| Author |
Message |
TLittle
Guest
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 Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 8:12 am Post subject:
Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometers? |
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Curious as hell about this.
Was taught by the parents to drive in general on a 65 Chevy with an auto
tranny.
Then the parents taught me to drive a stick on a 67 Dodge 3-on-the-tree
Dart.
None of them had a tach.
I presently drive a 5-speed sedan with a tach but I never notice it as I
shift based on what my ear (and obviously "experience") tells me.
Obviously I understand what the tachometer is for but.....my friends
and relatives various vehicles are universally automatics and almost all
- depending of course on the options they took - have tachometers on
them.
What's the point of the tachometer on a vehicle with an automatic
transmission?
Seriously, based on my understanding of WHY the tachometer exists, why
are there tachs on vehicles with automatic transmissions?
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tom
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 1:46 pm Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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tach's are in cars today for a very simple reason. they make the idiots who
buy and drive them feel "sporty". it has nothing to do with finding the
shift points.a honda civic is a honda civic. but put a tach in it and a big
wing on the back, and it is a CIVIC!!! see? it gots a tach . now i can go
racing cause i gots a race car!!! its got to be one, cause its got a tach in
it!!
"TLittle" <mail@mail.net> wrote in message
news:432D1CDA.E029CA73@mail.net...
| Quote: |
Curious as hell about this.
Was taught by the parents to drive in general on a 65 Chevy with an auto
tranny.
Then the parents taught me to drive a stick on a 67 Dodge 3-on-the-tree
Dart.
None of them had a tach.
I presently drive a 5-speed sedan with a tach but I never notice it as I
shift based on what my ear (and obviously "experience") tells me.
Obviously I understand what the tachometer is for but.....my friends
and relatives various vehicles are universally automatics and almost all
- depending of course on the options they took - have tachometers on
them.
What's the point of the tachometer on a vehicle with an automatic
transmission?
Seriously, based on my understanding of WHY the tachometer exists, why
are there tachs on vehicles with automatic transmissions?
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Daniel W. Rouse Jr.
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 2:23 pm Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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"TLittle" <mail@mail.net> wrote in message
news:432D1CDA.E029CA73@mail.net...
| Quote: |
Curious as hell about this.
Was taught by the parents to drive in general on a 65 Chevy with an auto
tranny.
Then the parents taught me to drive a stick on a 67 Dodge 3-on-the-tree
Dart.
None of them had a tach.
I presently drive a 5-speed sedan with a tach but I never notice it as I
shift based on what my ear (and obviously "experience") tells me.
Obviously I understand what the tachometer is for but.....my friends
and relatives various vehicles are universally automatics and almost all
- depending of course on the options they took - have tachometers on
them.
What's the point of the tachometer on a vehicle with an automatic
transmission?
Seriously, based on my understanding of WHY the tachometer exists, why
are there tachs on vehicles with automatic transmissions?
A tachometer on an automatic transmission vehicle can be very useful, |
especially for one that is electronically controlled.
If I want to get the transmission to shift smoothly at something like 3000
rpm in each gear, I can gradually accelerate and then let off the throttle
just a bit as the tachmeter nearly reaches 3000 rpm, at which time, the
transmission will shift at the desired RPM's.
Same goes for if I want the transmission to shift at 2500 RPM's or less
(although that's really slow acceleration generally only used in residential
areas) or at 4000 RPM's or more (climbing a bit of a grade). The accurate
shifts at a given RPM can continue to occur until the transmission reaches
its final gear and torque converter lockup subseqently occurs, thanks to the
visual feedback of the tachometer.
After a while, I've learned the acceleration rates for shifting at a given
RPM, so I can maintain the throttle in a constant position such that the
transmission shifts smoothly at the desired RPM.
Without a tachometer, I could judge by engine sound, but not know the exact
RPM's. And, it's also helpful to know when the engine is approaching redline
under more spritied acceleration (e.g., flooring it on a very short
interstate onramp that merges rather than joins with an extra lane, giving
very little distance to get up to the 65mph freeway speed) rather than just
waiting for the transmission to automatically shift to the next gear when
the engine hits redline.
Since my car's specifications indicate a maximum of 126 horsepower at 5500
RPM, there's really no need to exceed 5500 RPM, but I wouldn't know if I
reached or exceeded that max engine torque RPM under higher acceleration
without a tachometer.
