What is the problem when a car runs back down a hill when in drive?

SHAWNTELLEPERCH

MEMBER
2011 SUZUKI SWIFT

I was at the top of a hill my automatic car was in drive position but the car ran back instead of stalling or proceeding to climb the hill. What could the problem be?

Sunday, September 30th, 2012 AT 2:47 AM

7 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Just at idle or when you try to move?

Roy

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Sunday, September 30th, 2012 AT 2:48 AM

SHAWNTELLEPERCH

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4 POSTS

Both and when I pressed on the gas it hesitated first

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Sunday, September 30th, 2012 AT 10:15 AM

KHLOW2008

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41,814 POSTS

If the slope is too steep putting in drive would not stop the vehicle from sliding backwards.
The other thing to consider would be the idling speed. Low idling speed would not provide sufficient pull from the transmission.

Hesitation during acceleration under such conditions indicates you possibly have the idling speed too low.

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Sunday, September 30th, 2012 AT 10:24 AM

SHAWNTELLEPERCH

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Ok so it wouldn't be a transmission problem? Cause I did the same thing with a Nissan Almera and it didn't run back

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Sunday, September 30th, 2012 AT 10:27 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

No, it is not. This is normal for some vehicles and as I mentioned, the gradient of the slope and engine idling speed has to be taken into consideration.

Your vehicle is still rather new so you should get the dealer to check the idling speed.

You did not list down the mileage on your vehicle and if it is anything more than 30k miles, there is a possibility the idle control system needs some cleaning up.