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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 19:56:29

Title: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 19:56:29
Right... I feel a bit of a burke here! I will be getting in one weeks time (and cannot wait!!) a mig estate 2.0 auto. However.... How the effing hell do I drive it?  :-[

Do you have to start in neutral? or can you start in d. I take it d is 'normal'. And do you have to press in the wee 'button' on side of stick to change the position?

Feel a wally... but gotta ask :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: cbs2 on 19 June 2008, 19:58:53
Always starts/stops in park m8.Lift the trigger with your foot on the brake to select rev, drive etc
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 20:00:21
Very sorry... put in wrong section! Could a mod/admin move please.  :-[
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 20:01:44
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Always starts/stops in park m8.Lift the trigger with your foot on the brake to select rev, drive etc



So whats the 'N' for?  ;)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: TheBoy on 19 June 2008, 20:03:15
Start in P.

Foot on brake, move to D or R as needed.

In a gear, the car will 'creep' without foot on brake, you can use this creep on hills etc.  Sometimes you may need to coordinate feet on steeper hill.

As for parking, 2 schools of thought - 1 foot or 2 feet, with 2 feet being constantly holding a small amount of gas, whilst controlling speed on brake, reason being that the engine may surge a little whilst trying to creep back a few inches, resulting in dents!
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 19 June 2008, 20:03:31
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Right... I feel a bit of a burke here! I will be getting in one weeks time (and cannot wait!!) a mig estate 2.0 auto. However.... How the effing hell do I drive it?  :-[

Do you have to start in neutral? or can you start in d. I take it d is 'normal'. And do you have to press in the wee 'button' on side of stick to change the position?

Feel a wally... but gotta ask :y

Yes. Start the engine in P for park. Put right foot on the brake pull lever into D for drive pulling at the collar of the gear stick. Then you will have all forward gears.

I think you're referring to the sport button on the top of the gear lever. Use this and it hangs on to the gears a little longer, and kicks down more readily.

On my 3.2 auto at about 55 MPH in kick down it will change into 2nd and hold it up to 80 or so.

There is a snowflake icon on the left hand side of the gear stick. This starts the car off in 3rd gear to aid traction in bad weather
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: TheBoy on 19 June 2008, 20:04:21
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Always starts/stops in park m8.Lift the trigger with your foot on the brake to select rev, drive etc



So whats the 'N' for?  ;)
If waiting for a while in traffic, you may decide to apply handbrake and use N as per manual :)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: JueV6 on 19 June 2008, 20:07:45
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Right... I feel a bit of a burke here! I will be getting in one weeks time (and cannot wait!!) a mig estate 2.0 auto. However.... How the effing hell do I drive it?  :-[

Do you have to start in neutral? or can you start in d. I take it d is 'normal'. And do you have to press in the wee 'button' on side of stick to change the position?

Feel a wally... but gotta ask :y

Yes. Start the engine in P for park. Put right foot on the brake pull lever into D for drive pulling at the collar of the gear stick. Then you will have all forward gears.

I think you're referring to the sport button on the top of the gear lever. Use this and it hangs on to the gears a little longer, and kicks down more readily.

On my 3.2 auto at about 55 MPH in kick down it will change into 2nd and hold it up to 80 or so.

There is a snowflake icon on the left hand side of the gear stick. This starts the car off in 3rd gear to aid traction in bad weather

And the fuel gauge drops very quickly ;D ;D

But it's fun all the same ;) :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 19 June 2008, 20:08:42
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Always starts/stops in park m8.Lift the trigger with your foot on the brake to select rev, drive etc



So whats the 'N' for?  ;)

Not much! ;) If you had to stop for more than a minute or so, eg long traffic jam, you might want to put the hand brake on & put it in neutral to stop the g/box from heating up unneccessarily - or you could just put it back in Park.
Other gearbox positions are used as you might use a manual, to slow the car down going down a long hill etc
Keep your left foot out of the way to start with until you get the hang of it or you'll be dipping the clutch & hitting the big brake pedal instead! ;D :y :y :y
You'll get the hang of it.
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 19 June 2008, 20:09:06
dont use the hand brake as much as on a manual.The creep of the car in drive will hold it quite steep inclines
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: TheBoy on 19 June 2008, 20:11:23
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dont use the hand brake as much as on a manual.The creep of the car in drive will hold it quite steep inclines
Remember to use handbrake every time you park with an auto - the temptation is not to bother - else it becomes very expensive come MOT time ::)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 20:14:18
Thanks for all the advice guys.  :) :) Must say Im bricking it a bit! Just going to be so strange for me not to use the left foot, but I sometimes wish the elite was an auto. With such a beast of an engine to change gear seems to be an unessacery evil sometimes! Although when overtaking is quite nice  :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: VXL V6 on 19 June 2008, 20:19:39
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Thanks for all the advice guys.  :) :) Must say Im bricking it a bit! Just going to be so strange for me not to use the left foot, but I sometimes wish the elite was an auto. With such a beast of an engine to change gear seems to be an unessacery evil sometimes! Although when overtaking is quite nice  :y

I've always driven auto's with right foot for throttle and left foot for brake....

