Hi All!
I have a new (well, new to _me_, anyway ;-) '96 Legacy L sedan with a
4spd automatic gearbox. This is the first automatic car I have owned (or at least driven much) in many years, so maybe this is a dumb question, but . . .It would appear to have an extra gear, and I'm wondering if anyone can shed a little light on this.
Here is the situation: Interstate at ~70MPH on level ground, light pressure on the throttle, and ~2500RPM on the tach. Mileage mode. Pull out to pass, give a little push on the fun pedal, the engine comes up to ~3000RPM, and off you go. If you seriously mash the pedal, it will _really_ downshift, and the engine speed will go to ~4200RPM, which is consistent with ~70MPH in 3rd.
My question is: How does the tranny achieve the appearance of a 5th gear/overdrive out of a 4spd gear train? Inquiring minds and all . . .
ByeBye! S. Automatic Transmission Newbie
Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101