MetBlk 911

Just out of curiosity, are there actually more than five gears in a 2001 996 Tiptronic trans? I've never owned an automatic prior to my recent purchase of the 996 in my avatar, but I swear I can occasionally feel an ever-so-slight gear change when in 2nd gear at lower RPMs. It feels like there are one or two intermediate gears in there.

For instance, when decelerating in second gear, in MANUAL shift mode, just under 3000 RPM I can feel a slight downshift sometimes and another as I get close to 1000 RPM, yet the car will never actually downshift to first gear (I know this is intentional).

Just to be clear, I have no concerns with the operation of the tranny. She seems to be doing her job just fine, with no clunks or other odd noises, I'm just the curious type.

Awesomo996

Variocam, maybe?

sjfehr

It's probably the torque converter locking the rotor. It does that for fuel efficiency reasons once speed has stabilized after a gear shift, and is unfortunately quite noticeable when it does.

Nico Jones

only have 5 in my '02 Tip

jimq

the TIP in my 964 acts the same only its 4 speeds. Its normal in 964's.

scottiemac

My 99 Cab does the same thing. I think sjfehr has the right idea.
The first couple of times it happened to me I didn't know what it was but then I started attributing it to the torque converter locking up.

MetBlk 911

Thanks guys. I just gave myself a Torque Converter 101 internet education, and it does seem like what I'm feeling could be the torque converter locking up AND disengaging from lock since I feel the nudge when decelerating.

Jacks911

Yes it is Lock-Up of the Converter. Having had three of these Tips in 964 968 & 996 I can confirm they all act a bit different but the Lock-up is part of the Tranny logic system. The Tip Brain handles the Lock-up differently depending on the 5 programs, so you will sense that transition at different times (RPM) depending on all the factors measured in the Brain. The Tip really is an amazing bit of engineering even thought it is now "old hat" compared to the PDK.

Graufuchs

Same thing here...seems like almost a hiccup around low 2k rpms. I at first thought it was a miss.

MetBlk 911

Thanks. Can you explain more or provide a link that covers the 5 programs you refer to?

MetBlk 911

Yeah, a small hiccup is a good term to describe it.

TomF

Keep in mind that were two Tip transmissions installed in the 996. The earlier ZF, like your car and my car has, and the later Daimler/Chrysler unit. They are very different animals, not to mention that the ZF is 40 lbs lighter! I just mention this because the MKII-fitted transmissions behave somewhat differently, including an infinite number of shifting programs as opposed to 5 on the ZF. And I guess the D/C unit has two reverse gears, go figure. Great for fast exits in parking spaces at the mall. LOL

MetBlk 911

Thanks for the info. When and why did Porsche change to a Chrysler tranny? I'm not usually a snob about things, but I can't say that I would like having Chrysler anything in my Porsche.

htny

2001 and previous (except turbo) is ZF, old school unit

2002+ it's a mercedes benz trans which was badged daimler chrysler since those companies were one and the same at the time.

every 996 turbo, AMG sl55 etc has the same type of w5a , electronic 5spd trans, and is among the best auto transmissions ever made

what you are feeling is the torque converter locking up, it's a weird feeling compared to a manual

advice on tips, keep that torque converter locked up and drive it in manual mode otherwise it won't be any fun at all

MetBlk 911

Thanks htny, I'm enjoying the history lesson. So what make the ZF tranny "old school" and the DC one of the best ever made? Better reliability? Better performance? Better feel?

I drive in manual tip mode 90% of the time. I only use "Drive" when I need both hands (ie: coffee in the morning).