As someone who hasn't really ever driven a proper manual I was never to keen on using the paddle shifters in the fit.

However after some research I have found that downshifting while in D mode can be useful, such as slowing down or passing someone.

So my question is how to properly use the paddle shifters to down shift to pass someone.

1) Do I need to down shift then hit the gas for quicker acceleration? (or gas then shift?

2) Does pressing the "-" paddle shifter ONCE downshift or does it tell you what gear your in and require a 2nd press to actually downshift a gear?

3) What rpm range should I be in to downshift to pass someone.

Thanks, I know these are noob questions

 

1. no. you can keep the pedal pressed down. in fact if you mash the pedal to the floor it will downshift for you. (in D)

2. IIRC it'll drop gear on first press.

3. Just press it. If you're too high in the rpm range then it wont downshift.

 

1. u can keep your foot on the gas and downshift. don't need to take it off and pretend to step on your clutch.

2. once you hit LEFT (downshift) it will downshift you. your dash will tell you what gear you are on when you downshift. if you are on D mode, it will automatically upshift after you maintain your speed. if you are on S mode then you will have to upshift.

3. when you downshift it doesnt rev match i don't think. ull feel the torque and ull pull away.

i hope i answered ur questions. just mess around with it.

 

Thanks 07fit916 and xxryu139xx! Rep given to both of you.

 

As far as passing goes, as 07fit916 said; you may simply press the gas further and it'll automatically downshift.

 

What the guys said above, but also just play with it. The tranny programming and safeties are very smart. It won't let you do anything that would ruin the transmission whether you're in D or S mode.

-Dustin

 

That is good to know. As a novice its an added comfort that I hopefully can't screw up anything.

 

im a MT driver but when im in my AT fit, i only use the left downshift paddle in D mode. i use it for holding a gear a sec or so before passing, or just setting up the car before a turn into the lower gear.

the AT fit doesnt have rev matching so i blip throttle to make a smooth transition.

for setting up a car before a turn, i press the paddle while braking with my left foot, and blip the trottle with my right foot to rev match. i know how to heel and toe on my MT cars but i prefer using both feet while setting up a AT car before a turn into the lower gear. for normal braking i use my right foot. i dont bother with the shift-up paddle and basically never use S-mode unless i am in an awkward speed where it's between two gears.