However, I don't suggest you do that until you've practised with no one behind you a number of times to get some sensitivity in your left foot!!!
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 20:23:07
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Thanks for all the advice guys.  :) :) Must say Im bricking it a bit! Just going to be so strange for me not to use the left foot, but I sometimes wish the elite was an auto. With such a beast of an engine to change gear seems to be an unessacery evil sometimes! Although when overtaking is quite nice  :y

I've always driven auto's with right foot for throttle and left foot for brake....

However, I don't suggest you do that until you've practised with no one behind you a number of times to get some sensitivity in your left foot!!!



Deffo! Think I will be a right footer for as long as I can help it. Looking forward to driving an auto if a little scared  ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 19 June 2008, 20:23:25
More modern autos now come with 6 or 7 speed boxes.Thesr fill in any gaps in the power curve. Kick down at 40 mph or so and youhave towait alittle while until the engine comes on cam in second gear.The old XJ12 Jags only had 3 speeds and even an engine that torqueycould not mask the gaps.
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 19 June 2008, 20:24:53
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I've always driven auto's with right foot for throttle and left foot for brake....

However, I don't suggest you do that until you've practised with no one behind you a number of times to get some sensitivity in your left foot!!!

So do I, but as you say it does take some practice, hence my comment about stowing his left foot out of the way so that he doesn't try to hit the clutch in a panic situation.  ;)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 20:25:46
So... my next stupid question.... what is kickdown  :-[
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 20:26:37
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.....
I've always driven auto's with right foot for throttle and left foot for brake....

However, I don't suggest you do that until you've practised with no one behind you a number of times to get some sensitivity in your left foot!!!

So do I, but as you say it does take some practice, hence my comment about stowing his left foot out of the way so that he doesn't try to hit the clutch in a panic situation.  ;)



And there are usually quite a few of those  ;)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: VXL V6 on 19 June 2008, 20:28:38
If you push the throttle down past the point of resistance (ie. flat to the floor) the box should, if it is able, shift down to the lowest gear it can for the speed and not change back up until you hit 6.5k or you release the throttle a little.
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 20:29:11
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Start in P.

Foot on brake, move to D or R as needed.

In a gear, the car will 'creep' without foot on brake, you can use this creep on hills etc.  Sometimes you may need to coordinate feet on steeper hill.
As for parking, 2 schools of thought - 1 foot or 2 feet, with 2 feet being constantly holding a small amount of gas, whilst controlling speed on brake, reason being that the engine may surge a little whilst trying to creep back a few inches, resulting in dents!

Why????
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 19 June 2008, 20:29:48
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So... my next stupid question.... what is kickdown  :-[

When you giive the right pedal a shove, the gearbox will change down a gear (or two depending how fast you're driving & how far you've shoved the pedal). That's kick down! ;)  :y  :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 20:30:39
 :o :o :o
At some of the responses. Put you left foot out of the way and leave it there, you do not use 2 feet with an automatic, there is no need and no advantage as far as I can tell, in my opinion. :)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 20:31:14
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If you push the throttle down past the point of resistance (ie. flat to the floor) the box should, if it is able, shift down to the lowest gear it can for the speed and not change back up until you hit 6.5k or you release the throttle a little.


Ahh, thanks for that... hence kickdown.... ::) ::)

 :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 19 June 2008, 20:32:45
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Start in P.

Foot on brake, move to D or R as needed.

In a gear, the car will 'creep' without foot on brake, you can use this creep on hills etc.  Sometimes you may need to coordinate feet on steeper hill.
As for parking, 2 schools of thought - 1 foot or 2 feet, with 2 feet being constantly holding a small amount of gas, whilst controlling speed on brake, reason being that the engine may surge a little whilst trying to creep back a few inches, resulting in dents!

Why????

If the hill is steep enough the car will creep backward so you either use the handbrake or foot brake. If you use the foot brake "you may need to co-ordinate feet"  :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 20:32:50
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So... my next stupid question.... what is kickdown  :-[

When you giive the right pedal a shove, the gearbox will change down a gear (or two depending how fast you're driving & how far you've shoved the pedal). That's kick down! ;)  :y  :y

works better in sports mode, you can also drop a gear manually ready for that 'overtake' on a country road. :)

Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 20:33:17
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:o :o :o
At some of the responses. Put you left foot out of the way and leave it there, you do not use 2 feet with an automatic, there is no need and no advantage as far as I can tell, in my opinion. :)



I think this would be my preference in driving style.. but each to their own.  :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 19 June 2008, 20:36:12
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:o :o :o
At some of the responses. Put you left foot out of the way and leave it there, you do not use 2 feet with an automatic, there is no need and no advantage as far as I can tell, in my opinion. :)

There is no advantage or need to climb a mountain but people do cos they can ;). An auto has two pedals, most people have two feet and if you can drive an auto with 2 feet, why not. I find it easier drive with both feet than with one ....... until I get back in the manual shed for work! ;D  :y  :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 20:36:55
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Start in P.

Foot on brake, move to D or R as needed.

In a gear, the car will 'creep' without foot on brake, you can use this creep on hills etc.  Sometimes you may need to coordinate feet on steeper hill.
As for parking, 2 schools of thought - 1 foot or 2 feet, with 2 feet being constantly holding a small amount of gas, whilst controlling speed on brake, reason being that the engine may surge a little whilst trying to creep back a few inches, resulting in dents!

