FIAT controller

I bought an ex-showroom FIAT Bravo 1.6 Multijet with Dualogic transmission in August 2009 with 400 miles. For 35 years I have always driven automatics and although I took the FIAT on a test drive, it covered mainly country roads and I found no problem with the automatic. However, when I brought it to London I soon discovered issues with the transmission that I find strange. The main problem is, after slowing down on the approach to a junction or a roundabout, there is a massive flat spot when accelerating, such that I find myself stuck in no mans land on occasions. It is extremely dangerous. I have asked one of the London FIAT dealers to investigate, but I am told that a computer check shows nothing wrong. Do you know whether this is a common problem with Dualogic transmission?

Asked on 24 July 2010 by BE, London W2

Answered by Honest John

The problem is the way you are driving it. It is not an automatic. It is an automated manual. Electronics and an electric motorised clutch change the gears of a manual gearbox for you. But the system seeks to limit torque reactions on upchanges, particularly 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd when they can be most damaging to the transmission. If you try to compensate for this by stamping on the accelerator, it will result in what you describe. You have to be gentler with the accelerator. Basically, anticipate when the box will want to change up.

Tags: automatics technical issues owning

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