Updates+Questions About Hill Starts With Mmt Please

[Sunny7]

Hi fellow Auris owners and those that love their MMT's and those that don't...( I am one of the latter, sadly!)

I have spent hours searching on here looking for advice on hill starts but have not found anything direct as such without having to trawl through other posts on other subjects.. so hope you don't mind but have started a new thread on this.

To recap on my story with my Auris 1.6 TR (MMT) .. I have posted here before with grave concerns about my car.. it is now 4 months since I purchased it. I like it a little more now than when I first posted here last November/December, but only because I gave in and followed various advice tips from others and now drive it in Manual for the most part. I use E mode occasionally ..usually when approaching roundabouts so don't have to negotiate all the gear changes and then once around the roundabout and on open road again, back to M, when its up to 5th gear, I sometimes switch it back if on an open road where gear changes are unlikely.

What I am struggling with now though is hill starts! If it is just me in the car, in E mode its fine, there is no roll back but a couple of weeks ago, I had a very unsettling experience with my daughter and 3 year old granddaughter in the car on a moderately steep gradient before a bridge which is single line traffic only and is controlled by traffic lights. I had been driving it in M at the time. Stopped, into N and handbrake on. Popped it into E as lights were about to change to green and car rolled back. Woman behind me looked most concerned and naturally gave me a look! I applied handbrake again and tried it in M in 1st gear.. same thing happened.. by now everyone is moving forward slowly ready to go over the little bridge and I am stuck. I then waited until the car in front had moved forward significantly for me to get ready (with a knot in my stomach) to apply foot to accelerator PDQ and move away.. but this launched the car forward quite abruptly as I did this ...thank god no one in front of me and the car behind was very wary of me by this time too.

Then last week had a friend in the car with me with a boot full of groceries and a small hill .. not very steep at all and the car did the same thing.. really unnerved me and my friend.. she said too that she could feel every gear change even in M mode. Great .. very encouraging for me! NOT!

For the most part its only me in the car and not many hills and hardly ever a full boot so I get by okay, but next month I am off to Wales for a few days and am dreading it! Some of the areas where I have relatives and will be staying are very steep hills.. bad enough even in a manual. What am I to do please to rectify this? Please spell it out for me on this, step by step.. I am a bit of a technophobe particularly about cars and mechanic speak!

Re work carried out on my car so far .First of all the clutch was re-initalised, then when that made little difference, they fitted a new clutch (which apparently did show up on the diagnostic computer) and the last job they did about a month ago was a new actuator. I was told that this would sort it! Surprise surprise .......it did not sort it at all which is when I thought what the hell do I do with this b****y car? It was at that time I switched to driving it in the now preferred Manual mode.

Has anyone also found that they are suffering with back ache? I can't get comfortable in this car and end up at my destination with back ache and shoulder/neck ache- I have tried many different positions of the seat and moved the steering wheel but just can't seem to find a comfy place.

Next month as well as my hill starts, I have a 5 hour drive in it.. not looking forward to it all.. in my old Avensis this trip was effortless and I would arrive relaxed.. have a feeling that this 5 hours in this car could feel like a very long way! I am not too happy with the suspension as it does throw me about a bit and passengers are complaining of that too. Anyone else noticed this?

Another odd thing has happened twice (caused by my error ) and once when it was not.. and that was that I switched off the engine before putting it into N, could not turn the key. I found I did this when I first had started to drive it in M and so automatically then shifting the gear stick across from M to E was making me think I was then in N. Tried taking keys out and sitting for a few moments and then trying to restart the motor but it would not let me. Eventually after about 10 mins of sitting there, my son was able to start it up again for me. The same thing happened a few days later, again my error! But then later that day, I had stopped the car, placed in N and gone off shopping, come back and the same problem. Initially I thought I had done the same stupid thing again but realised had not made that mistake this time. Has anyone else experienced this please?

Another problem I get is condensation inside the car sometimes, but not all the time.. again seems to be no rhyme or reason why it happens at some times and not others! I spoke to the dealers about this and they said they could not find anything causing it.

Also one more thing I just remembered is when I am approaching a roundabout and am in M mode.. is it okay for the car to change itself down or should I be doing that myself with my - paddle or stick shift..? Am I damaging the gearbox by letting it do that or is this rectified by changing it into ES?

Looking forward to hearing some positive tips!