Why????

If the hill is steep enough the car will creep backward so you either use the handbrake or foot brake. If you use the foot brake "you may need to co-ordinate feet"  :y

Disagree mate, hold on the brake then when you are ready to move on just press the go pedal, there should be no delay, I have never had a car roll back, even with hill starting with a Caravan.

ps. did I hear you were at Ganges as a boy?????
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: HolyCount on 19 June 2008, 20:37:02
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Thanks for all the advice guys.  :) :) Must say Im bricking it a bit! Just going to be so strange for me not to use the left foot, but I sometimes wish the elite was an auto. With such a beast of an engine to change gear seems to be an unessacery evil sometimes! Although when overtaking is quite nice  :y

I've always driven auto's with right foot for throttle and left foot for brake....

However, I don't suggest you do that until you've practised with no one behind you a number of times to get some sensitivity in your left foot!!!



Deffo! Think I will be a right footer for as long as I can help it. Looking forward to driving an auto if a little scared  ;D

Trick is, when driving auto for the first few times, tuck your left foot behind your right leg ( as if you are tucking under the seat) --- that keeps it out of harms way and helps you not to try to declutch with the brake !!!  You will, however, probably make a few unexpected "emergency stops"  :o
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 20:39:28
And when you really get used to it, you can throw it around and have just as much fun as in a manual, without the effort. :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Danny on 19 June 2008, 20:41:07
admittedly, it will take a lot of practice to use left foot braking without smacking your head into the steering wheel if you've never done it before

I only ever drive my auto using the right foot
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 19 June 2008, 20:42:21
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Thanks for all the advice guys.  :) :) Must say Im bricking it a bit! Just going to be so strange for me not to use the left foot, but I sometimes wish the elite was an auto. With such a beast of an engine to change gear seems to be an unessacery evil sometimes! Although when overtaking is quite nice  :y

I've always driven auto's with right foot for throttle and left foot for brake....

However, I don't suggest you do that until you've practised with no one behind you a number of times to get some sensitivity in your left foot!!!



Deffo! Think I will be a right footer for as long as I can help it. Looking forward to driving an auto if a little scared  ;D

Trick is, when driving auto for the first few times, tuck your left foot behind your right leg ( as if you are tucking under the seat) --- that keeps it out of harms way and helps you not to try to declutch with the brake !!!  You will, however, probably make a few unexpected "emergency stops"  :o


Emergency stops or severe cramp lol. I intend to keep it well out of the way... If I use my feet as a passenger and when flying then I might just cable tie the leg to the seat  ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 19 June 2008, 20:43:16
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Disagree mate, hold on the brake then when you are ready to move on just press the go pedal, there should be no delay, I have never had a car roll back, even with hill starting with a Caravan.

ps. did I hear you were at Ganges as a boy?????

Depends on the hill.  ::) Try driving an Astra G auto. My wife's does NOT creep, as though the box is 'switched off' when you're stooped with your foot on the brake. It WILL roll back on a hill, even without a 'van

ps Ganges was way way [size=20]before[/size] my time  ;)  ;)
edit Ooops! Must've been the stresses of work!
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: HolyCount on 19 June 2008, 20:46:22
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Just remember you are tied in when you try to get out --- could be a mite embarrassing  ::)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: theolodian on 19 June 2008, 21:13:29
P is for Pass
R is for Race
D is for Drag
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Growler on 19 June 2008, 21:13:42
After driving an auto a lot i find it harder going back to a manual, in that i come to a round-a-bout and get the old kangroo juice as i forget to dip the clutch :-[
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: LJay on 19 June 2008, 22:02:44
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After driving an auto a lot i find it harder going back to a manual, in that i come to a round-a-bout and get the old kangroo juice as i forget to dip the clutch :-[

Been having that problem a bit recently! I couldn't work out why my left arm and leg ached!  ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 19 June 2008, 22:13:53
First time I drove an auto I was simply told, the right foot is either driving or stopping, not both.  and as thre is no clutch there is no need to use the left leg.

My Auntie moved on to autos and had 2 boxs fitted under warranty, I reckon she was left foot braking, so many times have I seen people driving auto's nd the brake lights are still on as they pull way.

You will get used to it in no time, you will know when you have got the hang of it when your left leg isnt trying to dip the clutch as you pull up at a juction.   lol   ;D :y :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Kevin Wood on 19 June 2008, 22:25:41
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First time I drove an auto I was simply told, the right foot is either driving or stopping, not both.  and as thre is no clutch there is no need to use the left leg.

My Auntie moved on to autos and had 2 boxs fitted under warranty, I reckon she was left foot braking, so many times have I seen people driving auto's nd the brake lights are still on as they pull way.

You will get used to it in no time, you will know when you have got the hang of it when your left leg isnt trying to dip the clutch as you pull up at a juction.   lol   ;D :y :y

Agreed. If you ever want to drive a manual again without getting seriously confused, forget about your left foot, and do exactly what you used to with your right foot. Handbrake is still there if required for hill starts (although the creep will normally render this unnecessary) so I see no reason to left foot brake.

... And don't put it in park unless it's completely stopped as this drives a peg into a slot in the gearbox output shaft!

Other than that, put it in D and drive exactly as a manual without the left foot. Nothing to it.

