ok so we all know how to test drive an automatic transmission but what about a dual clutch transmission. i'm not very good with a manual so do you think i could just test drive the automatic side of it and assume because the automatic side worked that the manual is good too? or could there be problems not detected by testing just the automatic side of the transmission effecting the manual side?

 

ummmmmmmmmmmmm WAT?

Are you referring to tiptronic or w/e it is called? Basically auto-manual where you can shift, but there is no clutch pedal?

Regardless, it should all be the same transmission. If there was an issue with it, then you would notice it in both AT and A-MT (Auto-Manual) settings I would imagine.

 

I guess i don't fully know what i'm talking about here. i just looked at a few cars and noticed two shift sticks one that looked like a automatic shift stick and one that looked like a manual shift stick in the same vehicle.

so if i just tested it in automatic that should be sufficient?

 

What exact make / model of car were you looking at?

 

SUVs like the nissan pathfinder 1998 that have two sticks

 

4x4 not standard shifter

 

how would you go about test driving that then?

i would just use the stick on the right, test reverse, go into drive and go from 0-60mph to see that it shifts fine with no slippage. would this be sufficient?

 

The stick on the left is to choose four wheel drive (use only offroad or in snow) versus two wheel drive (for regular road driving). Typically there are 4 positions:
"2H" = Normal 2WD
"N" = Neutral. The truck won't move even if the other shifter is in Drive. (This is useful because it allows you to tow the truck with the wheels on the ground without damaging the automatic transmission.)
"4H" = For driving on dirt or slick roads at moderate speed. The gear ratios are the same as 2H, but all four wheels are driven instead of just the back two.
"4L" = For climbing / descending steep hills off road. This is the so-called "granny gear". It makes all the other gears act lower.

It's important to read the owner's manual for the specific vehicle, because 4x4 systems are all a little different. Sometimes in addition to or instead of a stick on the floor, there are other controls on the dashboard or even on the front wheel hubs that must be operated to go into or out of four wheel drive.

When test driving a 4x4 you should always include a mild offroad test (such as bombing around in a field) in 4wd mode to make sure that it works.

 

Not saying it's right/legal but this is what i would do...
Find mud/snow or open field. keep it in 2wd start doing doughnuts or drifting. Then put her in 4wd and do the same thing, you will definitely feel a difference if the 4wd is working. if not, your t-case is not shifting into 4wd or you have a problem in the T-case. and like Mk378 said check the owners manual for wheel hubs locks n such

 

Thank you for the pix.. I was lost for a minute there.