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Does anyone always drive in S/Sequential mode ?

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#21 ·
rahtx said:
Not to be pedantic, but S stands for "S Position":

View attachment 452845

The way I read the owner's manual, Sequential Mode has less to do with the D or S gear selection, and more to do with manually changing gears with the paddles. It's just a confusing coincidence that "Sequential" and "S Position" both start with "S".

If you are in D, shifting with the paddles enters Sequential mode temporarily. When in S, shifting with the paddles changes to Sequential mode permanently (until you cancel by holding the gear up paddle, re-enter D, or turn off the vehicle).

View attachment 452844

To make things even more confusing, Honda's service info calls it "Sport":

View attachment 452846

Clear as mud? 😉

To chime in on the original topic, I don't often drive around in normal S Position, but I will switch to M and shift manually pretty frequently. I find that regular Drive is often too quick to upshift and I end up having to really put my foot in it to get it to downshift enough when I need a quick burst of acceleration. I find regular S Position to be a little bit too much on the other end of spectrum, so I'll usually switch to M and keep the RPM's in a usable range for acceleration, but also not completely kill fuel economy.
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Ya know..............I see what you're getting at here!

Now I wonder what words were chosen in Service Information to describe changes in how the transmission operates.
 
#23 ·
ATL RL said:
Now I wonder what words were chosen in Service Information to describe changes in how the transmission operates.
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The service info introduces yet another mode/description: "D-Paddle Shift Mode"

Manual Shift Mode
The transmission is equipped with a D-paddle shift mode and a sequential shift mode. Both modes are entered by pressing the paddle shifter while driving.

D-Paddle Shift Mode
When the paddle shifter is pressed while in the D position/mode, the D-paddle shift mode comes into operation. The shift indicator displays the number of the current gear. In the D-paddle shift mode, the transmission can be shifted into a lower gear or a higher gear by pressing the paddle shifter. The D-paddle shift mode is canceled when the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) is held for several seconds, when the D position/mode is canceled, or when the TCM detects a steady cruise.

Sequential Shift Mode
When the paddle shifter is pressed while in the S position/mode, the sequential shift mode comes into operation. The shift indicator displays the number of the selected gear and the M indicator comes on. In the sequential shift mode, the driver can shift up and down manually by using the paddle shifters much like a manual transmission. The sequential shift mode is canceled when the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) is held for several seconds or when the S position/mode is canceled.
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Although there isn't a way to manually shift non-sequentially when in D mode, so I don't see the point of this added mode name ... other than to be extra confusing/contradictory, which is on-brand 😜

Plus, most owners are going to be reading the owner's manual, and in there it seems fairly clear that you're in "Sequential mode" when you're shifting with the paddles, regardless of D/S Position.
 
#24 ·
gkreamer said:
Take up the "word play" with Honda. The manual never mentions "Sport" mode, only Sequential mode. You can use the paddle shifters with it if you like, but in Sequential mode it does just as the name implies - shifts sequentially starting in first gear and continuing until 9th.
View attachment 452736
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lol. The point I was making was: why does s mode move raise the shift point rpm? Because it’s also a sport mode. Sequential mode is just marketing speak. I would have preferred a separate button or a 3rd mode that raise the shift rpm. The zf 9 speed biggest feature is a large gear range and that is lost when u start in 2nd gear. I guess it’s a bit smoother when starting in 2nd.
 
#25 ·
I find it impossible to drive the RL smoothly while manually shifting the paddles. It's jerky mainly because I'm not good enough to anticipate when to shift to accommodate the lags. I thought it would make a big difference in the mountains but it wasn't easy. S without the paddles livens it up a bit but doesn't have the responsive feel of a 5 speed Honda Odyssey with it in D3. The 6 speed Ridgeline felt anemic when in high gear and that option they give whatever it was D4 didn't do much so it was up to the driver manage the gas pedal . The 9 speed is better with it's options particularly on hills but is no where in the league of a manual or a hybrid with selectable regen modes which are almost as good as a manual for downshifts on hills. Basically, I just leave it in D and on occasion grab a gear for some compression braking or set up for a turn or hill.

