Thread: Failed hill climb recovery in an Auto

Yep, you can't use a key-start procedure in an auto for obvious reasons.

I start (in park), select reverse (handbrake on), increase the revs (about 1500rpm) with foot on the brake, let go the handbrake and ease off the brakes slightly keeping the revs the same. This is called "driving through the brakes" and helps maintain a level of control far better than just reversing and braking.
It does take some practice but it works. BTW it also works going forwards down a hill.
There was an article in a pommie LR mag about this technique some time ago and I've used it ever since.

I'd be careful putting an auto into PARK on a steel hill, you can get the vehicle 'stuck' where you can't get the gearbox out of park as the locking pawl can be well and truely jammed in position with the weight of the vehicle etc. I'd use the foot brake and handbrake, to maintain stationary vehicle, and N for restarting, then move to forward or reverse gear.

Will HDC work on the restart as well? Or will it need re-engaging? Assuming it does start upI can then let go of the brakes and let HDC do it's thing, as long as the centre diff is locked?

Never, ever engage Park.
Footbrake on, Handbrake on, select Neutral.
Release Footbrake and ensure that the Parkbrake will hold on the hill, if not reengage footbrake.
Relax, calm down, get your bearings and make sure of the track behind you and where your front wheels are pointing.
When you are ready to go, engage reverse, release the handbrake and ease off the footbrake and steer gently so you don't get sideways on the slope.

Originally Posted by rrturboD

I'd be careful putting an auto into PARK on a steel hill, you can get the vehicle 'stuck' where you can't get the gearbox out of park as the locking pawl can be well and truely jammed in position with the weight of the vehicle etc. I'd use the foot brake and handbrake, to maintain stationary vehicle, and N for restarting, then move to forward or reverse gear.

Umm, you can't restart an auto in anything other than park? Infact I'd be surprised if you managed to stall it, or did I get the wrong end of the stick?

cheers
Nick

Originally Posted by Hastykiwi

Umm, you can't restart an auto in anything other than park? Infact I'd be surprised if you managed to stall it, or did I get the wrong end of the stick?

cheers
Nick

Every auto I have owned - including my current RRS can be started in N.

Yes you are unlikely to stall the engine in an auto but it does happen.

Garry

Originally Posted by Hastykiwi

Umm, you can't restart an auto in anything other than park? Infact I'd be surprised if you managed to stall it, or did I get the wrong end of the stick?

cheers
Nick

can start in neutral

Well what do you know ( just ran outside), you don't try, you don't learn.

cheers
Nick