How to use the L gear in Nissan Sylphy Classic?
3 Answers
The L gear in Nissan Sylphy Classic is a low-speed gear. When going downhill, shifting into the L gear reduces brake usage; when going uphill, shifting into the L gear provides more power for climbing. In this gear, the transmission will stay in 1st gear without shifting up, which can be used in situations like slopes. Relevant information about the Sylphy is as follows: 1. Powertrain: It is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine that meets the China VI emission standards, with a maximum power of 99kW (135 horsepower) and a peak torque of 159Nm, paired with a CVT transmission. 2. Smart Features: The new car comes with the latest Nissan-Connect super smart system, featuring an 8-inch HD capacitive touchscreen, including functions like voice control for the vehicle and remote control. Voice control allows basic operations of the vehicle’s online entertainment system, real-time navigation, Bluetooth calls, dashcam, and air conditioning through simple voice commands. The remote monitoring and control function enables users to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s status via a smart app linked to their phone, allowing remote control of door locks, lights & horn, engine, and air conditioning based on specific needs.
I've been driving the Nissan Sylphy Classic for five years, and the L gear is particularly useful in specific situations. It's mainly used for steep uphill and downhill driving. For example, when encountering a continuous several-kilometer-long downhill, shifting to L gear allows you to rely on engine braking to slow down, avoiding the risk of brake overheating and failure from constant braking. When climbing steep slopes, switching to L gear keeps the engine at low gear and high RPM, providing stronger torque output for easier uphill driving. This gear essentially limits the transmission to first and second gears, with a recommended maximum speed not exceeding 60 km/h. Never use it during normal city driving as the high RPM will significantly increase fuel consumption and engine noise. Suddenly shifting to L gear at highway speeds can damage the vehicle, so it's advised to reduce speed below 40 km/h before switching. Remember to promptly shift back to D gear after completing special road conditions.
When I first got my Nissan Sylphy Classic, I also wondered about the L gear. It's essentially a low-speed limiting gear. The key usage scenarios are slopes: when climbing steep ramps like those in underground parking garages, you can clearly feel more power in L gear; during long downhill mountain roads, it automatically helps drag the speed to prevent brake pads from overheating and failing. You don't need it at all for regular city driving since the RPM gets too high, wasting fuel and being noisy. You should shift while driving without pressing the brake—just check that the dashboard shows L. However, watch your speed; I usually switch back when exceeding 40 km/h downhill. This gear can also provide emergency traction in muddy or slippery conditions by delivering more direct power. Remember to shift back to D gear afterward, as the transmission can't handle prolonged high RPMs.