It's been a while but is it the consensus that S without a left paddle pull starts out in first? It really doesn't matter, in city stop and go traffic, it's hard to initially get going unless you really get into the gas compared to to other cars. I can only conclude it's about throttle mapping and not gearing. RL is a great cruiser but if you're expecting ultra responsiveness because of the paddles, and all the potential choices I don't find that to be the case. Probably most noticeable for towing but I don't tow. My Accord V6 with just one transmission optional selection was very effective, it had some type of logic built in. Even back in the Integra days with the S3 button (IIRC) on the shifter was effective.
 
#27 ·
3xridge said:
lol. The point I was making was: why does s mode move raise the shift point rpm? Because it’s also a sport mode. Sequential mode is just marketing speak. I would have preferred a separate button or a 3rd mode that raise the shift rpm. The zf 9 speed biggest feature is a large gear range and that is lost when u start in 2nd gear. I guess it’s a bit smoother when starting in 2nd.
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I was wrong about S standing for Sequential. As @rahtx pointed out from the manual Sequential is simply shifting with the Paddles. And then Honda apparently does use Sport in a technical bulletin. I corrected my original post yesterday.
 
#28 ·
To be fair, I think Honda's technical writers are just confused, lol. Sport is only mentioned that one single time between the service manual and owner's manual. If their own people are confused, it's really no wonder that we are as well 🤪
 
#29 ·
It was easier in my 2018 F-150. When you went to SPORT there was a fancy "S" on the instrument cluster, and it definitely was a huge difference between Normal or ECO and Sport. The S mode in the Ridgeline is not like that, to me. Apples and Oranges, I know. When I search the 2024 OM for "Sport" there are 12 matches, 11 for sports and 1 for sportsflash. Change that search to Sport Mode and there are no results.
 
#30 ·
rahtx said:
To be fair, I think Honda's technical writers are just confused, lol. Sport is only mentioned that one single time between the service manual and owner's manual. If their own people are confused, it's really no wonder that we are as well 🤪
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Sometimes i think almost everybody at Honda is confused when it comes to the Ridgeline. Press releases don't line up with webpage info and specs seem to be all over the place. I think they've put 1477lb capacity plates on 90% of Ridgelines, and that number isn't in any of the PR specs!I
 
#33 ·
Haha! :D I'm enjoying EV life now and not worrying about things like VCM, idle stop, fuel odors, oil changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, transfer case fluid changes, engine coolant changes, spark plugs, timing belts, water pumps, transmission failures, engine knocks, etc. :)
 
#35 ·
zroger73 said:
Haha! :D I'm enjoying EV life now and not worrying about things like VCM, idle stop, fuel odors, oil changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, transfer case fluid changes, engine coolant changes, spark plugs, timing belts, water pumps, transmission failures, engine knocks, etc. :)
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I don't worry about any of that, fluid changes and other maintenance have been part of my driving life for 60 years. Much less of a worry than "electron anxiety" on a long trip hoping there will be chargers somewhere and that they actually work and the line won't be too long nor their location be behind the gas station dumpster where the shady characters congregate while you stand around for 20 minutes collecting juice.

I'm just sayin'
 
#38 ·
GreginJaxFL said:
I have used “S” multiple times when pulling the SeaDoo. Without towing anything, starting out in 1st gear is ridiculous. As far as using gas, it has to use more in “S” mode. What do you average while “driving for three months and loving it?” While “S” mode will yield more “spirited’“ performance, you will be visiting the gas station more often. You are also likely be wearing out those brakes. To each his own.

Honda gives us the option and everyone has a choice to use “S” mode or not. I choose not.

Enjoy your RL!
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I had not used "S"mode as of yet, only "D" and of course "R".... 😉
 
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