397 of the user manual showing which shift lever movements require a button press. P to R button and brake pedal. D to S button press. N to R and R to P button press.  R to N and N to D and S to D and D to N free movement. The diagram makes it clear.

[trebor1652]

That sounds like some complicated maths or science formula Deeps!

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[Skyrider]

The manual explains it better! It has a picture.  :-)

[peteo48]

Used the shift lever to move from D to S today. Had to use the release button on the shifter to engage S. I used the button when I shifted back but, as others have said, you probably don't need to. Glad I've got this sorted out because I intend to use S from time to time.

I really struggled with the "picture" in the manual - there's no hope for me!