Hill-start Assist

[R50 + R56]

I opted for DSC for my R56 Cooper manual. The DSC came with a Hill-start Assist function. It works well for me for many times but I had a few embarassing moments on steeper ramps. The engine stalled and I had to pull out the key, push in again before I could press to start.

I wonder if you guys have an experience in this regard? Could the "auto hand brake" be exerting the same or more pressure on a steeper slope, compared to a more gentle slope ? Or is it the timing of release of the "auto hand brake" can be different ? Thanks for any advice on this mechanical aspect.

[supa-dupa-cooper]

On steeper hills surely it would be better to use the handbrake rather than the footbrake, therefore not needing to call in the use of the hill assist

I quite like having the hill assist (now I know I have it ) but dont rely on it, I just notice it on the odd occasion.

[Tara&Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by supa-dupa-cooper (original)

On steeper hills surely it would be better to use the handbrake rather than the footbrake, therefore not needing to call in the use of the hill assist

I quite like having the hill assist (now I know I have it ) but dont rely on it, I just notice it on the odd occasion.

Or if you own a Factory JCW car, then you could just dump the clutch at 6000rpm and hang on for dear life....right Jo!

[Mrd09]

stalls because you gave it no throttle when pulling off on a hill ?

I love the function and not sure what your getting at

[scillyisles]

Hill assist is brilliant and works perfectly on the steepest of hills provided you give the car the appropriate amount of throttle to move off.

[rochie]

Are you talking about auto cars only here?
I have a manual and DSC what does that mean, I presume its only for autos .

[scillyisles]

Quote: Originally Posted by rochie (original)

Are you talking about auto cars only here?
I have a manual and DSC what does that mean, I presume its only for autos .

No all manual cars with DSC after a certain production date have hill start assist - my car is a June 2008 manual Cooper D and it has it.

[rochie]

How do I know if I have it is the a special button? Mine is a feb 2008 so might be too early??

[rochie]

Sorry just looked it up in the handbook and I have got it but never really noticed it before, I will try it tomo providing theres no one up my bumper

Thanks, Rochie

[R50 + R56]

Thanks for your feedback guys. I gather that it should be the throttle that was causing my problem, as I was usually very light on my throttle. My right foot must step a little harder than I used to. BTW, my car is manual.

[JCW58]

Hi there
to engage the hill start you must ensure that your you push the brake pedal down as far as it will go and hold it firmly. just pushing the brake pedal will not register with the car and will presume you are on a flat. this way you shouldn't have to worry too much about throttle (but obviously enough to pull away, instead of some welly)
hope this helps

[canti]

With Hill-start Assist / DSC and Auto trans, has anyone ever felt a slight RESISTANCE for a split second just after you stepped on the throttle to pull away? The sensation is best described as similar to pulling off with the handbrake left on, but only for a fraction of a second.

[Ant FR]

i quite like it, taken a while to get used to it. However its still taking me ages to be happy with the auto start/stop.

[rec]

Quote: Originally Posted by scillyisles (original)

No all manual cars with DSC after a certain production date have hill start assist - my car is a June 2008 manual Cooper D and it has it.

my cooper was one of the first batch ever built (my VIN number is a load of 0's then "13" !), and it has Hill Assist. it's wonderful, especially in multi storey carparks

anyway... hillstart works great provided you give it the required amount of throttle to pull away. it's the same as if you had used the handbrake instead - you still have to provide the car with enough power to pull itself up the hill or you will stall.

[W44NE G]

I love this on my JCW... it's really natural to use.

If you're stalling then the solution is simple... you just need to give it more revs to set off