Auto or Geartonic

[David.O]

Can someone please tell me in simple words ( no more than 6 to 8 letters) the difference between an Automatic driven tow vechile and one that has a geartronic drive. Which is best for towing and why.

David from Suffolk

 

[blackrat]

David,

Geartronic allows you to select gears manually. It will still function as fully automatic, but, if you wish, you can select individual gears at your whim. Best of both worlds. I have just changed to a geartronic V70 after an auto 850 (volvos), and look forward to being more in control of the gear selected.

Hope this helps

Gary

 

[cris_408518]

Geartronic is I believe Volvo's name for Tiptronic.

Original tiptronic type gear change was a clutchless change via electronic clutch as you moved the gear stick.

Lots of cars now have "tip function" on a coventional style fluid drive auto box like Volvo so you can use it like a manual, other cars have auto function such a DSG on VW Audi Group cars using electronics for the auto change and an electronic clutch with the option of tip funtion manual change ia a simple beck and forward gear stick motion for up and down the box.

 

[JTQ]

Isn't "Geartronic" just Volvo-speak for what ZF call "Command Shift"?

As Blackrat describes you can Command the Shifts so you can chose which gear to be in rather than the Autobox's control system making the decisions. In ZF units the option is tempered by the control system in that if what you want to do is undesirable for the engine or transmission the automatic system takes over and selects a more suitable gear.

These systems are particularly useful in marginally powered vehicles, for example to keep the turbo boost up as you approach a hill, and in more general applications to improve the engine breaking affect.

I explored its use a lot when I first towed with a Disco3 diesel but concluded that in most situations the intelligent ZF box was making all the right choices and now infrequently use it.

Sorry I cant explain it in 6 words!

 

[David.O]

blackrat

You have made the move I am planning but my 850 is manual I will be sorry to see her go 150 k miles on the clock and goes like a dream. but if I want to change I feel nows the time and you have confirmed my thoughts. I would like to know how you get on with the V70 and the Geartronic. is it the more powerful engine? I am feeling envious already.

Thanks to you all for your help just what was needed

David from Suffolk

 

[Lol1]

Geartronic is I believe Volvo's name for Tiptronic.

Original tiptronic type gear change was a clutchless change via electronic clutch as you moved the gear stick.

Lots of cars now have "tip function" on a coventional style fluid drive auto box like Volvo so you can use it like a manual, other cars have auto function such a DSG on VW Audi Group cars using electronics for the auto change and an electronic clutch with the option of tip funtion manual change ia a simple beck and forward gear stick motion for up and down the box.

I think you will find that the DSG in VAG products have nothing to do with being automatic or tiptronic in nature, cris. If you want an explanation, I can oblige, but it would be quicker and easier for you to research it yourself on the net.

 

[blackrat]

David,

I too was sorry to see the back of my 850, although my brother in law has it so its still around! It was a T5 with all the toys which all still worked at 120,000. Even the air con! Downside was the 18 mpg with the van on the back! I am very pleased with the D5 I have. It is three years old and therefore the 163bhp. I can also change the headlight bulb without having to remove the front bumper. this is required on the 2005 model year. I am getting 42mpg according to the computer, diesels seem to suffer economy wise when fitted with auto. But I am of an age and the traffic these days is such that I prefer the auto. I tend to let the gearbox do the work at the moment, but once I get the van on the back I will probably make more use of the geartronic. The 850 would drop out of top gear on any hint of an incline, so it will be nice to have a bit more control. When overtaking the gear can be selected rather than rely on the kickdown. Handy if you can anticipate the overtake. If you are thinking of a D5, avoid the early ones as there expensive problems with the injectors, although I believe volvo are coughing up. Mine is the 2004 model year and isn't affected by this.

Good luck

Gary

 

[David.O]

Gary

Thanks for that yes my 850 is a great car did a 430 mile drive on Saturday solo and did not waste time all M roads returned 43 to the gallon it will be hard to better that with the V70, But like you my joints don't work like they used to hence I am looking for a different gear box and the Geartronic looks the answer, your comments have helped confirm my thoughts. All I need to do now is see whats in the piggy bank!!

David from Suffolk