shift lock on automatics is puzzling

[big_treacle]

Does anyone know what the shift lock button next to the auto shifter is for? It's been bugging me for ages but I keep forgetting to ask anyone & I might be missing out on some amazing feature!
cheers

[plotloss]

Is it like sport mode?

I.e. holds it in gear until a higher rev range?

Matt.

[big_treacle]

I don't think so - the gearbox on my prelude has a semi-auto racing style feature for 'sport driving'. The shiftlock has a cover over it too which suggests its for some kind of not-normal use. or something....?

[CraigAlsop]

Isn't it to stop the gearbox changing up when you lift off the throttle a bit - e.g. mid corner, when you want a bit of engine braking to tuck the nose in?

[big_treacle]

maybe... sounds kind of right.. you'd think it'd be on all the time tho. Also, if thats the case, why have the shift lock covered up? Normally sport mode buttons & the like are just there to be pressed like any other feature.

[CraigAlsop]

big_treacle said: maybe... sounds kind of right.. you'd think it'd be on all the time tho. Also, if thats the case, why have the shift lock covered up? Normally sport mode buttons & the like are just there to be pressed like any other feature.

But you would only press the button to hold the gear you are in. I can't imagine many auto drivers really wanting this - otherwise why not have a manual?

[Mr E]

Is it so you can shift out of park without the engine on....

Useful if you're taking the dash apart....

[big_treacle]

Ah yeah.. hadn't thought of that. I guess if the engine died you can then stick it in neutral!

[whatever]

Is it so that you can force it to stay in a low gear for steep downhill descents. i.e. those usually signed "Low gear now"

A normal auto would, presumably, just change up when the revs reached a particular value.

[big_treacle]

I don't think so. You can move the car out of drive and down into any of the other gears. or you can shift the car into semi auto mode where it's like a manual with no clutch - either of these two will stop the gearbox from changing up. this shift lock thing is to one side of the gear shifter and you have to take the little cover off to get to it which suggests it's not a feature intended for switching on and off while you're driving.
I reckon it probably is for putting the car into neutral so it can be moved when the engine is off (cos you can't get out of 'park' without the engine on normally)

[james]

If you open the glove box, you'll find a little book in there. It's called "The Instructions". If you have a look in it, you might even find out what the button does.

[bruce fielding]

It's for use in Capitals

[se6b]

I would guess from what you've said that its for putting it into neutral if the car is being towed.

[alunr]

I'm pretty sure its for locking the car in the gear it is set to - helps when trying to manuever in snowy/icy situations.

[james]

I think it might be for locking the doors when you see a shifty looking guy in the car next to you at the traffic lights.

[Mr E]

james said: If you open the glove box, you'll find a little book in there. It's called "The Instructions". If you have a look in it, you might even find out what the button does.

Yeah, but if it's a Jap import, the instructions can be an utter bastard to read.....

[big_treacle]

maybe its for shifting your locks around. i dunno. mystery. i reckon the most likely one is so that you can unlock the gearbox and get the car into neutral from park with the engine off. or not.
i've lost my instruction book so i've got to ask the collective genius that is pistonheads!

[ultimapaul]

I'm petty sure it's to lock the 'box out of top gear. A bit like a sports button .... Vauxhall autoboxes do this, normally the top gear is a long legged 'overdrive' and this is 'marketed' as a sporty feature!


Edited to add ....... try pushing it?

>> Edited by ultimapaul on Thursday 13th February 20:05