01 "S' second gear question

I shifted from 1st to 2nd at low rpm and was running at about 3000 rpm on flat 35 mph street, when my wife said that I was not in gear. Noticed that I was just coasting but the rpm was at about 4200. Never heard or saw gear pop out of 2nd. Not sure if I was in 2nd gear to begin with althrough I could have swore I shifted into 2nd. Anyway, if it poped out by itself, it was never noticed. My question is: was running the engine at 4200 rpm out of gear for about 3 to 5 seconds very bad. Yhis has never happened before in 4500 miles. It ran perfect afterwards on the remaining drive home. Also, could it have poped out of gear in a silent way? Anyone experience this unique happening? Thanks for any informative responses.

If it happens again (doubtful) it can more than likely be corrected with a shift linkage adjustment.

Just think of it as a slight engine rev while sitting at a stop light with the clutch in. Basically the same thing. If the transmission popped out of gear you most likely would have heard/felt it happen if it was under any sort of a load. It's more likely you simply hit the shift gate and thought it was in gear. Happens to the best of us from time to time.

I'd say just enjoy the car and not get too worried over minor things.

Thanks for the response, But is 4200 rpm for 5 seconds considered low rpm? I can't help being anal about this car and its almost 2 years old.

you could've run it up to redline and it wouldn't have hurt anything.

I'm sure (positive) that you didn't do any harm to your car.

And you need to remember something - you have about two years left on your warranty! That's a good thing.

Go enjoy your car and stop being quite so anal.

in which case you should be @ 6000rpm for 10 sec. There is nothing wrong with driving your car from 3k-6k for sustained periods. Drive and enjoy....I doubt you could break it even if you tried! But, even if you did, its under warranty... a win-win.