Kevin
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: DC on 19 June 2008, 22:28:50
to be honest I am not sure you will get used to driving 2l auto after 3l manual at all. it will feel like its faster to get out and push it. why did you do it to yourself?
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 22:30:44
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to be honest I am not sure you will get used to driving 2l auto after 3l manual at all. it will feel like its faster to get out and push it. why did you do it to yourself?

You have a point, dpends if yu drive a lot in town, the 2.oL can be wound up, use sport or override............. :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: DC on 19 June 2008, 22:34:43
it is still over 1600kg. if you load it a bit thats easily 2000kg. there is only as much as one engine can do.
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 22:35:48
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it is still over 1600kg. if you load it a bit thats easily 2000kg. there is only as much as one engine can do.

I have a Mitsubishi V6 auto if I get bored........... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: woodsy_mv6 on 19 June 2008, 22:49:32
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Looking forward to driving an auto if a little scared  ;D
You'll pick it up soon enough fella.

Its just like sitting on the motorway. It'll take a bit of getting used to before you stop pushing a hole in the floor to the left of the brake and reaching for the stick when approaching the back of another car ;)

I picked my first up at christmas. Had to learn pretty quick as the car was purchased in Harrogate and I live near Crawley ::)

Personal preferance: Still manual for me - everytime :D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 22:56:29
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Looking forward to driving an auto if a little scared  ;D
You'll pick it up soon enough fella.

Its just like sitting on the motorway. It'll take a bit of getting used to before you stop pushing a hole in the floor to the left of the brake and reaching for the stick when approaching the back of another car ;)

I picked my first up at christmas. Had to learn pretty quick as the car was purchased in Harrogate and I live near Crawley ::)

Personal preferance: Still manual for me - everytime :D
[/highlight]

Sneaky.......... each to their own, it is personal preference, with a little bit of practicality, iy you drive in town all the time, and a dash of age....... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: HerefordElite on 19 June 2008, 23:18:23
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Always starts/stops in park m8.Lift the trigger with your foot on the brake to select rev, drive etc



So whats the 'N' for?  ;)
If waiting for a while in traffic, you may decide to apply handbrake and use N as per manual :)


anybody else knock it into Neutral and coast? i'm constantly doing it with these fuel prices, see traffic stopped ahead? just roll along i'm sure every little bit helps :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Kevin Wood on 19 June 2008, 23:19:39
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Always starts/stops in park m8.Lift the trigger with your foot on the brake to select rev, drive etc



So whats the 'N' for?  ;)
If waiting for a while in traffic, you may decide to apply handbrake and use N as per manual :)


anybody else knock it into Neutral and coast? i'm constantly doing it with these fuel prices, see traffic stopped ahead? just roll along i'm sure every little bit helps :y

The injection system will cut fuel on the overrun anyway, so coasting in neutral actually burns more fuel. :y

Kevin
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 23:20:35
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Always starts/stops in park m8.Lift the trigger with your foot on the brake to select rev, drive etc



So whats the 'N' for?  ;)
If waiting for a while in traffic, you may decide to apply handbrake and use N as per manual :)


anybody else knock it into Neutral and coast? i'm constantly doing it with these fuel prices, see traffic stopped ahead? just roll along i'm sure every little bit helps :y

No need to with fuel injection, unlike carb's when you lift off the fuel is cut off. :)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Martin_1962 on 19 June 2008, 23:22:10
I use one foot per pedal :-[
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: HerefordElite on 19 June 2008, 23:30:18
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Always starts/stops in park m8.Lift the trigger with your foot on the brake to select rev, drive etc



So whats the 'N' for?  ;)
If waiting for a while in traffic, you may decide to apply handbrake and use N as per manual :)


anybody else knock it into Neutral and coast? i'm constantly doing it with these fuel prices, see traffic stopped ahead? just roll along i'm sure every little bit helps :y

The injection system will cut fuel on the overrun anyway, so coasting in neutral actually burns more fuel. :y

Kevin

how can idling in neutral use anymore fuel than overrun? the engine is still conected to box when you engine-brake to a stop and then you sit there with the foot on the brake holding the engine back when you could be in Neutral?

or am i taliking out my arse again? :D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Kevin Wood on 19 June 2008, 23:38:38
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how can idling in neutral use anymore fuel than overrun? the engine is still conected to box when you engine-brake to a stop and then you sit there with the foot on the brake holding the engine back when you could be in Neutral?

If you're stopped in neutral it will use slightly less fuel than in drive.

However, when coasting in gear the transmission is turning the engine so it needs no fuel to keep running. Until the revs drop to below 1,000 RPM or so (on a V6) no fuel is injected with a closed throttle.

Put it in neutral when coasting and you lose this.

Look at the instantaneous consumption on the MID. Whenever it shows 999.9 MPG you are using NO fuel at all.

Kevin
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: HerefordElite on 19 June 2008, 23:43:27
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how can idling in neutral use anymore fuel than overrun? the engine is still conected to box when you engine-brake to a stop and then you sit there with the foot on the brake holding the engine back when you could be in Neutral?

If you're stopped in neutral it will use slightly less fuel than in drive.

However, when coasting in gear the transmission is turning the engine so it needs no fuel to keep running. Until the revs drop to below 1,000 RPM or so (on a V6) no fuel is injected with a closed throttle.

