Understand from the book that it is for wet weather driving. But what does it actually do from the experience of someone who has used this switch? I actually got onto some wet roads early this morning but didn't use it because I didn't know if I had to be stopped to engage it or could engage it while driving. Would someone with experience using this control give us a rundown on how it feels when you put it on the W setting please...tnx

 

I think the "W" is for "winter." It's for snow. I haven't used it as my Crossfires spent the winter in the garage.

 

Winter huh! guess I need to go back and read the book again...senile at only 67

 

wet or winter - it's my understanding that it starts you off in 2nd gear to avoid tire slip. i may be off base here but that is what i understood.

 

The "W" helps stabilize the car in wet conditions. Try it sometime. You should notice a big difference.

 

Yes in "W" (winter) mode the car starts out in 2nd gear and overrides first gear to provide better traction with a little less torque to the rear wheels.
It can be engaged at any time while stopped or moving with now harm to the car.

"S" mode (summer) is used in normal dry conditions and is recommended.

 

From what I have read about the "W" setting is that the shift points on the Automatic Trans. are changed (also it starts in 2nd gear as mentioned). I believe that it changes the gears sooner than if you were in "S", so as to avoid slipping the tires.

 

Hi Valkryderguy
I am quite new to my Crossfire and wanted to clarify if you can or can not change the Program mode selector switch while you are moving.
The manual on page 141 has a Caution that indicates you should never change the program mode when the car is not in the park position.
Being able to change it, when you come into a rain storm, would be worthwhile to me.

 

lesr,

I have never had an issue with changing from "S" to "W" while moving, but I usually do that while stopped at a light or before I move after starting the car. When at a light though, the car is in "D" and not "P", so it's never been an issue.

That being said, I believe Alabaster04 is correct that it also alters the shift points of other gears to help keep the RPMs low and avoid spinning in inclement conditions.

I had thought I read somewhere that it affected reverse as well... although I could be mistaken.

Cheers!

 

Thanks for the help

PS as far as your location - It would help if you were a little more spacific -

 

I can't see how changing it on the fly would have an effect since it is an "electronic" change, not mechanical. I sure wouldn't do it under heavy throttle, though. If there was truly a risk of damage, those smart German engineers would have a lock-out system.

 

It's worse than you think...... your profile says you're 68!

 

See! don't even know how old I am...