Mark Brillo

Is it "normal" that the gear starts at 1st gear in [D]rive instead of the 2nd gear? This is in auto mode, not using the tip-tronic..

This is the first time I noticed it today.. outside temp was a steady 42-45 F and moved parking spots, felt that the car seems "jerking" when I was stepping on the pedal then looked at the gear indicator and it was in 1st gear.

Is it because of the outside temp? needles on the oil temps are at "0", when the temps are at it's normal operating values it (just) started to 2nd gear when it's idle.

Also, I noticed that when I start the car, the rev meter starts at about 1100 rpm, then drops to about 700-800 rpm at idle when oil temps are at it's "operating values"...

spiderv6

mine starts in 1st whenever it is cold outside. normal.

quattrotman

Normal, I think it has something to do with getting the catalytic coverters up to operating temps.

Mark Brillo

thanks all!! didn't see this "issue" with my previous cars.. for one, other cars only shows "D", not the actual gears where it's at - unless you change from auto to "manual" mode +/-... this is my first p-car as well so i'm getting paranoid for things like this.. something new everyday.

Andy E.

FWIW, on Tip-equipped vehicles, activating the 'Sport' button will also initiate the sport mode and have the car start out in 1st while in the [D] position.

Fixer

Mine does that also, normal. the jerkiness is normal as well. auto brake engagement..
Anybody have these problems:
1. Have 66k miles and lately i hear a very subtle dragging sound, sounds like brake noise but have replaced and bled and cleaned calipers.
2. The area below the windshield which catches rain water and allows it to drain is not draining, took off plastic cover under hood and it had 4" of water in there. succked it out but can't get the drain plug cleaned out..