Many thanks

[mrpj]

Wow! 55 views and not one with a MMT to offer any advice?

To be fair, although I hated the Yaris MMT with a vengeance, I did find hill starts to be fine. Following the handbook instructions worked for me. Depending on the severity of the incline even a "proper" automatic does sometimes roll back. I found it would only "creep" in E or M on perfectly level roads. Any slight incline it wouldn't.

Have you tried starting off as you would in a manual car? Although with the MMT you are controlling the clutch "bite" intensity with the accelerator pedal. Slip it into "E" or "M", whichever you prefer, with the handbrake engaged and footbrake applied, then release the footbrake and apply fuel with the accelerator pedal until you can feel the effort against the handbrake and the engine note change. Release the handbrake but keep accelerating at the same time and you shouldn't roll back. It really is just the same as a manual transmission/manual clutch hill start where the clutch is slowly engaged until it starts to overcome the handbrake resistance. The main advantage is it shouldn't stall!

The box does and should change down in M when slowing sufficiently. It will not damage the gearbox/clutch etc.. I found it better in M at a roundabout because it remained in a higher gear, 2nd or third, but in E would change down to first at a ridiculously too high roadspeed and accelerating away to clear traffic was impossible to the annoyance of other drivers because the damn thing wouldn't change up on it's own when accelerating to match the speed of that traffic! Downright dangerous in my opinion.

[Bemused2]

I have had a MMT and can agree with mrpj about hill starts. A little bit of throttle , release the handbrake and your away . The steeper the hill, or the more weight in the car, more throttle. They are not a proper automatic gearbox ( which do not roll back) but a normal gearbox where electric motors shove the gears in and out and release and engage the clutch. They do need a lot of help from the driver!

I always double checked I was in N before switching off and only once had a problem.

About the uncomfortable ride, have you had your tyre pressures checked recently. The correct pressures make a big difference. Consult the handbook for the correct pressures.

Reference backache etc. Have you tried the padded seat covers which just strap on.They helped me and are relatively cheap from supermarkets etc.

Steaming up. Most cars steam up at some point. Using the air conditioning helps. If its safe to do so in warm weather leave the windows slightly open when parked.

I am sorry you are having so many problems and hope the above helps a bit.

[mrpj]

A 500 - 800g bag of silica gel pellets might help with the steaming up. Readily available off eBay or similar. I've used them for years, more in winter months and find them quite good at preventing interior condensation. Just put them in a 100 degC oven when they go dark green until the colour reverts back to the original orange.

[Sandy52]

I cant comment on the gearbox but the car has air conditioning -switch it on! Problem solved.

I ALWAYS have the A/C on.

Check that the carpets are not wet ANYWHERE in the car- if they are then fix the leak.

Have ALL the filters been changed- including the pollen filter? and check it is correctly secure. Instructions are in the handbook.

[mrpj]

But in the winter the a/c will not operate, if it's too cold, in order to protect the evaporator from freezing. Otherwise, yes, using the a/c is the most effective method of removing misting up.

[Parts-King]

The A/C will operate but not if its really cold, most people do not realise they have the air switched to recirculation, try moving the lever to fresh air and always have the blower on at least number on blow

I have used a few MMT Auris and find the paddle shift brilliant. When using it in E mode, just lift your foot off the accelerator pedal for a fraction of a second and then apply the gas again, it makes for a smoother change

Kingo

[mrpj]

"I have used a few MMT Auris and find the paddle shift brilliant. When using it in E mode, just lift your foot off the accelerator pedal for a fraction of a second and then apply the gas again, it makes for a smoother change"

For me it was not the actual gear change, I had it sorted in E and by using the accelerator "lift off " method they were perfect, when the electronics allowed it. I was totally cheesed off with the stupidity of the electronics and lack of logic - changing gear when nobody in their right mind would do so (e.g. not changing down on an upward incline, then changing down on the level at the top. Changing down to 1st at around 20 mph when slowing down. All normal according to Toyota) and not changing up from 1st gear when it was essential leading to a potentially dangerous situation!

[Sunny7]

Wow! 55 views and not one with a MMT to offer any advice?

To be fair, although I hated the Yaris MMT with a vengeance, I did find hill starts to be fine. Following the handbook instructions worked for me. Depending on the severity of the incline even a "proper" automatic does sometimes roll back. I found it would only "creep" in E or M on perfectly level roads. Any slight incline it wouldn't.

