Odd car behaviour question

[PeteSB75]

So, driving Sarah's 08 Civic this weekend and noticed some, to me, odd behaviour. It was snowy out, and the roads were a bit rough. So, as I was coming down a hill, I would bleed some speed off by braking lightly for a longer period of time and then coast before accelerating again to go up the next hill. From what I could tell, the car would downshift after I released the brakes and engine brake further while I was coasting.

That is the only place I experienced it, and I've never had any other automatic do that to me. I seriously disliked it - there's a reason I drive stick. So, the question is, is this normal behaviour or is something wrong with the transmission?

[floydpink]

Some newer cars have an anti-slip device for snow and it sounds like that may be it, although I thought it prevented the brakes from locking up.

In any event, an 08 is under warranty and a trip to the dealer may be good to put your mind at rest.

[PeteSB75]

It has anti-lock brakes, and this is different. The anti-lock only apply with the brakes. This is definitely engine braking.

[tobii3]

Traction Control.

Honda's version is called VSA.

It works with the transmission as well as the brakes, that's what you felt.

[floydpink]

Traction Control.

Honda's version is called VSA.

It works with the transmission as well as the brakes, that's what you felt.

That's what I meant, I swear!

My wife's Civic has a switch where you can turn it on or off and we leave it off since the only ice we get in Orlando is in our margaritas.

[tobii3]

the only ice we get in Orlando is in our margaritas.

Yeah, I fell for THAT line back in 1989/1990.

[Demented]

Traction Control. Honda's version is called VSA.
It works with the transmission as well as the brakes, that's what you felt.

This is likely the answer.

From what I've seen, most problems are related to the nut holding the steering wheel. :r

[floydpink]

Yeah, I fell for THAT line back in 1989/1990.

Oh dang, you were here for the Big Freeze???

[tobii3]

That was the FIRST year I went to Florida and Disney World.

Took me 18 years to go back.

[Whynot]

Some of the newer "smart" transmissions will downshift in anticipation of acceleration. They adapt to your driving style.

[Thrak]

My 4Runner does it.. its as Whynot said. It actually learns how you drive.

I really like it personally.. if it knows I'm going down hill it will downshift so I dont have to brake as hard. It also will hold a gear longer if I'm accelerating uphill or towing. :)

[floydpink]

My 4Runner does it.. its as Whynot said. It actually learns how you drive.
I really like it personally.. if it knows I'm going down hill it will downshift so I dont have to brake as hard. It also will hold a gear longer if I'm accelerating uphill or towing. :)

I gotta get my wife a 4Runner then, because I still can't figure out how she makes it home every day, the way she drives.

[tobii3]

you too??

:r

[PeteSB75]

Hmm, ok. I guess I'll be taking a look through the manual to try and find out how to turn the thing off for the next time I am driving her car in the snow. Or else convince her that a manual transmission is a much better option. Thanks guys!