Put it in neutral when coasting and you lose this.

Look at the instantaneous consumption on the MID. Whenever it shows 999.9 MPG you are using NO fuel at all.

Kevin

i stand corrected (as usual :D)
 :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 23:47:30
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how can idling in neutral use anymore fuel than overrun? the engine is still conected to box when you engine-brake to a stop and then you sit there with the foot on the brake holding the engine back when you could be in Neutral?

If you're stopped in neutral it will use slightly less fuel than in drive.

However, when coasting in gear the transmission is turning the engine so it needs no fuel to keep running. Until the revs drop to below 1,000 RPM or so (on a V6) no fuel is injected with a closed throttle.

Put it in neutral when coasting and you lose this.

Look at the instantaneous consumption on the MID. Whenever it shows 999.9 MPG you are using NO fuel at all.

Kevin

i stand corrected (as usual :D)
 :y

We live and learn...... :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: HerefordElite on 19 June 2008, 23:51:24
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how can idling in neutral use anymore fuel than overrun? the engine is still conected to box when you engine-brake to a stop and then you sit there with the foot on the brake holding the engine back when you could be in Neutral?

If you're stopped in neutral it will use slightly less fuel than in drive.

However, when coasting in gear the transmission is turning the engine so it needs no fuel to keep running. Until the revs drop to below 1,000 RPM or so (on a V6) no fuel is injected with a closed throttle.

Put it in neutral when coasting and you lose this.

Look at the instantaneous consumption on the MID. Whenever it shows 999.9 MPG you are using NO fuel at all.

Kevin

i stand corrected (as usual :D)
 :y

We live and learn...... :y

where do you get those wicked avatars from Mike?
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 19 June 2008, 23:54:04
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how can idling in neutral use anymore fuel than overrun? the engine is still conected to box when you engine-brake to a stop and then you sit there with the foot on the brake holding the engine back when you could be in Neutral?

If you're stopped in neutral it will use slightly less fuel than in drive.

However, when coasting in gear the transmission is turning the engine so it needs no fuel to keep running. Until the revs drop to below 1,000 RPM or so (on a V6) no fuel is injected with a closed throttle.

Put it in neutral when coasting and you lose this.

Look at the instantaneous consumption on the MID. Whenever it shows 999.9 MPG you are using NO fuel at all.

Kevin

i stand corrected (as usual :D)
 :y

We live and learn...... :y

where do you get those wicked avatars from Mike?

A forum member gave me a link, now don't get technical I will see if I can find it, I know the site but how do I put it on?????

http://www.mysmilies.com/smileys/Genres/Kaos/4

Try this, no guarantees :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Tony H on 19 June 2008, 23:57:22
If you feel like a bit of "fun" with a slushbox select 2nd gear on the shift and sports mode. This will hold the box in 2nd, allow it to drop into 1st, and allow the engine to rev to the "bloodline" it also provides some engine breaking, more fun in a v6 though :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 00:00:36
Quote
If you feel like a bit of "fun" with a slushbox select 2nd gear on the shift and sports mode. This will hold the box in 2nd, allow it to drop into 1st, and allow the engine to rev to the "bloodline" it also provides some engine breaking, more fun in a v6 though :y

I use 3rd in my Galant V6, on the back roads is is brill. ;D
Auto Miggy is just on the road and new so untested at the mo, got to get is sorted for the Lakes though so must get some miles on it. :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: HerefordElite on 20 June 2008, 00:02:33
Quote
If you feel like a bit of "fun" with a slushbox select 2nd gear on the shift and sports mode. This will hold the box in 2nd, allow it to drop into 1st, and allow the engine to rev to the "bloodline" it also provides some engine breaking, more fun in a v6 though :y

but not in the wet with TC off ::)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Entwood on 20 June 2008, 00:16:03
Quote
If you feel like a bit of "fun" with a slushbox select 2nd gear on the shift and sports mode. This will hold the box in 2nd, allow it to drop into 1st, and allow the engine to rev to the "bloodline" it also provides some engine breaking, more fun in a v6 though :y

And don't look at the instantaneous fuel consumption while you're doing it !!! .. it'll frighten you more than what the car does ... but it is just pure FUN .. especially with the 3.2   ....  :)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 00:21:12
Quote
Quote
If you feel like a bit of "fun" with a slushbox select 2nd gear on the shift and sports mode. This will hold the box in 2nd, allow it to drop into 1st, and allow the engine to rev to the "bloodline" it also provides some engine breaking, more fun in a v6 though :y

And don't look at the instantaneous fuel consumption while you're doing it !!! .. it'll frighten you more than what the car does ... but it is just pure FUN .. especially with the 3.2   ....  :)

 :y :y :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Ian_D on 20 June 2008, 01:00:14
I tried getting the highest MPG other day, I drove down the ring road (so going 60 ish) and once I saw the roundabout, I put it in N (Yes, the engine uses fuel to make it idle, BUT, it wouldn’t role to the roundabout if I left it in D due to engine breaking!)

When Im a bit closer to the roundabout I put it into 3 (going about 50mph now), and a few seconds later, select 2... and then when im almost ontop of the roundabout, select 1st... and then at the last few car lengths, apply the brakes (I will have been going about 15-20mph at this point.

