[NortonB]

We've only had our MKC for a few days, and still learning about controls, features, etc. I can't seem to find any information about the paddle shifters and how to properly use these. I read somewhere that the paddle shifter "temporarily" shifts up or down. How long does it stay in the gear to which you've shifted? Do you then have to manually shift back?
Again, I'm just not sure I understand the function of these paddle shifters.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[countryguy]

When you have the transmission in 'D', the paddle shifters can be used but will only stay in the gear selected as long as it matches the speed range most appropriate for the gear selected. For instance, if you are driving 60 kmh and use the paddle shifter to shift into 3rd but then you accelerate and don't use the paddle shifter to shift up, it will automatically disengage and go back into auto transmission mode...this is a safety feature. If you put the transmission into 'S' sport mode, then the paddle shifters will stay in whatever gear you select and if you accelerate without shifting up you will hear the engine racing just as with a normal manual transmission. The same scenario applys when decelerating and down shifting.

 

[NortonB]

Thanks very much for this info. That helps. I'll play around with this.

At some point, I expect to be towing a small utility trailer. I'm thinking that, with a trailer, shifting into "S" mode, then using the paddles, would enable me to have more control of shifting, using engine braking, etc., especially on hills. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

 

[countryguy]

Yes using the S mode and the paddle shifters will definitely help.

 

[Mpbmkc]

HMMM??? Shifting with paddles is like having sex by yourself. It gets the job done, but not the same.

Want to shift, get a clutch.

 

[ddsski]

Why not get rid of the synchros and double clutch shift to be a real man like they did 50yrs ago. That would be like personal pleasure without the lubricant. Face it, the auto is now faster than the manual. There is a reason the first upgrade in any racing series means going from basic manual, to sequential, then to true paddles. THEY ARE BETTER AND FASTER. WELCOME TO THE 21ST CENTURY.
What tranny is on the new Ford GT.......

 

[Mpbmkc]

Why not get rid of the synchros and double clutch shift to be a real man like they did 50yrs ago. That would be like personal pleasure without the lubricant. Face it, the auto is now faster than the manual. There is a reason the first upgrade in any racing series means going from basic manual, to sequential, then to true paddles. THEY ARE BETTER AND FASTER. WELCOME TO THE 21ST CENTURY.
What tranny is on the new Ford GT.......

People don't drive manuals to necessary go faster.

They drive them to be "one" with the car.

 

[ddsski]

I find the steering wheel and brakes and gas pedal give me plenty of oneness. I can outshift 99% of the public with perfectly blipped heel/toe technique after 15yrs of track time. Don't get me wrong I still love it, but it will probably be my last track ride with a manual. Then I'll just keep a Miata handy for manual shifting perfection.

 

[redcarsonly]

This should help!

https://youtu.be/M-4pWFyZZ34


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Randyroyalty]

So i have a 2017 mkc 2.0 select awd

If i understand the sport mode correctly if i shift into "s" instead of "d" but do not use the paddle shifters then the transmission will still react as automatic but with different shiftnpoints and the handling and performance will be adjusted as they are set in the vehicle settings accesible from the left selection panel on the steering wheel?

I also have a 2013 mkz fwd with the same 2.0 engine. It has the same transmission setup, paddle shifters, and the same selection options for setting performance and handling characteristics in the vehicle settings.

Should i assume both vehicles function the same way in "s" mode?

 

[countryguy]

My understanding is that when 'S' mode is selected, the gear selected is held and you must use the paddle shifters to change gears just as with a manual transmission whereas in 'D' the gears will shift automatically if you are using the paddle shifters but neglect to change gears as necessary.

 

[blankster]

My understanding is that when 'S' mode is selected, the gear selected is held and you must use the paddle shifters to change gears just as with a manual transmission whereas in 'D' the gears will shift automatically if you are using the paddle shifters but neglect to change gears as necessary.

I believe (I don't use it much) if you select "S' the transmission will shift automatically using the shift points assigned to the "Sport" engine setting unless you use the paddles.. Using the paddles will cause the transmission to go into manual mode requiring the paddles to be used all the time.. I have "S" assigned to the firmer ride setting but engine performance at normal but I think it applies to performance also.

 

[countryguy]

I tried 'S' mode yesterday. The shifting did take place automatically until I started to use the paddle shifters.

 

[mrmikesdeuce]

I believe (I don't use it much) if you select "S' the transmission will shift automatically using the shift points assigned to the "Sport" engine setting unless you use the paddles.. Using the paddles will cause the transmission to go into manual mode requiring the paddles to be used all the time.. I have "S" assigned to the firmer ride setting but engine performance at normal but I think it applies to performance also.

In my '17 Reserve, I use S mode and sport suspension settings all the time. Occasionally I accidently hit a paddle and the trans will go into manual mode. I just hit the S button again, and the trans goes back to the automatic S mode.

 

[5.0 Candy REDCS]

I tried 'S' mode yesterday. The shifting did take place automatically until I started to use the paddle shifters.

Exactly right!....if in "S" mode and you do not use the paddle shifters, it maintains the predetermined shift points automatically....once you use the paddles you override that automation and the shifting becomes your responsibility.....if I get to town and I was using S mode but have used the paddles, I usually toggle back to "D" then back to "S" which places the trans in sport mode but shifts according to automation....best way I can explain this!

Speaking of paddle shifters: cannot understand what Lincoln engineers were thinking when they incorporated the paddle shifters to move freely with the steering wheel movements ( turning )....those things should ( like almost every other car with paddle shifters ) be stationary to the steering column....horrible design! there is NO VALID reason why they need to move with the steering wheel at all, anyone else notice this glaring annoyance? It is especially obvious to this design flaw when one's trans is placed in "S" mode and paddle shifters have been used...just don't make ANY sense at all :eek

 

[countryguy]

I disagree...makes perfect sense to me. The proper driving position is with hands and the 9 and 3 o'clock positions which gives the best access to the paddle shifters, When keeping the hands in this position and turning the wheel, the paddle shifters turn also and thus no need to remove the hands from the wheel for slight turns. If you are turning the corner, both hands are on the wheel doing the turn, so doesn't matter where the paddle shifters are located.

 

[midnite cruiser]

Couple comments:
1. the use of paddles, D, and S has obviously been programmed to be foolproof. So I recommend getting used to it by trying all combinations and settings. Don't be afraid of high rpms- the software will not let you blow up your engine.

2. paddle actions are not taken by transmission quick enough to do a facsimile manual transmission. But it is the only way to select any fixed 'gear ratio' with this pushbutton thing. (not my favorite MKC feature, the lack of a shifter).

As an original buyer of the last true manual Lincoln, the 2000 LS Sport (15 years of service to the family), I weep when I paddle.

 

[mattinfll]

The guy who sold me my MKC said you had to use the paddle shifters when you pushed the "S" on the dash. I never thought that was correct, so I am glad to see that here. But since I do have CCD - what if my vehicle settings are already set to "Sport" - does anyone know if that makes a difference? The owner's manual is of no help on this topic.

 

[dtd07]

I do feel the difference in suspension, try it out in comfort and then switch to sport. I find that comfort mode things are slower to respond ( steering/acceleration). And you can use the paddles at any time even in "D" mode. You can down or up shift, then it will return back to auto drive within 3-5 seconds.