Member Since: 19 Oct 2015
Location: Devon
Posts: 55
Gearbox - Neutral or Drive while waiting?
Now whist this might seem like a stupid question to some, I hope you'll appreciate we don't all know everything
I've not had an automatic before and want to ask whether at traffic lights, should I be selecting neutral all the time, or should I just wait in drive.
At the moment, I generally stay in drive if I know it's a short time, say less than minute or so, but anything longer or unknown I general pop her into neutral.
In other words, does prolonged waiting in drive have any long term effect on the gearbox?
P.s. Loving my D4.
Thanks,
15th Jan 2016 5:22 pm
LandRoverAnorak
Member Since: 06 Mar 2014
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1154
I usually drop into neutral. Otherwise, it's just sitting there churning the torque converter for no good reason.Darren
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Member Since: 10 Dec 2005
Location: West Berkshire.
Posts: 717
+1 as L R A
15th Jan 2016 5:27 pm
Sloss
Member Since: 18 Aug 2013
Location: Aberdeenish
Posts: 1691
What you are doing is about right. If it looks like a longish wait then Neutral.
It's also worth noting if your brakes are hot then it's best not to sit on the brake pedal, so neutral and lecky brake on or just stay in D and lecky brake on - stay away from the accelerator or she'll shoot off I've no blipping the throttle like a boy racer
It's auto so the torque converter won't mind, auto is to reduce the effort so stick it in D in London - drive to Inverness - stick it in P. Stew,
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15th Jan 2016 5:33 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
For those with an 8-speed it does not really matter which one you choose.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 17 Mar 2014
Location: Bracknell
Posts: 1399
Why's that Robbie - Share
15th Jan 2016 5:39 pm
terryall
Member Since: 17 Jun 2011
Location: Whitstable
Posts: 1430
I once chatted to a friend whilst sitting in an auto Jag XJ6 with my foot on the brake.About 35 minutes later I tried to pull away and the brakes had welded together and I was stuck. Had to wait about an hour to get going again.
15th Jan 2016 5:40 pm
Robert SausageTrousers
Member Since: 09 Aug 2015
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 467
I generally whack it into reverse, just to freak out the person behind me.
15th Jan 2016 6:05 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Discogaz wrote:
Why's that Robbie - Share
It disconnects the drive itself to reduce the load on the engine.Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 18 Aug 2012
Location: Bolton
Posts: 673
In every other auto I had and the wifes DSG Audi I sit in Drive if its not too long. But in the D3 I shift to Neutral hopefully saving torque converter a bit longer.
15th Jan 2016 6:49 pm
Sheppy
Member Since: 19 Oct 2015
Location: Devon
Posts: 55
Thanks guys - and some great responses
Sounds like I'm doing ok then, just wasn't sure what was at play when the car was stationary in gear - I do have the six speed but it's still darn good
15th Jan 2016 6:53 pm
J77
Member Since: 03 Mar 2008
Location: Fife
Posts: 6268
Robbie wrote:
Discogaz wrote:
Why's that Robbie - Share
It disconnects the drive itself to reduce the load on the engine.
Yep you can feel it.
I just leave it in drive.23.5MY Defender 90 X-Dynamic SE D250 MHEV Pangea Green
15th Jan 2016 6:57 pm
Canburne
Member Since: 15 Jan 2013
Location: Devon
Posts: 2030
Good practise to put the lecky brake on everytime - also doesn't blind driver behind..
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15th Jan 2016 7:00 pm
Russell
Member Since: 24 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
Leave in gear and foot on brake as the engine cuts out as you stop and re-starts as you release brake pedal MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
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15th Jan 2016 7:15 pm
J77
Member Since: 03 Mar 2008
Location: Fife
Posts: 6268
Canburne wrote:
Good practise to put the lecky brake on everytime - also doesn't blind driver behind.
No excuse for someone running into the back of me then.23.5MY Defender 90 X-Dynamic SE D250 MHEV Pangea Green
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but it's still darn good 