Its important that there is no car behind you though, as there is obviously no brake lights when using engine braking!

I have only done this a few times because I don’t know if its bad for the auto gearbox? or should it be fine?
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 01:11:14
Quote
I tried getting the highest MPG other day, I drove down the ring road (so going 60 ish) and once I saw the roundabout, I put it in N (Yes, the engine uses fuel to make it idle, BUT, it wouldn’t role to the roundabout if I left it in D due to engine breaking!)

When Im a bit closer to the roundabout I put it into 3 (going about 50mph now), and a few seconds later, select 2... and then when im almost ontop of the roundabout, select 1st... and then at the last few car lengths, apply the brakes (I will have been going about 15-20mph at this point.

Its important that there is no car behind you though, as there is obviously no brake lights when using engine braking!

I have only done this a few times because I don’t know if its bad for the auto gearbox? or should it be fine?

Engine braking is how real drivers drive... :) Auto? but certainly with manual, none of this modern brakes are cheaper that a gearbox stuff, ask any advance driver :)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: jereboam on 20 June 2008, 09:39:04
Quote
Quote
I tried getting the highest MPG other day, I drove down the ring road (so going 60 ish) and once I saw the roundabout, I put it in N (Yes, the engine uses fuel to make it idle, BUT, it wouldn’t role to the roundabout if I left it in D due to engine breaking!)

When Im a bit closer to the roundabout I put it into 3 (going about 50mph now), and a few seconds later, select 2... and then when im almost ontop of the roundabout, select 1st... and then at the last few car lengths, apply the brakes (I will have been going about 15-20mph at this point.

Its important that there is no car behind you though, as there is obviously no brake lights when using engine braking!

I have only done this a few times because I don’t know if its bad for the auto gearbox? or should it be fine?

Engine braking is how real drivers drive... :) Auto? but certainly with manual, none of this modern brakes are cheaper that a gearbox stuff, ask any advance driver :)

Here we go again - sorry.  My IAM "observer" and the big red IAM book said "use the the brakes not the gearbox to slow the car", which was one of the reasons I was so disappointed with what they were trying to teach me.

But that apart, on the Omega Auto, you don't actually get any noticeable engine braking effect by changing from D to 3.  I have only very rarely experienced circumstances where D to 2 was appropriate, but it does slow the car.  

The 5 speed Mondeo diesel auto that I had before the Omega was really special - it was absolutely never in the right gear at the right time, and the "tiptronic" mode had a mind of it's own - it changed when it wanted to, not when you told it to.  

And I'm firmly in the one foot camp - you don't use the left foot when driving an automatic. ::)  

I'm a committed auto driver - my last 6 cars - about 25 years, I think - have been autos.  Manuals are mostly a waste of effort - a nuisance round town and once you're into top gear on the motorway, it doesn't make an awful lot of difference.  But I now live in Suffolk, and we have some really narrow winding roads round here.  The Omega is OK, but not ideally suited to that kind of driving.  I tend to prefer driving a smaller manual car if I'm not going on the dual carriageway.  :) :)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 20 June 2008, 09:45:24
Quote
........
on the Omega Auto, you don't actually get any noticeable engine braking effect by changing from D to 3.  I have only very rarely experienced circumstances where D to 2 was appropriate, but it does slow the car.   ......

Surely dependant on what speed you're doing in the first place. :-/ If you're around town you're unlikely to be in 4th so going from D to 3 will only knock the g/box out of 3rd gear lock-up.
As to going from D to 2, I used this several times last week when I was on the rollercoaster back roads of Northumberland where 1 in 4 or 5 hills weren't uncommon.
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 10:11:55
Quote
Quote
Quote
I tried getting the highest MPG other day, I drove down the ring road (so going 60 ish) and once I saw the roundabout, I put it in N (Yes, the engine uses fuel to make it idle, BUT, it wouldn’t role to the roundabout if I left it in D due to engine breaking!)

When Im a bit closer to the roundabout I put it into 3 (going about 50mph now), and a few seconds later, select 2... and then when im almost ontop of the roundabout, select 1st... and then at the last few car lengths, apply the brakes (I will have been going about 15-20mph at this point.

Its important that there is no car behind you though, as there is obviously no brake lights when using engine braking!

I have only done this a few times because I don’t know if its bad for the auto gearbox? or should it be fine?

Engine braking is how real drivers drive... :) Auto? but certainly with manual, none of this modern brakes are cheaper that a gearbox stuff, ask any advance driver :)

Here we go again - sorry.  My IAM "observer" and the big red IAM book said "use the the brakes not the gearbox to slow the car", which was one of the reasons I was so disappointed with what they were trying to teach me.

But that apart, on the Omega Auto, you don't actually get any noticeable engine braking effect by changing from D to 3.  I have only very rarely experienced circumstances where D to 2 was appropriate, but it does slow the car.  

The 5 speed Mondeo diesel auto that I had before the Omega was really special - it was absolutely never in the right gear at the right time, and the "tiptronic" mode had a mind of it's own - it changed when it wanted to, not when you told it to.  

