Transmission i-Shift gear choice when idling

[Bridge Box]

Can I safely stay in Auto or First Gear, with handbrake on, when stationary (road junctions, traffic Lights etc) or should I select Neutral?
I do find it a pain to be in neutral then to have to press footbrake to go from Neutral to Auto (and then back to get gear 1 if desired) then to release both hand and foot brakes to get moving again! Its so much easier to leave in gear and apply handbrake until I can release handbrake and move off again.
What is limitation to time stationary whilst in Auto or 1st.gear? I have an 2008 1.8ES i-Shift which is proving to be a great car. However handbook is very weak in relation to my query above!!

[Clive242]

I'd also be interested to hear an official statement on this.

However, looking at the revs, in Auto it seems that the clutch is engaged whenever you either press the brake or apply the handbrake.

IMHO I think it's quite safe to sit at a junction/traffic lights in Auto with the handbrake on.

[gm1980]

I-Shift as all automatic gearboxes is using the so called hydraulic coupling, which is a device that by the use is the oil's inertia force it gives power from the engine to the gearbox. What happens if the car is in gear: The oil hits the blades of the gearbox mounted rotor blade without producing any work. So it would be better if the car stays stationary for more than 3-4 minutes to dissengage the gearbox (put it in nuewtral) so as to avoid excessive heating of oil.

[Kremmen]

At normal junctions and traffic lights, etc I always stay in gear. I am 14K miles down the road now and no clutch problems.

As you say, having to remember to press the brake pedal to engage a gear is a pain.

I would agree with the above 3-4 mins as a time that you should be considering neutral though.

[RabidManx]

Yes I agree, as soon as I know I am going to be there for more than a few mins I bung it in neutral...traffic lights, slowly moving traffic etc I just leave it in Auto as its rare I am stopped for more than 60 seconds.

[Unknownsoldier]

I was told when examining an I-shift to be careful as, has been said above, the box overheats if left in gear for long periods of time (i.e. level crossings, mototrway traffic etc.).

Tom

[allan40alt]

We had a discussion some time ago regarding this.

You may find it helpful: i-SHIFT when stationary

[Bridge Box]

Many thanks folks. Looks like "moderation in all things!". OK to leave transmission in Auto but for short periods only.
My query was prompted from my earlier experience of manual cars in which, if you held it in gear with the clutch depressed for long periods, you wore out the thrust washer!
I was surprised to find no useful advice in the handbook!

[Nick7]

Originally Posted by gm1980

I-Shift as all automatic gearboxes is using the so called hydraulic coupling, which is a device that by the use is the oil's inertia force it gives power from the engine to the gearbox. What happens if the car is in gear: The oil hits the blades of the gearbox mounted rotor blade without producing any work. So it would be better if the car stays stationary for more than 3-4 minutes to dissengage the gearbox (put it in nuewtral) so as to avoid excessive heating of oil.

I-Shift is *not* automatic gearbox.
While car is stationary and 'in gear', clutch is depressed (since I-Shift uses clutch, and *not* hydraulic couplings as regular automatic gearbox).

Thus, you can stay 'in gear' as long as you have brakes on, or handbrake on without any ill effects.

However, if car is on slight uphill and can 'stand' without pressed breaks/handbrake - do *not* do it. In this case you will burn out clutch.

[Bridge Box]

Thanks but I understand that the i-shift uses a standard clutch system and NOT a fluid flywheel as per usual automatic gearboxes.

[Unknownsoldier]

Problem with the civic I-shi*t system is that it was designed by British LEyland in the 60s IIRC...... so too bad points, BL and the 60s.....

Tom