Automatic gear S and D

[mj1sjc]

Hi there,

Could you please give me some heads up on gear S and D kindly please.

I believe the S makes the engine more powerful and the revs are higher than when it's on D. Ive got 2 questions please

1- When you're stopped on the motorway on the hard shoulder, is it better to drive off with the gear S so you can bring the car's speed much quicker than starting off with the gear D?

2- when you're driving on gear -S on the motorway, and once you've got your correct speed can you go back to gear D position whilst the car is still moving? Basically  can the gear change between D and S or vise versa whilst the car is running?

[hemming]

I've been doing exactly what you are proposing for over 7 years. It certainly gets off the blocks and up to motorway speeds much quicker using S - but I always shift straight back to D once at cruising speed.
Happy motoring!

[VicW]

Selecting 'S' increases the revs by about 1000 for the same road speed putting the power output up nearer to peak output hence increased performance.
'S' is very useful for joining motorways, roundabouts, entering roads at junctions an of course overtaking.
You can switch between 'S' and 'D' while on the move.
Running in 'S' mode will increase the fuel consumption but not drastically, you can't have increased performance for nothing.
I use 'S' mode regularly, it's there to be used and in my opinion better than playing with the gearshift paddles if you have them'

Vic.

[mj1sjc]

Thanks so much! I was super scared to change D n S whilst driving thinking this can cause a problem to the gear box.
That was very helpful!

[VicW]

When changing from 'D' to 'S' you have to use the safety catch but from 'S' to 'D' is just a nudge on the lever, don't nudge to hard or you can go into neutral. Not logical as far as I am concerned.

Vic.

[mj1sjc]

Many thanks!

I was actually thinking to write about this and ask again about this safety catch and you had read my mind already. Lol
By any chance do you know what is the L gear is for please?
Thanks a lot!

When changing from 'D' to 'S' you have to use the safety catch but from 'S' to 'D' is just a nudge on the lever, don't nudge to hard or you can go into neutral. Not logical as far as I am concerned.

Vic.

[VicW]

I am not sure, I never used it on the Jazz's that I have had that had it. I suspect that it was for descending steep hills to provide better engine braking and assist the brakes. It may have been for use in slippery conditions when the gearbox was locked in 1st or 2nd but don't quote me.

Vic.