L gear in Acura TL
The “L” gear in the Acura TL refers to the transmission gear selector position. Acura TLs come equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The possible gear selector positions are:
P – Park
R – Reverse
N – Neutral
D – Drive
L – Low
The “L” or Low position limits the transmission to the first three gears (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for increased engine braking power when going down hills. This helps take some load off the regular brakes. Some drivers also use the Low position for added engine braking when driving in hilly or mountainous areas.
The Acura TL automatic transmission generally shifts smoothly through the 5 forward gears. However, some model years between 1999-2004 had issues with the torque converter and transmission failures due to heat-related damage. Honda extended the transmission warranty on some affected TLs.
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Is it bad to drive in low gear all the time?
Depending on the reason, it’s not generally bad for the vehicle as long as the engine RPM isn’t near redline. If you are towing a heavy trailer and/or climbing a hill and you need more power or engine braking, there’s nothing wrong with using low gears as long as you don’t exceed redline.
When should I use L gear?
Shifting into low gear when you’re ascending a steep hill helps to reduce wear and tear on your engine. Shifting into low gear when you’re descending an incline reduces strain on your transmission. Since you’ll slow down automatically, you’ll also reduce the strain on your brakes!
Does L gear use more gas?
But in lower gear it’s rpm increases (5000–6000). This means that the engine runs faster for same speed of the car when in lower gear. Higher rpm means higher number of times the fuel is injected into the engine in a minute. Hence at lower gear more fuel is consumed.
Is L gear good for snow?
Driving through ice and snow. When you shift to a low gear, your car will always drive more slowly and with more power, which can help your wheels grip the road under slippery conditions and prevent you from spinning out of control. Driving up and down hills, like when traveling through the mountains.
Can I shift from D to L while driving?
Yes, you can shift from D to L while moving in an automatic transmission car. Today’s transmission are electronic. There are rev limiters for shifting to lower gears. The transmission simply won’t shift to a lower gear above a certain RPM for each gear.
Is it good to drive in L mode?
L is for Low usually, used to get out of sticky situations where you don’t want it to automatically shift up a gear, or for towing a heavy trailer load up a steep hill perhaps. Once you have done what you need to do and are on a nice open road, just sling it back into D for drive and resume normal progress.
Can you drive fast in low gear?
Driving at a high speed in a lower gear causes excessive wear & tear on both the transmission & the motor.
Does the L gear make your car faster?
Low Gear vs High Gear
The lower the gear, the more power available. This is used when you want engine power high and vehicle speed low. The higher the gear, the faster the engine runs. This is used for traveling at fast speeds.
Does L mode save gas?
Yes, low gear will consume more fuel, Your engine RPM will increase along with greater gear Multiplication. Low gear is designed for greater low speed pulling Capabilities. For obvious reasons L gear accounts for lower value of RPM and high values of torque.
Does L gear save gas?
But in lower gear it’s rpm increases (5000–6000). This means that the engine runs faster for same speed of the car when in lower gear. Higher rpm means higher number of times the fuel is injected into the engine in a minute. Hence at lower gear more fuel is consumed.