Have you tried starting off as you would in a manual car? Although with the MMT you are controlling the clutch "bite" intensity with the accelerator pedal. Slip it into "E" or "M", whichever you prefer, with the handbrake engaged and footbrake applied, then release the footbrake and apply fuel with the accelerator pedal until you can feel the effort against the handbrake and the engine note change. Release the handbrake but keep accelerating at the same time and you shouldn't roll back. It really is just the same as a manual transmission/manual clutch hill start where the clutch is slowly engaged until it starts to overcome the handbrake resistance. The main advantage is it shouldn't stall!

The box does and should change down in M when slowing sufficiently. It will not damage the gearbox/clutch etc.. I found it better in M at a roundabout because it remained in a higher gear, 2nd or third, but in E would change down to first at a ridiculously too high roadspeed and accelerating away to clear traffic was impossible to the annoyance of other drivers because the damn thing wouldn't change up on it's own when accelerating to match the speed of that traffic! Downright dangerous in my opinion.

Thank you for the advice and apologies for the delay in getting back to you on this after you so kindly came to my rescue! I normally do what you suggest re the hill starts but as I was saying with the car fully loaded it is really scary getting it to go forward. I was just about to ring my dealership and book the car in again as yesterday, twice it got stuck in 1st gear.. the only way I could shift it out was to change to M and then back up to E when I was in the next gear up.. usually though not until I am in at least 3rd. This car is driving me do lally! I don't feel comfortable driving it at all and I feel disappointed at that for various reasons. I had high hopes for this car and it and I having a long future together but somehow think that is remote now. :-(

Re the other post about misting up I will try the AC.. its not all the time .. just sometimes.. they have checked it and I had mentioned the pollen filter thing to them as i know someone who had this problem to the point where h he permanently had towels on the floor of his car and his car stunk to high heaven of dampness constantly. Now its cured having been checked over and over by numerous garages. Toyota though told me they could not find any reason for the misting up of the rear windscreen or the kerb site rear passenger window. Since then its been fine so whether they inadvertently sorted it I don't know.

Cheers

[Sunny7]

Wow! 55 views and not one with a MMT to offer any advice?

To be fair, although I hated the Yaris MMT with a vengeance, I did find hill starts to be fine. Following the handbook instructions worked for me. Depending on the severity of the incline even a "proper" automatic does sometimes roll back. I found it would only "creep" in E or M on perfectly level roads. Any slight incline it wouldn't.

Have you tried starting off as you would in a manual car? Although with the MMT you are controlling the clutch "bite" intensity with the accelerator pedal. Slip it into "E" or "M", whichever you prefer, with the handbrake engaged and footbrake applied, then release the footbrake and apply fuel with the accelerator pedal until you can feel the effort against the handbrake and the engine note change. Release the handbrake but keep accelerating at the same time and you shouldn't roll back. It really is just the same as a manual transmission/manual clutch hill start where the clutch is slowly engaged until it starts to overcome the handbrake resistance. The main advantage is it shouldn't stall!

The box does and should change down in M when slowing sufficiently. It will not damage the gearbox/clutch etc.. I found it better in M at a roundabout because it remained in a higher gear, 2nd or third, but in E would change down to first at a ridiculously too high roadspeed and accelerating away to clear traffic was impossible to the annoyance of other drivers because the damn thing wouldn't change up on it's own when accelerating to match the speed of that traffic! Downright dangerous in my opinion.

Thank you for the advice and apologies for the delay in getting back to you on this after you so kindly came to my rescue! I normally do what you suggest re the hill starts but as I was saying with the car fully loaded it is really scary getting it to go forward. I was just about to ring my dealership and book the car in again as yesterday, twice it got stuck in 1st gear.. the only way I could shift it out was to change to M and then back up to E when I was in the next gear up.. usually though not until I am in at least 3rd. This car is driving me do lally! I don't feel comfortable driving it at all and I feel disappointed at that for various reasons. I had high hopes for this car and it and I having a long future together but somehow think that is remote now. :-(

Re the other post about misting up I will try the AC.. its not all the time .. just sometimes.. they have checked it and I had mentioned the pollen filter thing to them as i know someone who had this problem to the point where h he permanently had towels on the floor of his car and his car stunk to high heaven of dampness constantly. Now its cured having been checked over and over by numerous garages. Toyota though told me they could not find any reason for the misting up of the rear windscreen or the kerb site rear passenger window. Since then its been fine so whether they inadvertently sorted it I don't know.

