My wife has in the past had a 1.4 500 ( lounge I think ) which had what I would call a "normal" automatic transmission in that when drive is selected, and the footbrake released, even at idle speed, the vehicle would start to move. Same in reverse.

Which although is not a hill start device, it acted as such on slight inclines etc

We assumed, when we ordered the new 500c in 1.2 that it would have the same sort of automatic transmission system. We did not bother with a test drive as we have already had a 500 and knew what it was like.

But ( we discovered on collection ) with the new one - on a level road, you can select drive ( or reverse ) but when you release the footbrake nothing happens - there is NO movement until pressure is applied to the accelerator.

So, use of handbrake is essential on even the smallest inclines etc

Is there a "setting" I am missing or a "mode" that can be selected ?

Your new auto is a "automatically operated" manual gearbox in essence, not a conventional automatic using a torque convertor, which used to creep as you say.
No there's no setting to overcome this, does it come with, I think it's called, hill assist ? Where the car holds on a hill until you pull away?

John202020 said:

Your new auto is a "automatically operated" manual gearbox in essence, not a conventional automatic using a torque convertor, which used to creep as you say.
No there's no setting to overcome this, does it come with, I think it's called, hill assist ? Where the car holds on a hill until you pull away?

Click to expand...

I dont think so - been through the menu and cannot find anything.

John202020 said:

Your new auto is a "automatically operated" manual gearbox in essence, not a conventional automatic using a torque convertor, which used to creep as you say.

Click to expand...

In fairness, all Fiat autos since the 80's are robotised manuals, none use the conventional torque convertor set up, which suggests that the previous 500 likely had a clutch issue whereby it would bite (albeit lightly) when it was meant to be fully released.

Yep no torque converter autos in the U.K., I think the US got them though

Eklipze3k said:

In fairness, all Fiat autos since the 80's are robotised manuals, none use the conventional torque convertor set up, which suggests that the previous 500 likely had a clutch issue whereby it would bite (albeit lightly) when it was meant to be fully released.

Click to expand...

Strange.

She had it three years and nobody ever noticed it when being serviced etc

Eklipze3k said:

In fairness, all Fiat autos since the 80's are robotised manuals, none use the conventional torque convertor set up, which suggests that the previous 500 likely had a clutch issue whereby it would bite (albeit lightly) when it was meant to be fully released.

Click to expand...

This. Unlike torque converter autos, Dualogic cars do not normally "creep forwards" when you let go of the brake.

My one did creep occasionally in the first 2 years of ownership (from brand new) but it was definitely a rare occurrence and is not normal. I chalked it up to the general quirkiness of the Dualogic gearbox.

Normally, if you let go of the brake, your car will actually roll backwards if you're on an uphill incline. This is normal, and how Dualogic is supposed to work.

It took me a bit of getting used after I bought my new 500, but I actually far prefer the lack of creep these days. I feel like i have more control when parking and moving at low speeds. But it does make for tricky reversing when parallel parking on hills/inclines though!