Technical info on the piloted auto box

[ontor]

had the car a few days now and as there isn't much to read anywhere about this auto box Im going to go public with my views and an explanation of what it actually is. I will make a video as well and go global on you tube as there really is virtually nothing out there on this subject.


Im assuming that the only difference is the engine when it comes to the qubo,bipper,nemo diesel auto and that the gearbox is the same, right?


Mine is 5 speed, I understand the new ones are 6 speed


Anyway, its totally different from a mainstream auto by having a dry clutch just like a manual. Its really a clutchless manual with an electronic controlled actuator that works the clutch instead of the more usual pedal with cable or hydraulic connection and the electronics seem to do a pretty good job. In automatic mode it uses all manner of inputs such as engine load, road speed, tps and so on to determine what it needs to do. In practice, this results in an OK but not brilliant system and you do find it a little awkward at times. The fact that the clutch is dry means that If a slipping drive was used in slow moving traffic or when stationary at idle, you would destroy the clutch in no time at all so the system drops the drive until you apply some throttle. In this car you really do need to use the handbrake on a hill. My drive is about 30 degrees, if I put it in drive and release the handbrake the car is essentially still in neutral until the throttle engages the drive which takes a fraction of a second and so it will quickly roll down the drive towards the house. in one of our other autos including fluid drive or DSG the cars hold position as soon as one releases the handbrake and applies any throttle. there isn't the delay there as the actuator does its thing. This is the case in either Auto or manual mode as the actuator still disengages to prevent the clutch burning. As I say, its exactly like a manual but without the clutch pedal.


I think its a good system that needs explaining to people for them to
A, understand how it works and
B, save them from destroying the clutch because I think a lot of non mechanical people would apply throttle on one of these to hold it on a hill as they would a conventional auto which would destroy the clutch in no time at all.


So, this car is definitely not for drongo's, you need both a mechanical understanding and the desire to drive it properly because you really could knack it up if either of the above wasn't present.
Ontor

 

[Qube O]

What your talking about I think.....is the Fiat Dual-logic gearbox, been out for years. They were originally 6 speed like mine, now only 5 speed is supplied. Had mine since 209, and no problems to report......though it can be a little 'clunky' at times changing gear, and the acceleration can be improved, and the economy by using it in manual mode. To be honest, mine is normally in full auto, with economy selected, and I never drop below 50 mpg. Yes you do need to hold the car on a slope with the handbrake, until drive is engaged, just the same as a manual......no probs.

Hope you enjoy it.

Cheers Qube O.

 

[doblovert]

"Piloted auto" is the Pug/Citroen name for the same type of box. The FIAT name is Dualogic.

We had an earlier incarnation in a 2004 Citroen C3 Pluriel 1.6. That had flappy paddles on the steering wheel too. It was fun for a while, but the box takes over anyway if it thinks you should be in another gear, and the novelty wears off. It became a little iffy at selecting reverse.

The main reason I sold my Pug Bipper Tepee Outdoor1.4HDi manual was to get the FIAT with Dualogic as my wife will drive ONLY an auto; but I still find that it spends most of it's time in full auto with eco button in even with me driving,I just whack it into manual setting off on hills and from minor junctions when joining faster main roads. In auto it's more sluggish than the Pug manual ( no racing car itself!)

I have ALWAYS used the handbrake on slopes,even on manual boxes.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

B, save them from destroying the clutch because I think a lot of non mechanical people would apply throttle on one of these to hold it on a hill as they would a conventional auto which would destroy the clutch in no time at all.

They need a slap around the head and deserve a heavy repair bill IMO though. A conventional automatic shouldn't be driven like that either (and will hold on a hill without doing that from experience) and the handbook clearly advises how a Dualogic system should be operated.

They are great systems IMO though, saving loads on fuel over the cost of running a conventional automatic with a slush torque converter.

 

[ontor]

Hi chaps
Yes, you are all spot on, one shouldn’t use the gas pedal to hold any car, auto or otherwise. But a lot of drongo's do this. I’ve had dozens of autos and never had one that's capable of holding on a proper hill though at idle. Just not enough of a stir going on in the torque converter. a very slight incline yes but not a "hill"


Correct also about the instructions in the manual, however, the dead heads that will hold one of these on the gas pedal probably can't read!


Anyway, there really is very little written on the actual gearbox and I will make a video soon. I agree that it’s a great system, Where I live it’s a hilly little village with more ups and downs in 500 yards than most towns have altogether so its manual mode until I get out of the village and on to the open road and then its fine.


I have no regrets about swapping the petrol manual qubo for the diesel auto Bipper.


Ontor