Should You Shift to P Gear or Turn Off the Engine First in a Tiptronic Transmission?
2 Answers
You should turn off the engine first and then shift into P gear. Introduction to Tiptronic Transmission: In a tiptronic vehicle, when shifting from automatic D gear to manual M gear, the clutch or brake used for a specific gear remains fixed. For example, in a 6AT transmission driving in D gear, if it is in 3rd gear when shifting to M gear, the transmission will still remain in 3rd gear. When driving in 3rd gear, the 35R and UD clutches inside the transmission are continuously engaged, keeping the transmission fixed in 3rd gear. Principle of Tiptronic Transmission: When the driver shifts from D gear to M gear, it does not involve switching between different gear clutches but rather a change in the transmission control logic. The transmission remains in a specific gear for driving, and the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) cannot shift gears automatically; instead, the driver must manually shift up or down. If the driver wants to drive in a lower gear mode, the engine speed increases significantly, enhancing the vehicle's acceleration capability. If the driver prefers to drive in a higher gear, the engine speed remains lower, making the vehicle more fuel-efficient and providing a more comfortable ride.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered this issue several times. Always shift into P (Park) first before turning off the engine. If you turn off the engine without shifting to P while it's running, the transmission linkage can get locked, potentially causing difficulty in the next startup or internal component damage. I've seen many novice drivers make this mistake, resulting in a stuck transmission requiring repairs. When parking, ensure the vehicle is on level ground, press the brake pedal to shift into P, and wait until the car comes to a complete stop before turning off the ignition. Extra caution is needed on slopes - you can engage the parking brake first to help stabilize the vehicle. Developing good habits extends your car's lifespan.