Im finding my first gear a bit hard to push in place when ive been going fast and then had to slow right down to literally almost stopping (when coming up to lights etc). I would put it in 2nd but im pretty sure Im going to slow for 2nd.

Anyone have the same problem?

I should also add Im a new driver so it may be my driving technique!

What car did you learn in? Fiats Gearing on a few fiats ive driven seems very low in First compared to Ford anything over about 5-10mph i just stick it in 2nd....

Most gearboxes find it hard to go into first gear when the car is traveling fast. Just wait for the car to slow down to a respectable speed and it will pop into first gear no problem.

Yes; don't put it in first until you have practically stopped. Second will do fine if you are still even slightly rolling.

The synchronisers have to be respected.
Be kind to your new little car...

Mines the same and when i had my punto i used to have to force it in sometimes.

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thankyou!

Have you done you pass plus yet? discuss it with your instructor and see if he will let you do it in your 500 he should be able to point you right..

perfectly normal for most FWD gearboxes, its called baulking and is fine.

Practice your double declutching if you really want to go to first.

Cheers

D

First gear is for starting off or really steep inclines.......you shouldn't need it once moving.....most cars only go into first when practically stopped

I note it is a new driver. I was surprised to find my son whilst still learning going into first as he approached a T junction, he explained that is how he was being taught from the instructor.

Now I have always been in favour (as taught many years ago!) of changing down to the right gear before the manouvre (e.g. 4-3-2 before taking a left turn) as opposed to the police driver training of no gear changes whilst braking and changing gear after the turn but changing to first on the move has always been a no.

Cheers
Baldrick

Re: 1st gear and using other gears

I would tend to agree with baldrick only really use first to take off. Am finding still getting used to gear ratios in 1.2 lounge after 600 miles. Finding am changing into fourth too soon so sluggish and can stay in third and fourth a lot longer than expected. Is anyone else finding this?

Agree with you Gus,
Hanv't been staying too long in the gears due to running in gently at the moment but seem to natural upshift to soon.

Expect it to be great fun when can use a few more revs!

As part of my economical driving crusade I usually free wheel when slowing to a halt. If you have trouble getting into 1st once stopped depress the clutch, get into neutral, release, then depress again and it'll slide into 1st like a light sabre through darth vaders limbs.

Baerius said:

As part of my economical driving crusade I usually free wheel when slowing to a halt.

Click to expand...

Oh so wrong, I'm afraid. Modern engines have fuel shut off on the over run. So slowing in gear will keep the engine turning without fuel. If you coast then fuel is needed to keep the engine turning.

Cheers

D

rallycinq said:

Oh so wrong, I'm afraid. Modern engines have fuel shut off on the over run. So slowing in gear will keep the engine turning without fuel. If you coast then fuel is needed to keep the engine turning.

Cheers

D

Click to expand...

:yeahthat:
On the 20V Vis engine I believe the cut off point is around 1700 revs. Don't know what it will be in the MJet although I doubt it will be as high.

I must confess I coast up to junctions too. It's just a habit I've gotten into as changing down the gears or leaving it in a higher gear and slowing down made the Ka annoyed! It was easier just to push the clutch in.

The cut off is at the point the throttle closes. Doesn't matter what revs you are doing, when the throttle position sensor hits the end stop, the fuel stops.

This was featured on TG telly, when Clarkson was driving an Audi to John O Groats and back on one tank full. He coasted to save fuel and Audi pointed out that it was more economical to keep the car in gear as no fuel is used.

In older injection systems it was a simple as a lead attached to the throttle stop that earthed the fuel supply wire.

Cheers

D