Thread: D4 steering wheel gearshift switches

Your car needs a clean .

Garry

You haven't seen the outside...

Hi Graeme.

Is there any delay when you shift up or down? Are you happy with the results?

There is no effective delay. The moment I've released the button, the instrument panel is showing 'command-shift selected' or similar and the next gear shows after the D with the gear change following soon after. Normal command-shift mode rules apply, such as if the speed is too low then the gear number reverts to the current gear and no change occurs. I don't yet know if it will automatically up-shift earlier than in sport mode but I'll find out tomorrow - I'd prefer it did.

I've only been out on the road for a short run and noticed that once command-shift mode is entered, it may be necessary to keep changing up manually because the TCM stays in command-shift mode for some time. This may be good in some circumstances and not so good in others, but at least full auto mode doesn't resume prematurely which might otherwise cause an undesired down-shift.

Command-shift mode can be cancelled by moving the lever to sport mode momentarily and as its already in command-shift mode, there is no automatic down-shift. I could set another button to activate sport mode momentarily to cancel command-shift mode if it becomes a problem but I suspect that once in command shift mode I expect to want to stay there until in 6th gear.

Down-shift works well too, having tested it on throttle over-run down a steep hill in 3rd then dropped it to 2nd then 1st.

Yes, I'm very pleased with the facility.

Edit: The idea came from Pete Bell of Bell Autos UK but finding the right connector and wires in the aux battery spot was my doing.

Well done! Very clever!
I don't need or desire such a modification, but I appreciate your ingenuity!
It also looks very 'factory'. And $36! I wonder what L/R would have charged for such an option....

I can see the advantage for Low range 4wding.
Great to be able to select 1st low for a steep decent or maybe 2nd low for a steep climb.

I think in low range I'd use manual mode and the lever, as whilst the remote is easy to access when driving straight ahead, it gets hard to find and use with the steering turned. That's where my setup isn't nearly as good as paddle switches (as found on the RRS these days) but even those might be less convenient than the lever. Also, eventually (for most gears - not 2nd when stopped at traffic lights!) the box reverts to full auto which might not be what's required.

The steering wheel and paddle switch cable from a 2010 RRS can be fitted to a D4 (some used ones are available ex UK because people fit heated ones instead) which then only requires enabling with Faultmate etc, but they're way too expensive for me. The remote control facility works with D3s and D4s.

Great job Graeme

Where they are positioned looks good and in a goood spot.