Should A4 downshift when braking?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, MD
Should A4 downshift when braking? Since I bought my car new over 2 years ago, it has never downshifted when braking to a stop. It will downshift at WOT when it is in too high of a gear, but shouldn't it also downshift when I am slowing to a stop? I can be rolling at say 60mph with the converter locked in OD, and the second I touch the brake pedal the rpms drop to idle, until I let off the brake, and then it will lock again. Does the same no matter what speed I'm at, or what gear I'm in. I touch the brakes, and car goes to idle. For instance, if I am doing 60mph in OD, and coming up to a red light, when I touch the brakes shouldn't the car downshift 4-3, 3-2, and then 2-1? Thanks in advance for replies, Bill
Re: Should A4 downshift when braking? Hmm that sounds about right. Automatics don't automatically downshift till you hit the gas (or come to a stop, in which case they'll go to 1st). The converter unlocks to provide maximum braking power (so the brakes aren't fighting the drive wheels, so to speak).
At least, this is how I have always understood (and observed) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Dope
At least, this is how I have always understood (and observed) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Dope
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 0
From: HP Illinoiz
Re: Should A4 downshift when braking? Mine just disengages...
I've very aware of it...
It sucks with a cutout...Nice rumble..brake..then nothing... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
I tend to manually drop it to 3rd and 'lightly' brake..sometimes I can keep it in gear that way...'sometimes'...
I've very aware of it...
It sucks with a cutout...Nice rumble..brake..then nothing... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
I tend to manually drop it to 3rd and 'lightly' brake..sometimes I can keep it in gear that way...'sometimes'...
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
From: Barbaria
Re: Should A4 downshift when braking? Everything is fine. Tapping the brake causes the convertor to unlock...hence the drop in rpms. If you tap the brake anywhere over 40 when coasting, it will unlock and then lock back up again.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, MD
Re: Should A4 downshift when braking? I'm glad to hear it's normal, but I just think it sucks when you have a good exhaust system, when slowing to a stop noone can even hear you coming, guess I got too spoiled with all of the manual cars I've owned in the past. I used to love downshifting a manual, and make some noise while slowing down.
