What RPM & Speed does the auto mode shift to 5th gear ? Seems every time I go into manual mode it is in 4th and must shift up to 5th for better fuel economy.

Also what RPM/Speed in 5th provides best fuel economy ?

 

Well I guess it would depend on your throttle position and speed. But it should go to 5th at highway speeds as soon as you maintain a steady speed (after acceleration is done)

 

The 5AT will shift into 5th at 35mph, or less, w/light throttle. The AT is designed to downshift into 4th gear from full auto. It seems to think you want to downshift and drive more sporting than full auto.

Look in the Owner's Manual for the fuel economy in gears. I would guess the best fuel economy would be 35-45mph in 5th. Not much fun and not allowed on most freeways. Full auto and a light throttle will yield the best fuel economy, maybe.

 

When you change from auto to manual from a stop, you'll be in first gear. When you change from auto to manual while in motion, you'll be in fourth gear. It's in the owners manual, but it looks like you've already discovered this through experimentation.

 

You can also end up in 2nd or 3rd going from full auto to manual mode. It depends on your speed, if you are in full auto but going slowly, it will shift to the lower gears. Surprised me, but I'd only switched to manual at a stop or when full auto was in 5th gear, previously. The transmission is supposed to learn your habits and adjust accordingly, spooky. A.I., anyone?