[dbrown]

I have read that our Passports start in 2nd gear. I know that if you put in sport mode and use the paddle shifters you can keep it in 1st gear. Is there a auto mode that forces our Passports to always start in 1st?

 

[hensonstephanie]

They are still having issues with this Transmission with shifting and gear hunting. Its a design
flaw with this 9-speed. But the one thing they could fix, they did. That's why it takes off in 2nd
when in D mode. Same as Pilot, If you put it in S mode, and not use the paddle shifters,
It will start off in 1st.

 

[daniellevazquez]

I would imagine this has been done intentionally to reduce wear on the gearbox as well. 9 speed is overkill for most daily driving scenarios. Will be interesting to see how many of them actually get used.

 

[dbrown]

I would think that the extreme low 1st gear “granny gear” is for off road or work duty ?

 

[dpatterson]

I would think that the extreme low 1st gear “granny gear” is for off road or work duty ?

It probably improves launch acceleration too if you actually floor it off the line. If you're accelerating easy then it can just use second instead for less shifting and better economy.

 

[hensonstephanie]

The low 1st gear improves the launch. The 9-speed will beat the 6-speed in a 0 to 60 run.
But the 6-speed will pass it and beat it in a quarter mile, and any other passing
acceleration speed other than from a dead stop. The low first gear is good for going down slow on a hill.
I will need to take another test drive in a 6-speed Pilot to further test the L mode
so see how it handles down hill braking with no paddle shifters.