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How to Change Shift Mode in Iracing

Change shift mode in iRacing fast: switch manual/auto or sequential/H‑pattern, map controls and test. Quick steps for iRacing drivers to fix this issue fast.

If you’re asking how to change shift mode in iracing, the quick outcome: open iRacing’s Options → Controls to map a sequential or H‑pattern shifter, or change the car’s transmission option in the Garage if the car supports it. This guide gets you fixed and back on track fast.

Quick Answer — how to change shift mode in iracing

Most of the time you change shift mode in two places: the Controls panel (for your hardware—sequential vs H‑pattern and clutch mapping) and the Garage/car options (for car-specific auto vs manual transmission). Use Controls to map your device, then test in a private on‑track session.

What’s really going on

There are two different “shift mode” things people mean:

Hardware mode: whether your shifter behaves as sequential (button/paddle Up/Down) or H‑pattern (individual gear positions). That’s handled in the Controls input mappings.
Car transmission setting: some cars let you choose automatic or manual transmission before the session. That’s a car option in the Garage for that vehicle.

If your shifter feels wrong it’s usually a mapping issue (Controls), not a driver skill issue.

Step-by-step fix

Press Esc in iRacing and choose Options → Controls.
Select your shifter device from the device list at the top (wheelbase, fanatec/Thrustmaster/G27 shifter, etc.).
For sequential use: map Shift Up and Shift Down to your paddles or buttons (assign “Gear Up” and “Gear Down”).
For H‑pattern use: either enable H‑pattern mode (if the interface shows it) or map each gear to its own button/slot; also map the clutch axis.
If the car supports auto/manual: return to the Garage before joining a server, look for Transmission/Car Options and set Automatic or Manual as needed.
Test in a practice or test drive: confirm the gear indicator moves, listen for gear changes, and try the clutch if needed. If it’s not working, repeat Controls mapping and calibrate the axis.

Extra tips / checklist

Calibrate your clutch and shifter axis in Controls if gear engagement feels inconsistent.
If H‑pattern doesn’t work, try mapping each gear to a separate button as a fallback.
Update wheel/shifter firmware and drivers—old firmware causes odd behavior.
Disable other apps that might take controller input (Steam Input, wheel config utilities).
After changes, restart the session or the sim—some mappings only apply on load.

FAQs

Q: Can I change shift mode mid‑race?
A: You can change hardware mappings in Options, but car transmission (auto/manual) might only be selectable before the session in the Garage.

Q: H‑pattern doesn’t register all gears — what do I do?
A: Recalibrate the shifter, check deadzones, and map individual gear buttons if the shifter’s H‑pattern option isn’t recognized.

Q: Do I need a clutch axis to use H‑pattern?
A: You don’t always need one, but a clutch axis is recommended for realistic starts and to avoid missed gears.

Q: Will changing shift mode affect my license or safety rating?
A: No—changing controls won’t change ratings, but driving errors from a bad setup can cause incidents that affect your safety rating.

Wrap-up

Fixing shift mode is usually a Controls mapping task and a quick Garage check. Map your device, calibrate the clutch, test in a private session, and you’ll be ready for clean shifts. Next: do a few standing starts to confirm clutch timing and gear selection.