Others may vary in their usage or requirements for a tachometer.
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Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 5:20 pm Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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As Tom said, to make you think you got a sporty car.
Useless as an udder on a turtle for most drivers. |
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Harry K
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 5:24 pm Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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Daniel W. Rouse Jr. wrote:
| Quote: | "TLittle" <mail@mail.net> wrote in message
news:432D1CDA.E029CA73@mail.net...
Curious as hell about this.
Was taught by the parents to drive in general on a 65 Chevy with an auto
tranny.
Then the parents taught me to drive a stick on a 67 Dodge 3-on-the-tree
Dart.
None of them had a tach.
I presently drive a 5-speed sedan with a tach but I never notice it as I
shift based on what my ear (and obviously "experience") tells me.
Obviously I understand what the tachometer is for but.....my friends
and relatives various vehicles are universally automatics and almost all
- depending of course on the options they took - have tachometers on
them.
What's the point of the tachometer on a vehicle with an automatic
transmission?
Seriously, based on my understanding of WHY the tachometer exists, why
are there tachs on vehicles with automatic transmissions?
A tachometer on an automatic transmission vehicle can be very useful,
especially for one that is electronically controlled.
If I want to get the transmission to shift smoothly at something like 3000
rpm in each gear, I can gradually accelerate and then let off the throttle
just a bit as the tachmeter nearly reaches 3000 rpm, at which time, the
transmission will shift at the desired RPM's.
Same goes for if I want the transmission to shift at 2500 RPM's or less
(although that's really slow acceleration generally only used in residential
areas) or at 4000 RPM's or more (climbing a bit of a grade). The accurate
shifts at a given RPM can continue to occur until the transmission reaches
its final gear and torque converter lockup subseqently occurs, thanks to the
visual feedback of the tachometer.
After a while, I've learned the acceleration rates for shifting at a given
RPM, so I can maintain the throttle in a constant position such that the
transmission shifts smoothly at the desired RPM.
Without a tachometer, I could judge by engine sound, but not know the exact
RPM's. And, it's also helpful to know when the engine is approaching redline
under more spritied acceleration (e.g., flooring it on a very short
interstate onramp that merges rather than joins with an extra lane, giving
very little distance to get up to the 65mph freeway speed) rather than just
waiting for the transmission to automatically shift to the next gear when
the engine hits redline.
Since my car's specifications indicate a maximum of 126 horsepower at 5500
RPM, there's really no need to exceed 5500 RPM, but I wouldn't know if I
reached or exceeded that max engine torque RPM under higher acceleration
without a tachometer.
Others may vary in their usage or requirements for a tachometer.
|
Same here. I use mine all the time for forcing up-shifts and as a
general check on engine performance. Example: Hmmm...last month I was
climbing this hill in 6th (od), what happened that I am now in 5th?. I
can't feel or hear the diffeence in the 6/5 or 5/6 shift so see of the
pants is no indicator.
Harry K |
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KjunRaven
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 5:32 pm Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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TLittle <mail@mail.net> wrote in news:432D1CDA.E029CA73@mail.net:
| Quote: |
Curious as hell about this.
Was taught by the parents to drive in general on a 65 Chevy with an
auto
tranny.
Then the parents taught me to drive a stick on a 67 Dodge 3-on-the-tree
Dart.
None of them had a tach.
I presently drive a 5-speed sedan with a tach but I never notice it as
I
shift based on what my ear (and obviously "experience") tells me.
Obviously I understand what the tachometer is for but.....my friends
and relatives various vehicles are universally automatics and almost
all
- depending of course on the options they took - have tachometers on
them.
What's the point of the tachometer on a vehicle with an automatic
transmission?
Seriously, based on my understanding of WHY the tachometer exists, why
are there tachs on vehicles with automatic transmissions?
|
ive found factory tach's handy in diag. some questionable tranny shift
probs.without having to hook up the scanner...shift points, shift slip,
etc....i think your first RE; had it pegged, just another 'do-dad' like
auto vol. control and steering wheel radio controls....as much as they
say there cars are values they sure spend alot of time and money on crap
thats not needed.........................kjun |
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JazzMan
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 6:47 pm Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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HLS@nospam.nix wrote:
| Quote: |
As Tom said, to make you think you got a sporty car.
