I know this is going to sound like a silly question, but I am going to ask it anyway. How do you use the sport button on the console? The owner's manual just tells you pushing the button extends the gear shift points. What it doesn't say is how to use it. i.e. Can you turn it on/off while driving? Do you have to be stopped to turn it on and off?

I'm assuming you can turn it on while driving since there was nothing explicit in the manual about not doing it. I'm also a little fuzzy about what it does exactly....give an extra burst of speed? Do you use this for passing? Can you leave it on all the time or does that create a problem?

I don't want to assume anything as we all know what happens when we do.

 

I read in this Forum someone said it's best not do off/on it could cause problem. I leave mine on sport but if i'm doing a long drive I may take it of sport mode. Sorry I don't remember the exact article, look thru subject Transmission/shift.

 

The Sports mode calls for a separate shift program in the TCM which electronically raises the shift points about 300 RPMs. You are not doing anything mechanical to the transmission so feel free to use it anytime you want.

I have about 4 miles of twisty/hilly roads before I can get past 50 mph so I use it there and turn off on the highway. But once you get past 50 mph it really doesn't matter much anyway.

Curious note: the Bemmers that use the same transmission are reported to use our 'sport' mode as normal and call our 'normal' the 'winter' mode.

 

I'm not sure if this is true or if I am imagining things, but it seems to kick down gears more quickly in Sport mode also.

 

Sure, it changes the shift points, both up and down.

 

Okay, so this is where I make an admission and give you guys a laugh for the day (this is what happens when you let women join predominantly male forums ).

I thought "extend gear shift points" meant there is a mecahnical gear assembly of some sort where the interlocking teeth had "points" that would come out and interlock tighter so that there wouldn't be any slippage when you really stepped on the accelerator. That's why I was afraid to push the button when moving, I didn't want to mess up anything mechanical.

Now I understand (after reading these and other related posts) that it really means the point at which the gears shift up or down based on the rpm's.

I'm not blonde but maybe I should be.

 

Sport mode also modifies suspension damper rates on cars equipped with CATS.

 

Now I feel stupid. For some reason I thought you were only referring to up shift points.

Quick question: At WOT in "normal" mode are the shift points still 300 RPM lower than sport mode?

 

Now, that I cannot answer. Here in my mountains there is seldom an opportunity to get past one gear change at WOT.

 

I see that you have an 02 XK8 with the 5 spd tranny. I'm not sure if it works the same as in the XKR, but in the XKR the normal mode will move the car beginning in 2nd - 5th gears. In sport mode the car will start out in 1st gear along with the changed shift points and suspension changes with the CATS system. Floor the pedal and it will automatically go into sport mode as long as you keep it floored. No problem with turning it on and off while the car is moving, it is an electronic controlled change.

 

The XK8 ZF 5HP24 only moves the shift point up that 300 rpm to the best of my knowledge. It does make a difference in below 50, lower gear shifting. Keeps the HP up just enough to reduce downshifting some.

 

Coming home from work on the freeway I pull along side an early 2000's Fixed Roof Corvette. He's on my right side. He jumps forward then lets off and drifts back then comes along side even with me. I'm in D mode, sport mode switch off and cruise control on. I tap the go peddle a little and move ahead of him then drift back even with him. He does the same again and I reach down and press a button and floor it. Off he goes and leaves me way behind. I think "gee what's wrong" and look down and the button that I had pressed was the cruise control button, I shut it off! I'm sure that made his Friday thinking he really left that Jag in the dust!!

 

Button or no button he would have still left you in the dust. Even my lowly 95 would probably still do the same. While it sounds like we have unbeatable horsepower (compare to the 300+ of the Corvette), we are also dragging around about 600 or 700 more pounds of mass. That would be like the Corvette having an extra 4 or 5 passengers! It takes an awful lot of horsepower to make up for several hundred pounds. And the "button" does not really do anything in terms of adding any power. So if you do not want to be embarrassed, don't pick Corvettes to race.

Doug

 

I know but one still likes to know. My XK8 is used as a GT for quiet (interior) trips, I've not messed around with it against another car. You're correct, sport mode doesn't add more ponies but it does allow more RPMs and things start to kick in and pick up at 4000 rpms. I can't go against my own Vet because I have twin turbos installed.

 

speaking of the CATS system. How do I tell if mine has this system? (just curious as I assume it would make a difference in ordering new suspension for the vehicle). I have an 03 XJ8 Sport, was it available on this model?

 

easy to tell, look for wires leading to the upper shock mount