How do you use the CVT Manual mode

[pak514]

Just tried it today. Do you have to put it back into D when you're done shifting?

What I've done: come to stop, put it in sport mode, shift up at required speeds then if I accelerate at 5 or 6 gear rpm won't go up... does it have to go back to D or something or what?

[MetallicSlate]

The CVT system is a constant variable gear ration, even in manual shift mode. It will always try to find the most fuel efficient (or power efficient ratio) possible, depending on application. If you're in 5th gear at 1200 RPM and you gun it, its not going to move the needle. You need to downshift like any other car.

[mikethemike]

Just tried it today. Do you have to put it back into D when you're done shifting?

What I've done: come to stop, put it in sport mode, shift up at required speeds then if I accelerate at 5 or 6 gear rpm won't go up... does it have to go back to D or something or what?

When are you hitting 5th and 6th gear? I hardly use 6th unless I'm on a lonesome freeway going 100. Its not really sports mode either. On streets I wouldn't really recommend using tiptronic all the time, I like to use it on freeways personally.

[pak514]

Ah I see, thanks.

[funkee]

The CVT system is a constant variable gear ration, even in manual shift mode. It will always try to find the most fuel efficient (or power efficient ratio) possible, depending on application. If you're in 5th gear at 1200 RPM and you gun it, its not going to move the needle. You need to downshift like any other car.

That is not true. The CVT's manual mode allows you to pick from gear ratios, with artificial shift points created by the computer and transmission.

You do not need to actively downshift when in 5th gear at 1200RPM. By pressing the pedal down (past the click), it will downshift for you. This will happen regardless of the gear you are in, unless downshifting will cause you to redline.

Here's two ways to drive fast:

- Start in manual mode. Gas it! Just before 4,000 RPM in 1st gear, throw the shifter in CVT mode. And off you go! The reason this works, is because you'll get to the upper band faster in 1st gear, than in CVT mode. But timing this can be hard. If you miss it, and you're now past 4,000 RPM, do not throw it in CVT mode because it will upshift for you. Instead, let it redline and upshift automatically. Stay in manual mode into 2nd gear, and try again by switching to CVT mode around 3,900 RPM.

You can do this while at slow highway speed - about 50mph. From CVT mode, switch to manual mode. You'll end up in 5th gear. Downshift to 4th and gas it to 3900RPM. Then before you hit 4000RPM, put it back into CVT mode. If you're going 65 or faster, downshifting to 4th will put you above 4000RPM. If that's the case, switch to manual mode and gas it in 5th to 3900 and then back to CVT mode.

- Throw the car into CVT mode. Hold the brake down until you gain some RPMS. Release the brake. Brake pads are cheaper than a transmission.

[MetallicSlate]

I meant like half throttle trying to pass, not gassing it. But good point.

Are those trial and error things you discovered with the CVT? Or did you read that somewhere where somebody else had tried it.

And sorry about the shift point thing. I've seen the needle bounce around in my car and figured the transmission was doing its variable gear ratio witch craft.

[pak514]

Still not sure if you have to eventually return it to D or keep it in manual mode?

[funkee]

pak514: It doesn't matter. You can drive 24/7/365 in manual mode without harm to the transmission. But if you want to be able to pass someone on the highway, I would suggest putting it back into CVT when you've reached 6th gear in manual mode. The highest gear ratio in CVT mode is the same gear ratio as 6th in manual mode. But if you're in 6th (going less than 120mph) and need to accelerate at a decent pace, you'll need to do one of these three things:

- Press the gas pedal all the way down, past the click, or
- Downshift to 5th in manual mode, or
- Throw it into CVT mode

Going anywhere from 1% throttle to 99% throttle in 6th gear is not going to get you anywhere, unless you are going under 20mph or over 115mph.If you're in 6th gear and going under 20mph or so, the car will temporarily use a lower gear to help you accelerate, and then return to the highest gear ratio and limit your acceleration tremendously. Try it out.

If you're in 6th gear and going over 115, downshifting will make you redline in 5th, so the computer won't let you.

Remember folks, these are artificial shift points and gear ratios, managed by the ECU. I wonder if UpRev can help us tweak them; and I bet it can.

MetallicSlate: I read those tips on another forum. I tested them out and sure enough they work great. If you're looking to pass someone on the highway, switch to manual mode and downshift. Then press the gas, cut-off him off, and give him the finger. Put the car back into CVT mode. Rinse, repeat.

If he comes up behind you honking, tap your brake peddle very gently - just enough to light up your brake light. This should scare him for a brief second. Moments later, floor it and take off. This will get his blood boiling. As he starts to rage like the thunder of Thor's hammer and the gusts of a thousand winds, he'll begin tailing you, while contemplating how to strangle you with just the nails on his fingers. At this time, you should reduce the throttle to slow down, but softly so that it's not immediately noticeable. When he realizes he's going 45 or 50 behind you on the freeway, steam will shoot from his ears as he tries to pass you. Then throw it in manual mode, downshift and don't let him pass. Do it slyly. Don't acknowledge him again with a look, a middle finger, or anything at all. Keep pace with him and don't let him pass. Most importantly, pretend that you don't realize that he's even there. Repeat.

[pak514]

Good post, thanks. Now, I will experiment with above mentioned ideas. Also managed to look at some mod lists on this forum, I have a lot to do.

[SanoSuKe]

pak514: It doesn't matter. You can drive 24/7/365 in manual mode without harm to the transmission. But if you want to be able to pass someone on the highway, I would suggest putting it back into CVT when you've reached 6th gear in manual mode. The highest gear ratio in CVT mode is the same gear ratio as 6th in manual mode. But if you're in 6th (going less than 120mph) and need to accelerate at a decent pace, you'll need to do one of these three things:

- Press the gas pedal all the way down, past the click, or
- Downshift to 5th in manual mode, or
- Throw it into CVT mode

Going anywhere from 1% throttle to 99% throttle in 6th gear is not going to get you anywhere, unless you are going under 20mph or over 115mph.If you're in 6th gear and going under 20mph or so, the car will temporarily use a lower gear to help you accelerate, and then return to the highest gear ratio and limit your acceleration tremendously. Try it out.

If you're in 6th gear and going over 115, downshifting will make you redline in 5th, so the computer won't let you.

Remember folks, these are artificial shift points and gear ratios, managed by the ECU. I wonder if UpRev can help us tweak them; and I bet it can.

MetallicSlate: I read those tips on another forum. I tested them out and sure enough they work great. If you're looking to pass someone on the highway, switch to manual mode and downshift. Then press the gas, cut-off him off, and give him the finger. Put the car back into CVT mode. Rinse, repeat.

If he comes up behind you honking, tap your brake peddle very gently - just enough to light up your brake light. This should scare him for a brief second. Moments later, floor it and take off. This will get his blood boiling. As he starts to rage like the thunder of Thor's hammer and the gusts of a thousand winds, he'll begin tailing you, while contemplating how to strangle you with just the nails on his fingers. At this time, you should reduce the throttle to slow down, but softly so that it's not immediately noticeable. When he realizes he's going 45 or 50 behind you on the freeway, steam will shoot from his ears as he tries to pass you. Then throw it in manual mode, downshift and don't let him pass. Do it slyly. Don't acknowledge him again with a look, a middle finger, or anything at all. Keep pace with him and don't let him pass. Most importantly, pretend that you don't realize that he's even there. Repeat.

This. I'm testing this today. If I get tickets, I'll send them your way.