2 Questions:

I have an '09 with automatic transmission, can I go from "D" to "S" (D being Drive, S being the mode where you can paddle shift) while I'm driving or does the car need to be stopped, or going slowly?

Also,

What kind of sunshade are you guys using? I just tried to put up the sunshade I used to use in my '98 Chevy S-10 and it is pitifully tiny compared to the huge windshield in the Fit.

Ty in advance.

Edit: Also, ideally I would like to find someone who knows of a good tint shop in Las Vegas. I am one of those people that will research something into the ground before buying, and I'm having trouble getting enough info about tint shops in this area. Money is not an object when it comes to my brand new baby, and I want the best tint possible.

 

The paddle shifters work a few different ways.

They work in D. For example if you want to pass a car, hit - and it will downshift, providing more power to pass, then as you begin to slow down, the trans will automatically go back into the proper gear.

You can also use them in S. That way it works almost like a true MT. Most cars will intervene if you do ANY excessive revving, the fit wont do anything till it hits the redline.

But to answer your question, you can switch from D to S and back to D at any speed. I do it all the time.

The only time I use S is when I am getting on the interstate. Once the speedo hits 75, I put it back into D.

 

Awesome! That was what I wanted to hear!

 

Really? I once switched into S mode while I was on the highway and the car was not happy...it was like it jumped down a few gears which I was going way too fast for. Does it work for you when you switch to S while on the highway? Maybe my fit just goofed...I haven't tried it again.

 

I bought a custom sunshield:
AJUSA - 2008 HONDA FIT - Covercraft - 5 #5)

It's made a big difference

 

^ that says a 2k8 model...

do you have it yet?

 

ooooooh.. i need clarification on something as well. If you leave it at S, won't the car shift if your rev is too high. I forgot to put it back to D one time. I just noticed the engine was loud that's when I noticed it was still in S. I was already at my exit when I noticed but I dont remember switching to S while on the freeway.

 

I second the Covercraft sunshade. I've used their folding ones (UVS100) in two vehicles and the custom fit is great. Much better than a universal one unless you get lucky. Their web site doesn't show sunshades for the '09 Fit yet.

 

D-S while driving is 100% fine. been doing it over 15k miles now in my 07.

 

+1

I've used a UVS100 for my TSX and 330i. Great products. Wait for the custom one for 2009 FIT.

 

Best sunshades, period, are from this company. Purchased one for the first time for my '03 Element, then another for my '04 Pilot, then for my '96 del Sol and now for my '99 CL and they've all fit PERFECTLY with no sagging at all. Plus, they roll up and secure with a velcro strap. Atop all this, they've already got one for the '09 Fit:

Linkified: Fit (2009) HeatShieldStore.com

 

That's because if you use S without the paddle shifters, it will keep the engine at higher RPMs in general and won't use 5th gear at all.

Be careful shifting an automatic while moving. If you hit a bump in that key moment, you might find yourself suddenly in reverse.

 

Sorry, I have a 2008 version. Since they changed it for 2009 I guess you'll have to wait. Or go for the one icanhaszfit linked to.

 

While in S mode if the revs get to low will it automatically downshift as well? For example, say I left it in 3rd and was coming to a complete stop.

 

Anybody else have experience with these? Looks like it would work pretty good to me, looks well made. I've got my mouse pointer hovering on the order button right now...

 

i know from test driving that if you are in 2nd and slowing down it automatically places itself in 1st; don't know about from 3rd though. don't own one (yet)

 

I had one of the roll-up metalized sunshades for a Murano once had. Glad I kept it, it works perfectly on the Fit.

 

how much do these shades go for?

 

The 2008 HeatShield is $34.95 plus $10.32 shipping. I want to find it retail to save money. But convenience is having it shipped.

Almost $50 for a sunshade is a lot.

 

Has anybody bought a custom sunshade for the 2009 Fit recently (since September)? I'd rather buy a sunshade that is already tested out by someone, since the ones I see online are kind of expensive. Otherwise I'll just buy some cheap generic one from Target or Walmart.