And I'm firmly in the one foot camp - you don't use the left foot when driving an automatic. ::)  

I'm a committed auto driver - my last 6 cars - about 25 years, I think - have been autos.  Manuals are mostly a waste of effort - a nuisance round town and once you're into top gear on the motorway, it doesn't make an awful lot of difference.  But I now live in Suffolk, and we have some really narrow winding roads round here.  The Omega is OK, but not ideally suited to that kind of driving.  I tend to prefer driving a smaller manual car if I'm not going on the dual carriageway.  :) :)

Maybe I used the wrong phrase, the drink you know ::) On this I should have perhaps said 'old school experienced driver' enjoying some country roads. I did not mean IAM.
Sorry for any confusion :-[
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 10:15:39
Quote
Quote
........
on the Omega Auto, you don't actually get any noticeable engine braking effect by changing from D to 3.  I have only very rarely experienced circumstances where D to 2 was appropriate, but it does slow the car.   ......

Surely dependant on what speed you're doing in the first place. :-/ If you're around town you're unlikely to be in 4th so going from D to 3 will only knock the g/box out of 3rd gear lock-up.
As to going from D to 2, I used this several times last week when I was on the rollercoaster back roads of Northumberland where 1 in 4 or 5 hills weren't uncommon.

Agreed, it depends on the road. There is a particular road around here that I use 3rd in My V6 Galant Auto and changes the driving experience considerably if driving in a 'spirited' way, will kick down into 2nd if needed..... ;D ;D
Guess it all depends on the car, road and conditions and driver's mood. :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: woodsy_mv6 on 20 June 2008, 10:20:17
Just thought i'd add to the descussion....


Thats why manual is far superior in my book......I know what gear I want for any given situation..........so I put it there :-?
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 20 June 2008, 10:23:51
Quote
Just thought i'd add to the descussion....


Thats why manual is far superior in my book......I know what gear I want for any given situation..........so I put it there :-?


It's only taken 5 pages before we got a manual is best post!!! It had to arrive eventually!!! ;D ;D :y :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Jimbob on 20 June 2008, 10:26:06
Just Thank break Paul M is no longer a frequent visitor here  ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 10:26:47
Quote
Quote
Just thought i'd add to the descussion....


Thats why manual is far superior in my book......I know what gear I want for any given situation..........so I put it there :-?


It's only taken 5 pages before we got a manual is best post!!! It had to arrive eventually!!! ;D ;D :y :y

I was waiting for that too :y :y But I am not being drawn into that one ;) ;) we are all individals and there are arguments both way's so each to their own. :-X
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 20 June 2008, 10:27:48
Quote
Just Thank break Paul M is no longer a frequent visitor here  ;D

I did resist the temption to mention him. I think I might have some thing to do with his frequency of visiting! ::) :y :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 10:28:07
Quote
Just thought i'd add to the descussion....


Thats why manual is far superior in my book......I know what gear I want for any given situation..........so I put it there :-?
[/highlight]

We can see the evidence of that in your Avatar ;D ;D ;D :y :y :y
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 20 June 2008, 10:29:05
Quote
....
I was waiting for that too :y :y But I am not being drawn into that one ;) ;)  .......

Me neither 'cos I know that auto's are best!  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: woodsy_mv6 on 20 June 2008, 10:29:16
 :-[

 :D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 20 June 2008, 10:30:03
 ;D ;D

Well I intend to give equal love to both my little babies  :y There will be no favoritisim shown and they will both get the same treatment. (weekly spa, wax massage, checks ect)  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 10:30:06
Quote
Just Thank break Paul M is no longer a frequent visitor here  ;D

Don't know him, was he passionate about this subject, a big Auto lover. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: woodsy_mv6 on 20 June 2008, 10:30:35
Quote
Thats why manual is far superior in my book......I know what gear I want for any given situation..........so I put it there :-?
[/highlight]

We can see the evidence of that in your Avatar ;D ;D ;D :y :y :y[/quote]

Agreed......the stupid bitch that pushed me into oncoming traffic most certainly could not drive a manual........scrub that......could not drive ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 10:31:36
Quote
Quote
Thats why manual is far superior in my book......I know what gear I want for any given situation..........so I put it there :-?
[/highlight]

We can see the evidence of that in your Avatar ;D ;D ;D :y :y :y
Agreed......the stupid bitch that pushed me into oncoming traffic most certainly could not drive a manual........scrub that......could not drive ;D[/quote]


Ouch!!!!! :'(
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 20 June 2008, 10:32:08
Quote
Quote
Just thought i'd add to the descussion....


Thats why manual is far superior in my book......I know what gear I want for any given situation..........so I put it there :-?


It's only taken 5 pages before we got a manual is best post!!! It had to arrive eventually!!! ;D ;D :y :y

But that is irrelevent in this thread.

It was started as a question of how to drive and auto, not as to whether it was better or worse than a manual.

I prefer manuals in a performance car, like the MV6,

How ever I bought an Elite for the other reason as I like to cruise arround the country side.
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 20 June 2008, 10:32:44
Quote
;D ;D

Well I intend to give equal love to both my little babies  :y There will be no favouritisim shown and they will both get the same treatment. (weekly spa, wax massage, checks etc)  ;D ;D

I thought the topic was about cars! :-?  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Andy B on 20 June 2008, 10:34:32
Quote
Quote
Just Thank break Paul M is no longer a frequent visitor here  ;D

Don't know him, was he passionate about this subject, a big Auto lover. ;D ;D ;D

He LOVED autos. Couldn't get enough of 'em. Another 20-something expert on everything! :-?
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: jereboam on 20 June 2008, 10:35:05
Quote
How ever I bought an Elite for the other reason as I like to cruise arround the country side.

