[BobosCurse]

When I learned many years ago, it was basically "Push the clutch, shift, release the clutch, push the gas."

I really need to learn the theory of driving. I'm making my passengers barf.

The Fiesta's engine is so quiet that I stalled it once in an intersection. Now I'm paranoid so I gun it into 1st. I also misjudge which gear to use when downshifting, but I guess that will come with more experience.

 

[blueflame]

I've noticed that with such lightweight cars, you don't have to drive the same way with a clutch as you do in heavier cars. Most of what you are explaining sounds like 'learning the gears'. Once you've learned how to drive the car, it won't be bad at all.

 

[Reddog99]

I tend to drive-by-ear myself. It might help to watch the tach more until you become more familiar with the vehicle.

 

[BobosCurse]

I'm assuming the shift indicator is conservative...what do you think?

 

[Scotty_Pimmpen]

I'm assuming the shift indicator is conservative...what do you think?

There is a shift indicator? Can it be turned off?

 

[mrbirdman330]

Yeah by pulling the bulb out of the dash. Basic small gear shifting should take roughly four seconds total from clutch in to clutch out. Basically clutch in, wait a sec, shift gears, clutch out while lightly pressing accelerator. Works best in smooth shifting, also you might want to learn ''progressive shifting'' shifting at higher rpms per gear. Works out great in fuel economy and acceleration.

 

[BobosCurse]

I could use some lessons on shifting efficiently.

Scotty, the shift indicator is a little yellow up-arrow in the middle of the speedometer. It feels to me like it comes on too early, but what do I know.

The engine is so quiet I find myself forgetting to shift sometimes.

 

[Audrey]

I could use some lessons on shifting efficiently.

Scotty, the shift indicator is a little yellow up-arrow in the middle of the speedometer. It feels to me like it comes on too early, but what do I know.

The engine is so quiet I find myself forgetting to shift sometimes.

The shift indicator is conservative in my 97 Escort. I was new to driving a stick when I got the car but after a couple of weeks I did it without needing to think about it. You get used to the sound queues from your engine and figure it out. Don't worry, just drive!

 

[bramos09]

Yeah I noticed the shift indicator is conservative and it's very quiet in the cabin. Shifting is very smooth though.

 

[bramos09]

I find it very quiet too. On older cars I got used to shifting based on the engine sound. You'll get better driving manual! It's really fun driving the Fiesta, do you agree?

 

[BobosCurse]

It's really fun driving the Fiesta, do you agree?

Absolutely! I just had to run out and get some groceries. Instead of going to the store that's 2 minutes away, I went to the next town.

"Play artist: Eric Clapton."

Too cool.

 

[Reddog99]

The shift indicator is programmed for best fuel economy (I think it says this in the manual). So it would seem to be early if you're in more of a hurry or sporting mood.

 

[Casca]

I don't know about the Fiesta yet, but it might be @ the same as my current car. Normal shifts, I do at 3k rpm. More spirited shifts, I do at 3500++ to 4000 rpms. If I am driving around and the speeds make my rpm above 3000 rpm's then I will up-shift. If I am driving around and the speeds make my rpm's below 2500 rpm's, then I will downshift. That was for normal, I am not in a hurry kinda shifting. If I was in a hurry, I'd make sure to keep the motor spooled up to 3000 rpms....otherwise I go with 2500 to 3000.

 

[eRic]

here's an article on how to drive a stick shift.
How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps

 

[golf strom]

The shift indicator is programmed for best fuel economy (I think it says this in the manual). So it would seem to be early if you're in more of a hurry or sporting mood.

Yep, whenever you see these in a car it is always to help you achieve the best possible economy...I remember these way back in the late 70s on some basic VW Rabbit models...they did help you get the best MPG but that flashing yellow lamp IS annoying too.

 

[Tink75]

Yep, whenever you see these in a car it is always to help you achieve the best possible economy...I remember these way back in the late 70s on some basic VW Rabbit models...they did help you get the best MPG but that flashing yellow lamp IS annoying too.

I used electric tape to cover it up on both of my Escorts because it got so annoying.

 

[BobosCurse]

here's an article on how to drive a stick shift.
How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps

LOL! That's actually a really good primer!

 

[Chan]

Wait until you get onto a steep hill Your handbrake is your friend until you get used to it.

EDIT: Question for the manual owners, does the Fiesta have enough torque in 2nd gear to start from a stop?

 

[Marc]

here's an article on how to drive a stick shift.
How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps

Eventually, she did learn to drive stick:

 

[Marc]

EDIT: Question for the manual owners, does the Fiesta have enough torque in 2nd gear to start from a stop?

Every car can do that--it's more a matter of driving skills than torque. With enough clutch I can even start in 3rd gear.