I have an Orphan... Finally!!

[carolthompson323]

Originally Posted by Fuse 13

Since you have an '09, is it possible you accidentally hit one of the shift paddles on the steering wheel and flipped it into manual mode?* If so, holding the right (up-shift) paddle in for a few seconds will return it to "D" mode. Or, as you did, moving the gear shift from D to Manual and back will also do it.

*This feature was added in '09, as I understand it. Earlier models won't do this unless the transmission controller has been re-flashed with the new firmware.

-Rusty

Hi, Rusty:

It's a dim possibility but perhaps... The dealer explained to me last night that maybe I accidentally hit it as the 09's indeed have that feature. I don't think so but I was so over the moon that it was now mine that anything was possible that night!!

[rfernatt]

Maybe a related observation... I've noticed with my '08 that when I first start out in the morning, it doesn't want to shift into 2nd very quickly - even after telling the trans to shift with + paddle. I always drive in manual mode, so I'm very familiar with the paddles/gear selector for manual shifting. On the second or third paddle flick, it will usually take it. I wonder if there is some warm up time (it has been cold) or minimum travel distance before the car will shift into 2nd. It doesn't do this at any other time that I've noticed.

[Fuse 11]

Originally Posted by carolthompson323

Hi, Rusty:

It's a dim possibility but perhaps... The dealer explained to me last night that maybe I accidentally hit it as the 09's indeed have that feature. I don't think so but I was so over the moon that it was now mine that anything was possible that night!!

These things are a hoot, aren't they?
I still occasionally get a chuckle out of it and I've had it two weeks (and 2000 miles)!

-Rusty
"Mine's smaller. I win." -Me, commenting on a passing Mini. Or Fit. Or Yaris. Or...well, basically anything that has four wheels

[BeSmart]

Originally Posted by rfernatt

Maybe a related observation... I've noticed with my '08 that when I first start out in the morning, it doesn't want to shift into 2nd very quickly - even after telling the trans to shift with + paddle. I always drive in manual mode, so I'm very familiar with the paddles/gear selector for manual shifting. On the second or third paddle flick, it will usually take it. I wonder if there is some warm up time (it has been cold) or minimum travel distance before the car will shift into 2nd. It doesn't do this at any other time that I've noticed.

My '06 does the same thing. Takes about 2 blocks before it shifts more quickly. Feels like warm up time.

[sberger]

We all know how you feel about getting the new car. That is what is so great about this forum. Better than getting a new pair of sunglasses. I have only had mine for 10 days, and am still on a high. Study this forum and the manual until you know the car inside out. I have found the mistakes so far have all been pilot error.

My anti-theft would not set one night and I thought it might be out already, but that night I figured it was the tailgate not fully shut. Don't make that long trip to the dealership and look like a fool till you have tried your own fix. Learn to troubleshoot.

Read this forum everyday, you will learn from these folks.

[carolthompson323]

Originally Posted by Fuse 11

These things are a hoot, aren't they?
I still occasionally get a chuckle out of it and I've had it two weeks (and 2000 miles)!

-Rusty
"Mine's smaller. I win." -Me, commenting on a passing Mini. Or Fit. Or Yaris. Or...well, basically anything that has four wheels

Hi, Rusty,

They are a total hoot!! I'm loving every second I'm in the car or looking at the car or thinking about the car -- when will I ever stop obssessing????

I find I've turned up my nose at Yaris's, Fit's, Mini's, etc. The smart is way tooo cool!

[carolthompson323]

Originally Posted by sberger

We all know how you feel about getting the new car. That is what is so great about this forum. Better than getting a new pair of sunglasses. I have only had mine for 10 days, and am still on a high. Study this forum and the manual until you know the car inside out. I have found the mistakes so far have all been pilot error.

My anti-theft would not set one night and I thought it might be out already, but that night I figured it was the tailgate not fully shut. Don't make that long trip to the dealership and look like a fool till you have tried your own fix. Learn to troubleshoot.

Read this forum everyday, you will learn from these folks.

Hi,

You're advice is "right-on" -- However, I've been reading everything on the forum since I reserved in July '08 and continue to read. The info I've received on this site has indeed been invaluable and it's true... most of the mistakes are "pilot" error.