Useless as an udder on a turtle for most drivers.
|
I found it useful to diagnose a TCC problem in my X-car,
I could easily see what RPMs the clutch locked up and
unlocked, and when I noticed that it wasn't locking and
unlocking at the proper RPMs for the conditions I knew
something was up. Sure enough, a few thousand miles later
it failed, but thanks to the tach I had plenty of warning
and was prepared to immediately repair the problem.
JazzMan
--
**********************************************************
Please reply to jsavage"at"airmail.net.
Curse those darned bulk e-mailers!
**********************************************************
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supply and demand. It is the privilege of human beings to
live under the laws of justice and mercy." - Wendell Berry
********************************************************** |
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mst
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Sep 18, 2005 7:27 pm Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 07:52:40 GMT TLittle <mail@mail.net> wrote:
| Quote: | What's the point of the tachometer on a vehicle with an automatic
transmission?
|
To use current-day terminology: it's "bling".
--
remove MYSHOES to email |
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Alan Johnson
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Sep 19, 2005 1:01 am Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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| Quote: | Curious as hell about this.
|
Because it's nice to know when your getting ready to "redline" when you have
your foot all the way to the floor. |
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Alan Johnson
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Sep 19, 2005 1:03 am Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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"tom" <tjctransport@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:%O9Xe.7626$IC3.6900@fe12.lga...
(fucking idiot text snipped)
I drive in Montana. It's nice to know when I'm approaching redline on the
tach when I have my foot to the floor. |
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Alan Johnson
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Sep 19, 2005 1:04 am Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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<HLS@nospam.nix> wrote in message
news:SXcXe.23$Ur.19@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...
| Quote: | As Tom said, to make you think you got a sporty car.
Useless as an udder on a turtle for most drivers.
|
Unless you want to know when you're getting ready to redline when the foot
is to the floor. |
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Louis M. Brown
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Sep 19, 2005 2:00 am Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 07:52:40 GMT, TLittle <mail@mail.net> wrote:
| Quote: |
Curious as hell about this.
Was taught by the parents to drive in general on a 65 Chevy with an auto
tranny.
Then the parents taught me to drive a stick on a 67 Dodge 3-on-the-tree
Dart.
None of them had a tach.
I presently drive a 5-speed sedan with a tach but I never notice it as I
shift based on what my ear (and obviously "experience") tells me.
Obviously I understand what the tachometer is for but.....my friends
and relatives various vehicles are universally automatics and almost all
- depending of course on the options they took - have tachometers on
them.
What's the point of the tachometer on a vehicle with an automatic
transmission?
Seriously, based on my understanding of WHY the tachometer exists, why
are there tachs on vehicles with automatic transmissions?
|
It tends to help diagnose problems with one's transmission.
-LMB |
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Mark W
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Sep 19, 2005 2:34 am Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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"TLittle" <mail@mail.net> wrote in message
news:432D1CDA.E029CA73@mail.net...
| Quote: |
Curious as hell about this.
|
Well, if you want to hold a low gear for acceleration up a hill or
something, it's nice to know how hard you're thrashing the engine.
Or setting your idle speed....
Tell you what, why do cars have oil pressure warning lights? I mean, you
know if your car loses all oil pressure, right? The engine grinds to a halt
and seizes...
Why does your car have a temperature gauge? You'd know if it was overheating
by the clouds of steam... |
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Scott Dorsey
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:30 am Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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In article <432ddd72$1_2@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com>, Mark W <s@o> wrote:
| Quote: | "TLittle" <mail@mail.net> wrote in message
news:432D1CDA.E029CA73@mail.net...
Curious as hell about this.
Well, if you want to hold a low gear for acceleration up a hill or
something, it's nice to know how hard you're thrashing the engine.
Or setting your idle speed....
Tell you what, why do cars have oil pressure warning lights? I mean, you
know if your car loses all oil pressure, right? The engine grinds to a halt
and seizes...
Why does your car have a temperature gauge? You'd know if it was overheating
by the clouds of steam...
|
It's getting hard to find cars with oil pressure gauges today, and even
BMW is now promoting fake temperature gauges. Soon, even the idiot lights
will all be replaced by one red light that says REPLACE ENGINE.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." |
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Arif Khokar
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:45 am Post subject:
Re: Why do cars with automatic transmissions have tachometer |
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Alan Johnson wrote:
| Quote: | Unless you want to know when you're getting ready to redline when the foot
is to the floor.
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We read what you had to say the first two times, idiot. |
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