last fill-up with gas worked out to 14 MPG. Damn, I thought, all city driving had been averaging 17-18 mpg and combined with highway, I was getting 24 MPG, consistantly. Mine is a white 2004 LTD auto coupe with about 27 K on the odometer and I still love it!

Anyway I noticed that the W/S switch was set in the Winter position (probably when I got my last inside/outside car wash). So for the last 134 miles the trans had not been using 1st or 4th gear. I am surprised I never noticed this for such a long period of time even though it was pretty much slow, stop and go, city driving.

 

Yeah, you autostick owners gotta remember you got a little extra switch. None of that "shifting" nonsense.

 

I believe it is STANDARD and WET modes. I always drive mine in W, unless I'm at the Dragon.

 

And i thought is was always called the summer/winter switch ?

 

tomAto, tomAHto, the same thing, no first or high gear.

 

No 4th gear? Really? I didn't know that. I thought it was just no first gear.

 

Any reason why, just curious?

 

That might not be the best idea.

 

it is winter & summer mode !!! Starts in second in stead of 1st !!! & also reverse is differant !!! Use a higher gear in reverse so not to spin tires !!! Read the manual !!!!! Thats the winter mode !!!!!

 

My manual says WET and STANDARD. it's an 04

 

HEY ED, I DID READ THE MANUAL, DID YOU? I DON'T SEE SUMMER ANY WHERE MENTIONED.



And I would have to see documentation about reverse being a different gear ratio in the different programs before I believe that statement.

And I am sure it doesn't skip any high gears. Mine goes through ever gear except first when in "W", just as the manual states.

Max, You will have to explain why it is not the best idea. Starting out in second keeps your from feeling that 1-2 shift you feel about 10 feet from a start. PIA. It is also a softer/easier shift point because it does not hold it in gear as long. My Saturn had the same program options.

James

 

I use "W" all winter long, and I don't notice much of a change in gas mileage at all. Maybe 1mpg. And I drive a mixed drive of everything from interstate to city streets.

 

James, certainly nothing authoritative, just that I did the same silly thing-unknowingly left it in "W" after cleaning the interior. I noticed the same symptoms-poor performance and the fuel efficiency tanked. A good 5 MPG less than before. I seriously thought something was broken.

Just a thought, but if I had to avoid a problem on the road, I would want every capability of the car available. Immediately.

If only for the gas mileage? Didn't intend to offend!

And I don't get the 1-2 shift at 10 feet. Mine usually comes at about 40 MPH! I'm not too sure that I could drive that Saturn for very long.

J.K. buddy!

 

This thread inspired me to look into this and read my manual as I had been thinking about it for a while before. Wet/Sport, winter/summer etc. I have to say I actually notice a huge difference between the two and thought that it actually also made a difference to the sequencing of the gears as well as changes to the ESP or something as it seems far more responsive in Stadard and more ground hugging in Wet.

Looking at the manual it does state do not change switch whilst driving as this could cause a change in handling that you were not expected.(not exact words but something of the like)

SOO does it change just the gear ratio and the starting gear? or is there also a change to the handling systems too?

Sorry in advance if this reply is not using the correct technical terms LOL

 

Me too, maybe 1-2 mpg at worst. But thanks to this thread, I happened to look down at the switch this morning and lo and behold there it was for the last 400 miles since I took it out of storage in W mode. Doh!!!!

 

I thought that "S" was for Sporty
and "W" was for Wimpy!

 

Me too!

And I proved it to myself.

(Headslap)

 

This week I had another brake job done after only 10,000 miles since the last one. After reading this post and seeing my "W" button was down, I wonder if by brake problem had to do with this? Does it cause the brakes to engage without my pushing the petal?

 

Well I decided to read the manual and mine says the W is for wet or winter. The transmission will start out in 2nd gear, but it does not say anything about not shifting into 4th gear. So actually gas milage should not be effected? S is for Standard and should be used for most driving situations.

 

My mileage was definitely affected-for the worse. It may have been due to trying to accelerate moderately hard to overcome the 2nd gear start (unknowingly).

So far as I'm concerned, W is for "Wet" and will be used as such.

To each his own and let your conscience be your guide.

May the sun be on your shoulders and the breeze on your face...

Live long and prosper...

I've got a million of 'em...