Cheers

I have had a MMT and can agree with mrpj about hill starts. A little bit of throttle , release the handbrake and your away . The steeper the hill, or the more weight in the car, more throttle. They are not a proper automatic gearbox ( which do not roll back) but a normal gearbox where electric motors shove the gears in and out and release and engage the clutch. They do need a lot of help from the driver!

I always double checked I was in N before switching off and only once had a problem.

About the uncomfortable ride, have you had your tyre pressures checked recently. The correct pressures make a big difference. Consult the handbook for the correct pressures.

Reference backache etc. Have you tried the padded seat covers which just strap on.They helped me and are relatively cheap from supermarkets etc.

Steaming up. Most cars steam up at some point. Using the air conditioning helps. If its safe to do so in warm weather leave the windows slightly open when parked.

I am sorry you are having so many problems and hope the above helps a bit.

Hi there

Many thanks for the reply to my queries .. ie. hillstarts, backache, bumpy ride etc. What a mix that is in the pot!

They told me at the dealership the tyres had been checked before I took ownership of the car that it was given the once over. I think I was spoiled with previous comfort of my old Mazda 626 from the 1990's and the Avensis which had to go in November 2011. They were both 'luxury' family cars and built for comfort. This car though does have good points and I am pleased at the road holding ability on bends etc as I live in a country area where getting to anywhere usually means winding country roads and long ones at that!

I will get one of those cushions you suggest as well.. thanks for the tip on that one.

I just wish I could feel more confident about those hill starts though. Yesterday only on a slight incline.. normally creeps forward .. joining the A281 (Guildford Road) from a side country road through from Five Oaks if anyone knows where I am talking about.. its not a steep hill at all .. and with just my 3 year old granddaughter in the car, doing everything I normally do and what you have all suggested, the car was rolling back. I am seriously concerned about this as off to Wales next month and with 2 extra passengers and what will be a full load in the boot! I have a feeling my visits to certain family members will be out of bounds for me! I don't want this car to beat me.. its a car!!! I drive it mostly in M and only use E for roundabouts and junctions but quickly getting back to M to avoid the kick up the jackset by cars coming up behind you.. yesterday though, nearly came unstuck with a lorry that decided to put his foot down and came up too close behind me. I was in the right but I felt as though I should have been able to put my foot down and get out of his way .. I was scarcely able to in time! Again with my granddaughter in the car.. It is unnerving at times to say the least.

I have spoken to an ex Toyota mechanic who told me that the 2007 to 2008 models were the worst and that the majority of them have had to have major work on them, that they were in and out of the workshop and basically not able to be repaired but people were being fobbed off about them. Also that they were sold to many as automatics and they are not. I certainly fell foul of that situation as my salesman never once mentioned that it was this type of transmission.

Toyota will not recall all of them as it would cost too much! Yeah I guess it would..how many cars did they dish out in those 2 years with MMT? He said its no secret they are not making them anymore for this very reason. Obviously could not help me with my problem but it did make me feel a whole lot better as I have been made to feel by my dealership that I am making up the problems with this car.

Thank you for your empathy.

[Sunny7]

I cant comment on the gearbox but the car has air conditioning -switch it on! Problem solved.

I ALWAYS have the A/C on.

Check that the carpets are not wet ANYWHERE in the car- if they are then fix the leak.

Have ALL the filters been changed- including the pollen filter? and check it is correctly secure. Instructions are in the handbook.

Thanks for this re the misting up.. checked the carpets first of all.. it has been in to the dealership about this problem.. but they could not find anything they said.. since then touch wood it has not done it or certainly not as much as it did. Had it a bit about 2 weeks ago but opened the window and it cleared eventually but it doesn't happen when its rained either which is odd. I also checked to make sure that there was not a bottle of water in the boot as this happened to me once in old car. water I used to carry for filling up washer etc.. it was causing the condensation.

The pollen filter though.. yes mentioned that to them too see previous reply on that.. someone I knew had that problem and I always mention it to everyone who says they have water in the car. Yet the poor guy that this had happened to had had the problem for years before I happned to mention it to a garage where I was having my MOT done and the mechanic who had just come into the office, heard me and offered that advice about the filter.....up to then he had had it checked by at least 3 garages and no one came up with that reason! Bizarre!

Anyway thanks again :-)