General automatic gear box problems

[DrPepper]

Hi, have read a few threads re the automatic gear box. Mine tends to pop in to manual if say I have gone from neutral to drive, I thought it was because I wasn't gentle enough and that I had knocked it to the left which would put it in to manual, I also get it if say I stop and then want to reverse into a space. It's also happened if I have gone to go forward or reverse but changed my mind, it doesn't like that.

I thought it was just me not being used to an automatic but looks like this could be a common problem lined to the dualogic unit?

It's never happened when I am driving along like some people have mentioned.

It is still in warranty

Anyone got any advice?

 

[Metalguru3]

Hi Dr.,

mine is very sensitive also and I've seen other posts about the fuss you have to go through when going from reverse to forward gears.

I find if I take my time, get into a pattern of applying brake, waiting a second, taking it out of reverse just by pushing the stick forward and nothing else it goes into 1 auto S every time (I don't bother with city mode or whatever they call it)

It is a faff, but I never get manual mode if I dont want to by doing the slow option.

Remember it is a manual gearbox with an automatic clutch so it has to have safety devices to stop you trashing the inside of the gearbox

 

[alexGS]

Is this action of going into neutral accompanied by a "ding ding ding" noise? If so, it sounds as though the system wasn't satisfied that you had your foot on the brake (eg when going from first to reverse) and this could require a simple adjustment of the brake light switch.

I remember my first Dualogic 500 would ding a lot more than my current one and apart from a possible software re-programming (the software in the unit can be updated by a FIAT dealer), I can't think of much else that could be different apart from the adjustment of the brake pedal switch.

Since your car is under warranty, I suggest you take it up with the dealer and ask to test drive a similar model to prove whether yours has a fault.

As Metalguru3 says, the Dualogic is not an automatic gearbox. The 500s made for the USA have an automatic gearbox which behaves in the usual automatic way (has Park, Drive, etc.) The Dualogic is more of a manual gearbox with an optional 'auto' mode, and I think you will get better results if you drive it as a manual, telling it when to change gear and coordinating the throttle as you would for a manual.

Incidentally, be sure to leave the selector in the centre when you park, so that it is parked in gear. That prevents another flurry of dings when you turn the key off

-Alex

 

[44sunsets]

I also get it if say I stop and then want to reverse into a space.

When I first got my new Dualogic 500C, it did that a number of times (go into neutral and then produce the ding ding ding sound). I think it was because I took my foot off the brake too early and let the car roll slightly while changing into reverse gear -- a bad habit I picked up from driving standard slushbox torque converter Toyotas. Now I'm very careful with my brake pedal and I make sure I'm completely stationary before changing gears, so it never happens anymore.

Either that or it was just a wearing-in period for the Dualogic. Either way, it's quirky -- but fortunately it hasn't let me down yet

 

[DrPepper]

Thanks so much everyone. Glad I am not alone, I do try and slow down sometimes and think about what I am doing and you are right it does work properly that way.

I now understand now more about the gear box so thanks for explaining.

Ding ding ding