Buying a used 2010 ford fusion sport

[RohitKumar]

I'm buying it tomorrow, it has 11,300 miles on it and only one previous owner.

 

I was wondering how to use the manual mode. When i talked to the salesman he was, kind of older, he said he didn't know how to use it.

[FusionDiffusion]

Manual shifting (SelectShift)?

 

All you do is flick the gear selector over into the manual shift gate. When you do this the current gear shows up in the display. To downshift, push the stick forward once for each gear. To change up, pull it back. If you forget to upshift, the car will hold the throttle at redline until you do. If you don't downshift and stop, the car will automatically downshift to 1st to prevent stalling. It is possible to start in 2nd but I haven't tried 3rd. The system won't let you downshift if you're going too fast for a particular gear. If you floor it and it's possible to be in a lower gear, the car will automatically downshift for you. So to summarize, in SelectShift mode the computer can still downshift in certain situations, but it will never upshift automatically. You must do it manually or you will stay at the redline (bad for more than a few seconds). To go back to automatic mode, just move the lever back left to the normal position. It's pretty simple.

Edited April 4, 2012 by FusionDiffusion

[drolds1]

Are you buying from a Ford dealer? If so, this salesman should consider retirement.

 

This is from the owner's guide:

 

Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) gearshift lever

This vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) gearshift lever.

SST is an automatic transmission with the ability for the driver to change gears up or down (without a clutch) as desired. By moving the gearshift lever from drive position (D) to the right into Manual (M) you now have control of selecting the gear you desire.Initially when moving the lever to the manual mode (M), the message center will display the current selected gear you are in and the SST light will illuminate. Only by moving the lever in the forward (-) or backward

(+) position will the transmission utilize the manual mode for select shifting. Driving To manually downshift the transmission:

1. Move the gearshift lever forward

to (-).

2. Release the lever, and it will

return to the M position. The

transmission will downshift.

To manually upshift the

transmission:

1. Move the gearshift lever rearward

into (+).

2. Release the lever, and it will

return to the M position. The

transmission will upshift.

When selecting the appropriate gear

in SST mode, the message center

display on the instrument cluster

will show the current selected gear

you are in.

In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which

may cause it to stall, the SST will still automatically make some

downshifts if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time.

Although the SST will make some downshifts for you, it will still allow

you to downshift at any time as long as the SST determines that the

engine will not be damaged from over-revving.

The SST will not automatically upshift, even if the engine is approaching

the RPM limit. It must be shifted manually by moving the gearshift lever

back toward (+) and releasing.

Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held

[andrewdingemans]

The salesman didn't know what selectshift was? wow. I have tried getting to third at a stop and it doesn't stay. If it's in third when I come to a stop it will downshift to 1st. plus i think 2nd gives you the best response when coming from a stop.

[bbf2530]

The salesman didn't know what selectshift was? wow. I have tried getting to third at a stop and it doesn't stay. If it's in third when I come to a stop it will downshift to 1st. plus i think 2nd gives you the best response when coming from a stop.

 

Hi Andrew. :D Just as an FYI - Generally speaking, second gear should only be used from a stop to limit wheelspin in low traction conditions . And even that advice has changed in recent years with the advent of Traction Control and other tration assist devices. Second gear can still be used in cases where stuck in deep snow and some wheel spin is necessary, but otherwise should not be used from a stop as it places added stress on the engine and transmission.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

[akirby]

Hi Andrew. :D Just as an FYI - Generally speaking, second gear should only be used from a stop to limit wheelspin in low traction conditions . And even that advice has changed in recent years with the advent of Traction Control and other tration assist devices. Second gear can still be used in cases where stuck in deep snow and some wheel spin is necessary, but otherwise should not be used from a stop as it places added stress on the engine and transmission.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

 

Did you know the first gen Lincoln LS was the first Ford vehicle with Selectshift (starting in May 1999)? Unfortunately the EPA fuel economy testing procedures were flawed for auto-manuals and resulted in the LS ending up in 4th gear instead of 5th which would have put it into gas guzzler tax territory. The transmission engineers solved it by forcing the car to start in 2nd gear in manual mode. To compensate, they programmed it to immediately drop to 1st gear if the throttle was > 60%. This still allowed 1st gear SST starts for spirited driving but kept it in 2nd gear for EPA testing. The EPA fixed the testing and the 2003-2006 models had 1st gear starts.