You are asking for trouble... :) :) :)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: woodsy_mv6 on 20 June 2008, 10:35:20
Let it be known that I added that because of lots of .......I select this gear ........actually that has little/no effect etc etc.



P.s...it only took 3 pages for me to sneak it in ;) :-[
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 20 June 2008, 10:37:14
Quote
Quote
Quote
Just Thank break Paul M is no longer a frequent visitor here  ;D

Don't know him, was he passionate about this subject, a big Auto lover. ;D ;D ;D

He LOVED autos. Couldn't get enough of 'em. Another 20-something expert on everything! :-?

 ;) ;)
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: woodsy_mv6 on 20 June 2008, 10:38:05
Quote
He LOVED autos. Couldn't get enough of 'em. Another 20-something expert on everything! :-?

Wooo wooo wooo. I make no such claim to "know everything"

Just tiding up the loose ends left.



Each to their own and all that. I appreciate autos, and their are occations when I may choose one over a manual, I don't dispise them just don't prefure them
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 29 June 2008, 19:40:55
Well... picked up the auto!!! Loved it!!!! Absolutly loved it!! Only one emergency stop on the way looking for the clutch  :-[ but all in all a great drive.

Did show myself up at the petrol station... put 70 in... exellent its 6p a litre cheaper than where I live... could not change out of P... bu66er... though I had been done.... till the old chap, bles him said press the brake then try.... 10 mins I was sat at the pump like a waldo. Bloke behind getting narky so I just told him to go forth and multiply!! But got the hang of it comming.

Quite a few jobs to do. Cam kit first No history at all and car is on 201500!!!  :o :o :o Do have a prob with axle noise or similar which I have posted in help section.

Well!! I am offically an auto driver  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: JiMbOb789 on 29 June 2008, 19:42:52
i love automatics but if you want speed, manual is for you.

Has anyone ever used a flappy padel gearbox, are they any good?
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Martin_1962 on 29 June 2008, 19:47:38
Quote
i love automatics but if you want speed, manual is for you.

Has anyone ever used a flappy padel gearbox, are they any good?


Had a hire Saab a while ago- NO
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: philhoward on 29 June 2008, 20:13:24
Quote
i love automatics but if you want speed, manual is for you.

Has anyone ever used a flappy padel gearbox, are they any good?
After the last 5 pages, i'm in agreement - I love manuals for a proper drive, but the Auto wins for the daily commute..

"Tiptronic" et all...have tried a few and they all respond in prehistoric time (to quote Top Gear - but its right).  Best one - which actually did what it was told- was a Mitsubishi Outlander V6 of all things..  Worst was a Toyota Corolla Verso thingy - they must have spend ages programming a learner driver into the "gear changes".  Only one of 2 cars which has ever made me physically sick from driving it..

Some are better than others in the semi-auto world.  Those that do respond but just have to think about it first you can work round (change up that second earlier).  Others are totally un-readable...so much for electronics being better than hydraulics.  It will take a while for me to prefera "clever" semi-auto over a proper slush box like the Migs..hydraulic with a little electro-help.

Quite fancied an Alfa 156 Selespeed before getting the Mig..till I saw the price of the bits that go wrong with shocking regularity - like the servos...
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Growler on 29 June 2008, 20:20:23
Quote
Quote
i love automatics but if you want speed, manual is for you.

Has anyone ever used a flappy padel gearbox, are they any good?
After the last 5 pages, i'm in agreement - I love manuals for a proper drive, but the Auto wins for the daily commute..

"Tiptronic" et all...have tried a few and they all respond in prehistoric time (to quote Top Gear - but its right).  Best one - which actually did what it was told- was a Mitsubishi Outlander V6 of all things..  Worst was a Toyota Corolla Verso thingy - they must have spend ages programming a learner driver into the "gear changes".  Only one of 2 cars which has ever made me physically sick from driving it..

Some are better than others in the semi-auto world.  Those that do respond but just have to think about it first you can work round (change up that second earlier).  Others are totally un-readable...so much for electronics being better than hydraulics.  It will take a while for me to prefera "clever" semi-auto over a proper slush box like the Migs..hydraulic with a little electro-help.

Quite fancied an Alfa 156 Selespeed before getting the Mig..till I saw the price of the bits that go wrong with shocking regularity - like the servos...
Yep I would have to agree with these statements above auto for that daily commute etc. Manual when the mood takes.
Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: Vamps on 29 June 2008, 20:53:23
Quote
i love automatics but if you want speed, manual is for you.

Has anyone ever used a flappy padel gearbox, are they any good?

My Citroen can be automatic, though does not have a 'P' or semi-auto with flap padel's which you can use when if full auto. I have driven it using the padel's and they work fine and you get a very quick change, tend to be lazy driving it and just use the auo side of things.


Title: Re: Automatic driving
Post by: psychnurse on 29 June 2008, 20:55:34
I think I like lazy!  ;D ;D ;D

Or Manual for the urge within...  :y