ATX shifter in different positions, different shift quality?

timk225 · Post by **timk225** » Sun Mar 31, 2013 10:19 pm

I recently got a 5 Neon SXT with automatic transmission.

With the shifter positions of 1, 3, and OD, would I get different shift quality or firmness or shift points with the shifter in different positions?

For example, if I left the shifter in 3 and took off a stoplight, assuming equal throttle position, would it shift any differently than if the shifter was in the OD position?

I remember reading a while back that if the shifter was left in 1, that puts the computer in "maximum acceleration mode", and it'd shift at redline, as if I was on a 1/4 mile dragstrip. Does that apply to the NGC cars?

Post by **occasional demons** » Sun Mar 31, 2013 10:30 pm

It applies to all 41te and 40te 4 speeds, regardless of year, or model.

It shifts differently in 3rd, because you are locking OD out.

It will even downshift on it's own when the speed control is set, to maintain downhill speeds. Which will generally net you better fuel mileage than kicking it in N and coasting. (Which is illegal in some states)
I guess if you are dumb enough to tell them, you deserve a ticket....

excon · Post by **excon** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 11:41 am

I have an 03 which uses the same transmission.

When left in any forward moving position, it will not shift at redline. It always shifts 500 rpms shy of the redline.

In 1 it is in maximum acceleration mode (as you stated), and will leave your transmission in the lowest gear possible.

3 is weird. If left in 3 at a light and you accelerate normally third gear will not engage until ~30 mph. You'll be doing about 3k rpms. If you are at speed and shift into 3 above 30 mph it will drop your rpms a bit, but not shift into overdrive until you put it in D. If you drop it into 3 below 30 mph it will downshift (just as before when I gave the acceleration example).

I use the 3 when coming down a hill to a red light on a really wet or icy day. I also use 3 when the speed limit is ~30 to drop my cruising rmps.

timk225 · Post by **timk225** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 11:56 am

So for 1/4 mile dragstrip runs, put it in 1 and leave it there, right?

What's the redline on a 5 SXT 2.0 SOHC? 6464 rpm? With the shifter in 1 for a quarter mile blast, it'll shift at that speed or whatever the redline is?

The tach's red area starts at 6500.

Pimp_Daddy_Patty · Post by **Pimp_Daddy_Patty** » Tue Apr 02, 2013 1:31 am

Putting it in L will only use the first 2 gears.

If you're racing, leave it in 3, it'll shift near red line anyway as long as you're at WOT.

Post by **occasional demons** » Tue Apr 02, 2013 7:53 am

Pimp_Daddy_Patty wrote:Putting it in L will only use the first 2 gears.

Well, I can't speak for the neon programming, but in the Sundance, it would shift all the way into OD when left in first. Granted, it was about 85 mph, but it did go through all four gears. (Living on a low traffic 4 lane does have it's advantages)

All you can do is try it and see, in safe manner, of course. There is a rev limiter, so it's not like you are going to blow anything, unless your drive line is in bad shape. Which you shouldn't be thrashing on it, if that's the case.

Unless you have someone filming....

Pimp_Daddy_Patty · Post by **Pimp_Daddy_Patty** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 11:25 am

I've never taken it past 2nd while in L, but I do know from my days of trying to run a 41TE in a first gen turbo neon, that it's not supposed to shift until a minimum 5000rpm in L and around 3000RPM in 3. It'll still go to the maximum shift point (6250?) if you're in WOT, regardless of what gear you've selected.

timk225 · Post by **timk225** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 10:08 am

I tried a 0-80 run with the shifter in 1, it seemed to do it the same as when I leave it in 3 for the dragstrip.