[bbf2530]

Did you know the first gen Lincoln LS was the first Ford vehicle with Selectshift (starting in May 1999)? Unfortunately the EPA fuel economy testing procedures were flawed for auto-manuals and resulted in the LS ending up in 4th gear instead of 5th which would have put it into gas guzzler tax territory. The transmission engineers solved it by forcing the car to start in 2nd gear in manual mode. To compensate, they programmed it to immediately drop to 1st gear if the throttle was > 60%. This still allowed 1st gear SST starts for spirited driving but kept it in 2nd gear for EPA testing. The EPA fixed the testing and the 2003-2006 models had 1st gear starts.

 

Hi Allen. :D Yes, actually had heard that before. And coincidentally, if memory serves me correctly, it was from when you had provided the information to someone quite a while ago. :stats: And some other manufacturers vehicles (usually higher performance models, manual and automatic) do have that second gear start function for EPA fuel economy reasons (although like the LS, it is defeated by higher throttle applicarions or creative wire splicing).

 

Just wondering though, would you tend to agree that everday use of second gear to run from a start in the Fusion would probably not be a good idea?

 

Thanks for the information and good luck. :beerchug:

Edited April 4, 2012 by bbf2530

[bbf2530]

I'm buying it tomorrow, it has 11,300 miles on it and only one previous owner.

 

I was wondering how to use the manual mode. When i talked to the salesman he was, kind of older, he said he didn't know how to use it.

 

Hi Rohit. :D Sorry, forgot about your original question in both of my replies : If your car does not come with an Owners Manual, you can download the PDF version here, along with other helpful Fusion User Guides - http://www.flmowner....ge&ord=91325628

 

Although FD and Art already provided you an excellent SelectShift tutorials above, you will find lots of other useful information concerning your new car in the Owners Manual.

 

Hope this helps and good luck. :beerchug:

Edited April 4, 2012 by bbf2530

[RohitKumar]

thanks for your guys responses, as for the salesman he knows what select shift is, but he didn't know how to use it.

 

when do i up shift tho? when the engine gets to a certain rpm?? or will i hear it like in a manual car. also is there any advantage to select shit? better gas or faster? and should i be using select shift more then auto? when are times to not use select shift?

 

thanks in advance for any helpful responses! I'm going right now to pick it up

[bbf2530]

thanks for your guys responses, as for the salesman he knows what select shift is, but he didn't know how to use it.

 

when do i up shift tho? when the engine gets to a certain rpm?? or will i hear it like in a manual car. also is there any advantage to select shit? better gas or faster? and should i be using select shift more then auto? when are times to not use select shift?

 

thanks in advance for any helpful responses! I'm going right now to pick it up

 

Hi Rohit. :D In general, leaving it in D is your best bet. It will give you the best mileage and under the vast majority (and possibly even all types) of throttle application will be just as fast. Of course there are exceptions, but only you know whether you normally encounter those driviing conditions in your everyday driving.

 

When would you normally use it? Here are a few examples: In hilly mountainous driving to have more control over gear selection/keep the trans out of too high (or low) a gear. Or in driving situations where you may be able to anticipate needing quick gear changes at odd moments, allowing you to shift at will, before having to hit the gas to downshift...etc..

 

When to upshift? Well, as you stated, you will hopefully learn by engine rpm sound.

 

But again, in the majority of cases there is no real gain to shifting manually, other than the feel of control. And keep in mind, as FD mentioned, that while the system is designed as "idiot-proof" as possible, it is not completely "idiot-proof". As with a manual transmission, it is possible for a driver to do long term damage to their transmission if SelectShift is not used properly and/or abused.

 

Also, reading the Owners Manual wil be very helpful.

 

Hope this helps and good luck. :beerchug:

[RohitKumar]

thanks! i just picked up the car and its great! such a smooth ride, i traded up from a 2008 fusion se v6 FWD and the sport feels a lot heavier, also on my old tank i used to get 330 miles on a tank and this one estimated at 285 , maybe the previous owner was a city drive but idk, so i reset the MPG counter and ill see how it goes. I also forgot toast , when do i down shift on the SST? and if I'm going to a stop sign or red light should i go into 2nd or 1st gear? I wish i could find someone at the dealership to teach me lol.

[RohitKumar]

Here are the pictures of the car i bought!

