I have 2009 Db9 for almost ayear and have never used paddle shifters.

I have never drive stick shift in my life, I am almost afraid to use paddle shifters, might damage something.

Today I tried paddle shifters on a loaner BMW 5 series, I did watch some you tube videos on driving with paddle shifters, there is nothing on driving DB 9

In other threads I see words like "creep mode" " clutch relearn"

Can one of you pro please write up some tips on how to use paddle shifters safely and explain hose terms?

Thanks.

 

None of that discussion applies to your car because you have a real automatic transmission which means you have no clutch. Selecting gears with the paddles in your car is no different than moving the lever from D to 2 to 1 on any other automatic car.

 

Can some one comment on how to up shift and down speed?
Like what speed or at what RPM?
You tube videos suggest change gear at 2000-3000 RPM while going up but does not clarify how to or when to down shift

 

None of the videos you watch have anything to do with an auto trans, they are for robotized manual transmissions like the Vantage.

Like KF said, the DB9 is not a manual trans, it is a conventional auto trans with paddles that allow you to change gears manually if you feel like it. Pull the paddles at any time, any speed...you can't hurt it.

Frankly, unless you are on a track, there really is no point. After using them for a little while, you'll end up leaving it in auto mode all the time.

 

By habit I use the paddles on all the Aston line-up all the time, only time I select D is when I'm parking or maneuvering..Being like everyone has said, you have a true automatic transaxle. If you want to get the feel on when to shift in relation to RPM..drive in "D" mode for a cruise and watch the RPM gauge when the trans shifts on it's own(watch the cluster, you'll see the gear change), then go WOT and compare at how high the RPM change..Now select "Sport" mode and see the slightly higher RPM change while cruising and then WOT.

You will never succeed at something you never attempt, youtube is a great virtual feel but get out and go drive in your DB9..there is safety limiters in the PCM/TCU to prevent you from upshifting and downshifting at a critical moment. If you try shifting and nothing happens, its because you shouldn't be shifting at that RPM..Hehe so worst case, you look like an idiot

 

Wildcat,

I use the paddles on my DB9 all the time. I've owned quite a few manuals over the years and still like to change gears when I want to, rather than when the auto box feels like it. I find that most autos (DB9 included) have been set up for best gas mileage so they head for the top gear way too soon. And I hate waiting for "kick-down" when you want to merge or pass -- I want the instant response you get when you're already in the correct gear.

From "Park" (with foot on brake pedal), you can pull both paddles at the same time to go into neutral. Pull the right paddle to select first gear. When you get to the RPMs you want (depending on how aggressively you're driving) pull the right paddle again. Repeat No need to "lift off" the gas pedal as you might have read about sportshift -- the torque converter smooths things out for you.

As long as you don't have the sport button pressed, the car will automatically shift if you hit the redline. With sport on, the rev limiter stops you from doing any damage. Downshifts automatically blip the throttle and produce a nice burble as you slow down. Even in paddle mode it will automatically shift down if your RPMs get too low.

Another trick is that you can select 2nd gear from a stop -- useful in poor traction situations.

As Irish has said, the car won't let you do harmful things with the paddles. Try it. With practice you might really enjoy it.

 

Without sounding gay
Can I say I love you guys
Thank you for excellent responses.
And I like that "look like an idiot hehe " comment too.