Question for drivers of FL2 automatics ......


Recently, in much colder weather, I've noticed that when I start up my FL2 and reverse out of my driveway, that when I stop in the road and shift the gearstick from R to D, the care rolls slowly backwards (on hill) unless I keep the brake pedal depressed. Normally this isn't necessary when in D, when you only tend to use the brake to stop the car moving off prematurely.

Anyone else had this experience? Life is not a dress rehearsal!

I've noticed this too, but not just in cold weather, only rolls back a little, doesn't do it if I leave the brakes on for a couple of secs. I always thought this was just the time taken to engage the gear?

all modern autos roll back to some extent. How much they do so, depends on a number of factors including engine revs and possibly temperature.
The torque converter will pass a certain amount of power to the gearbox. The higher the revs, the more power is passed through. Whether that is enough to stop you rolling back depends on how steep the hill is. Flat/shallow slope and you'll have more than enough and it will attempt to creep forward , steeper and it's overwhelmed and you roll back.

Possibly the cold weather means that the gearbox oil is more viscous and requires more energy to flow until its warmed up a bit, limiting the power it can transfer, plus the engine is busy providing enough power for the heater, heated rear window, heated windscreen, heaterd seats ......etc, so the revs are lower to begin with.

Its a theory anyway. I'd have thought that the colder it is, in reality, the more resistant to rolling back it will be, with more viscosity in the torque converter limiting slip and higher revs with a cold engine but modern ECUs can do strange things. 07 Freelander 2 TD4SE Tambora Flame, side steps, privacy glass, mud flaps, boot liner and a tow bar. Ok it's the Wifes but she lets me drive it occasionally - if I've been good!

Thanks for that explanation Jules, it fits my experience exactly. I was begiining to think there was something wrong with my driving!  Life is not a dress rehearsal!