 

 

[akirby]

thanks! i just picked up the car and its great! such a smooth ride, i traded up from a 2008 fusion se v6 FWD and the sport feels a lot heavier, also on my old tank i used to get 330 miles on a tank and this one estimated at 285 , maybe the previous owner was a city drive but idk, so i reset the MPG counter and ill see how it goes. I also forgot toast , when do i down shift on the SST? and if I'm going to a stop sign or red light should i go into 2nd or 1st gear? I wish i could find someone at the dealership to teach me lol.

 

You should downshift similar to what you would do with a manual but it will automatically downshift to 1st when you come to a stop. It's really best to just hold a gear when going through the twisties or when you want to preselect a lower gear for passing or when you want to prevent downshifts. You wouldn't really want to shift it all the time like a true manual.

[FusionDiffusion]

Agree that you don't really go around shifting through all the gears like a manual, just in special situations. You use it to keep the tranny in the same gear going up a hill or around a curve rather than having it shift back and forth all the time. It also makes passing effortless. Go about 35 mph and put it in 2nd. Floor it and hang on (you need about 0.5 mi of clear road ahead).

[Fusionpursuit]

I use selectshift a few times, but I stick to D for better tranny life and let the car do the shifting. nice fusion sport

[RohitKumar]

is the select shift better on gas, and is it faster to accelerate with?

[Jshell757]

Nice Wheels, I just got my 2012 Today. Going from an SEL to this is a nice step up!!!

[FusionDiffusion]

is the select shift better on gas, and is it faster to accelerate with?

 

Just leaving it in drive will get you the best fuel economy. Using it will not make your car accelerate any faster. If you miss a shift, then it will be slower. So unless you have a reason to use it, just leave the car in drive 99% of the time.

[Jshell757]

The SST is better for hilly/wet/bend of road conditions if you want to drive it harder. It will take some time to get used to, my SEL had it, but the TF-80 just seems like a nice firm shift, and if you get bored you can start is 3rd if you want..... LOL!!!!

[Jshell757]

I saw the interior of yours, is it equipped with 401A or 402A?

 

If you are not sure, If you have EATC (Auto Climate Control), then you have 402A.

[RohitKumar]

I saw the interior of yours, is it equipped with 401A or 402A?

 

If you are not sure, If you have EATC (Auto Climate Control), then you have 402A.

 

I believe its 401A cause i don't have heated seats, reverse camera , rain sensing wipers, or BLIS

 

I DO have sony speakers, reverse sensing system, moon roof and sync voice

Edited April 6, 2012 by RohitKumar

[Jshell757]

Sounds like 401a. I am sure that you will be happy with it, you got a great car.

[RohitKumar]

Sounds like 401a. I am sure that you will be happy with it, you got a great car.

 

thanks i do love it, great ride, handling and speed! head lights are also a huge improvement form my 08 fusion , and everyone loves the sport appearance add ons (fin in back and on sides)

 

i just wish there was a way I could add BLIS too, that is what i wanted most

[Jshell757]

Yea, I had an 08 SEL l, and I can tell you compared to my 2012, the Headlights did suck on that car. I just realized that you had a 2010 so you do not have the blind spot mirrors on that car, I personally like those better then the BLIS to be honest with you. I wish mine had both. I think you may be able to change the glass to get the blind spot mirrors on your car. If my memory serves me correctly, they are not heated, so the glass change should be a cinch.

 

The only way to get BLIS on the Sport is to get the 402a package, and then you get everything else too.

 

The only reason that I ordered that package was for the EATC, and the heated seats, but that is the only way you can get it. So then it becomes an SEL that is faster and more fun to drive. :-)

[RohitKumar]

Yea, I had an 08 SEL l, and I can tell you compared to my 2012, the Headlights did suck on that car. I just realized that you had a 2010 so you do not have the blind spot mirrors on that car, I personally like those better then the BLIS to be honest with you. I wish mine had both. I think you may be able to change the glass to get the blind spot mirrors on your car. If my memory serves me correctly, they are not heated, so the glass change should be a cinch.

 

The only way to get BLIS on the Sport is to get the 402a package, and then you get everything else too.

 

The only reason that I ordered that package was for the EATC, and the heated seats, but that is the only way you can get it. So then it becomes an SEL that is faster and more fun to drive. :-)

 

 

Yeah dude i really wanted the 402A but it was okay because everything about this care (except the mpg) is better then the 08 lol for me I look for engine speed and drive quality before others so the 263HP is much nicer for me. I do like the blind spot mirror to, and I forgot those existed maybe I can see if there is a way to add them! i really wanted the BLIS for backing out so i have more notice as to who is coming form where !