A lost Asset in Auto Transmissions

[MossRoad]

I wonder why there is "2". It must be for looks on the knob, making the driver think he has something he doesn't.

The way its described in my owner's manual is it limits the maximum gear the car can use, not the minimum. In today's modern cars with traction control, the main (possibly only) function of downshifting is to provide downhill braking. The transmissions will select the proper gear automatically for everything else.

 

[ultrarunner]

Just check mine and 2nd stays in 2nd... no up or down and it doesn't matter if standing start or selected on the fly

 

[Danny C]

Why ouldn't one simply apply brake pressure to modulate torque to the wheels in the absence of second gear starting ability and/or traction control? That's basically what traction control is anyway.

I don't remmeber any of the '80s and early '90s GM automatics I drove starting in second gear. We were all taught throttle control...and to use the brake to limit wheel slip if necessary.

 

[jejeosborne]

Why ouldn't one simply apply brake pressure to modulate torque to the wheels in the absence of second gear starting ability and/or traction control? That's basically what traction control is anyway.

Would work on a front wheel drive but not rear wheel drive for reasons I explained in my last post. Traction control doesn't modulate pressure the way I understand it. It has to first sense a wheel spinning then it applies brake pressure. As I also mentioned, it is too late once the wheel slips on ice.

 

[AchingBack]

Would work on a front wheel drive but not rear wheel drive for reasons I explained in my last post. Traction control doesn't modulate pressure the way I understand it. It has to first sense a wheel spinning then it applies brake pressure. As I also mentioned, it is too late once the wheel slips on ice.

This is correct. Also, for the above to work, the vehicle must have an anti-lock brake system. My 1995 tbird does not have anti-lock brakes, and I like it that way.

 

[Danny C]

Would work on a front wheel drive but not rear wheel drive for reasons I explained in my last post. Traction control doesn't modulate pressure the way I understand it. It has to first sense a wheel spinning then it applies brake pressure. As I also mentioned, it is too late once the wheel slips on ice.

I forgot about that since they were all front drive cars or 4x4 trucks!

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Why ouldn't one simply apply brake pressure to modulate torque to the wheels in the absence of second gear starting ability and/or traction control? That's basically what traction control is anyway.

I don't remmeber any of the '80s and early '90s GM automatics I drove starting in second gear. We were all taught throttle control...and to use the brake to limit wheel slip if necessary.

Exactly.

 

[Patches]

how do you manage that while drinking your coffee and texting mom to see what she wants you to bring home for supper

 

[MossRoad]

Why ouldn't one simply apply brake pressure to modulate torque to the wheels in the absence of second gear starting ability and/or traction control? That's basically what traction control is anyway.

I don't remmeber any of the '80s and early '90s GM automatics I drove starting in second gear. We were all taught throttle control...and to use the brake to limit wheel slip if necessary.

You can't choose which wheel to apply the braking to when you try to do it manually. The ABS will pick the spinning wheel faster than you can. At least, that's what they tell us. :laughing:

 

[davrow]

Everybody has traction control. Second gear isn't needed. Ford's traction control in snow and ice is really good as is Mercedes.

Eric, you keep saying that and I wish you wouldn't. We get it, you're good.

We aren't saying we need it, either. We're saying it used to be there and isn't now. Can't you understand that?