Snow driving problem
 

I guess this question is for everyone that has to deal with snow. I noticed when I downshift from 2nd to first in the snow, my car sometimes dies. I can start it right back up no prob. The thing is I loose some control over my car when it happens. I have driven in snow all my life, and do not understand why it is happening in this car. When this happens it feels like the car shifts gears but the tires somehow are not responding. I just wanted to know if anyone else has this problem. Thanks in advance for the help.

I've had my Pro through 2 winters now and haven't had my Pro die on me in a way that you describe. In what situation are you downshifting from 2nd to 1st? At a stop light? Going around a corner (I hope not!)? It sounds like your car is stalling somehow. Any more info you can provide?

I had a similar problem with my shadow. When there was too much snow (about a foot and a half) the car would stall and I'm sure it was because of the intake position, it was choking out the engine due to no air flow up under the car. It happend mostly when going through the snowbanks at the end of the lane. the intake was located in the front fender. Just throwing an idea out there for you, don't know if it will help. Good luck.

it only happens when downshifting at very slow speeds. (parking lots and such situations) I shift down to get more response but the car doesn't seem to react well. And it's definitely not a foot and a half of snow. Our snow removal is non existant here so when it snows every street becomes one big ice patch. Thanks for the info. I think the car just stalls because the tires can't grip? I know that's kind of a bad explanation but you might have to experience it to know what I am talking about??

Thats why Autos are better:D

I doubt its just his gearbox, and no they are not...

hey ya,

When I first learnt to drive, I was told that its not necessary to downshift from 2nd to 1st. I use 1st gear mostly for getting the car to move on dry conditions. In Waterloo, Ontario, where I'm from I always start using 2nd.

Anyway, back to my point, I always just downshift from 3rd to 2nd then neutral and brake (when stopping for a red). I think the problem with 2nd to 1st is that the tacho revs too high on the snow/ice condition, causing the wheels to spin too fast to control. As for stalling from shifting 2nd to 1st ... I'm not too sure what causes that problem. But check it out!

Hope this helps!

Feather your clutch folks.

If you downshift from second to first and just pop the clutch when there's resistance from snow, you will stall.

Release the clutch in increments. If you feel the car is about to stall, push in the clutch a tad until the engine smooths out and you feel a pull.

Also, remember that because Proteges (except Mazdaspeed) don't have limited-slip differential (we have open differential), when you have no traction on one of the front tires, your car will not move.

Alright so i am a little new posting here, but i have been reading for awhile now..heres what i am thinking is happening...If you are on a slippery surface such as ice, when you downshift into first you are creating enough engine breaking as to accually lock of your tire the is residing on the ice. You then cannot control your car as you state because with the fronts locked up you simply cannot steer. You also don;t need to get it into first when you approach a stop as it is harder on the syncros, especially when new or cold.. Just keep it in second until you are basically stoped then put it in. I think this i should help..mind you its 4 52 in the morning so, hope this helps