Comfortmatic Box, should I be afraid?

[Lenny HB]

Oh dear what have I let myself in for??
It’s not the latest offering, it’s coupled up to a 3.0L on a 63 plate!! Should be fun in the alps....not??

Don't believe the doom and gloom, they were designed for the 3 Lt, the early 2.3 Comformatics weren't quite as smooth but still very good.

 

[Happy1]

But I've also had challenges on some steep descents where the traction + descent mode to get engine braking will come off if the revs / speed gets too high despite a low gear, so you'll still be hanging on those brakes a lot.
[/QUOTE]

Mine feels like it’s running away going downhill and revs really climb, are you using the descent button for this? Only had this previously on a 4x4 so sceptical how it’ll cope with over 4t of van

 

[G7UXG]

Oh dear what have I let myself in for??
It’s not the latest offering, it’s coupled up to a 3.0L on a 63 plate!! Should be fun in the alps....not??

Don't panic. My first one was a 3-litre 13 plate Euro 5. It was absolutely fine. It pulled like a train and went up hill and down dale with no problems at all, including the steep, twisty hills of the Rhone-Alps region. They have their quirks, but don't all vehicles in some way or other?

If you look through the dealers' forecourts, it seems that a high percentage over the last three years or so are Comfortmatic, so it seems that plenty of people like them. Perhaps it's a Marmite thing.

 

[SpeedyDux]

But I've also had challenges on some steep descents where the traction + descent mode to get engine braking will come off if the revs / speed gets too high despite a low gear, so you'll still be hanging on those brakes a lot.

Mine feels like it’s running away going downhill and revs really climb, are you using the descent button for this? Only had this previously on a 4x4 so sceptical how it’ll cope with over 4t of van
[/QUOTE]

Without referring to the FIAT handbook, my recollection is that the Hill Descent switch only works at very low speeds so probably not intended for use on main roads. Don't really understand why FIAT puts it there at all. Are there any incredibly steep campsites?

The "Up" button is very good in hill country. With that on, Comfortmatic changes down to low gears on steep descents. Never had a problem with running away or over-revving even though revs do go quite high. Brake to lose speed, then lift off to allow disks to cool, and repeat.

 

[Jezzerr]

We have Comfortmatic. I think its great - it is best driven with a degree of mechanical sympathy ie lift off the throttle slightly when its changing gear to make it smoother. Also find using the UP button gives another control option - Have a play!

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[David and Sally]

I find there is a slight deceleration before it changes up a gear. I am used to it now.

 

[WESTY66]

I find there is a slight deceleration before it changes up a gear. I am used to it now.

You mean like a manual crash box?

 

[David and Sally]

You mean like a manual crash box?

Don't know. Never driven one I think.

 

[SteveRallye]

On my 2nd Comfo gearbox and as the last one well pleased with it. Prefer the 3ltr as low down grunt is better and the 3ltr held better on the long Normandy hills at 70 mph as this 2,3 changes down on hill modewhich is good to have. My 1st did 40k before clutch went and next time out in Europe it failed to select a gear trying to get off a pitch onsite. I got towed into a Fiat professional who were exactly that, they initially diagnosed clutch failure but when I told the mechanic thru the English speaking salesman that had clutch done 2k previously they kept it for 2hrs and found out it was the Tranmission Fluid resevoir leaking from an airline crack they thought possibly damaged on the clutch change. They repaired it with plastic padding and we did another 1500 milles before replacing the resevoir. It was going take 3 days there to get a replacement part. Brilliant service. We had it to 50k and then changed to van we did not have to make beds in.

 

[Spriddler]

If you're moving from a torque-converter auto (or a twin-clutch auto) to a robotic IMHO you won't like it at all. I haven't tried a Comfortmatic but have owned or driven a couple of other makes with robotics. They are horrible. They perform manual gear changes with all the finesse of someone who is learning to drive. The down change into first is a drawn out affair just when you don't want it to be. After the first few miles you'll drive it manually. Any 'smoothing' of gear changes is (has to be) by slipping the clutch. I wouldn't willingly try another one.

Couldn't agree more. I detested mine like the plague and my heart used to sink every time I got in to drive it. It really did. Just awful.
I was embarrassed to have passengers because it made me appear to drive like a learner. As an example, if I accelerated out of slower moving traffic to get a bit more speed before a long hill, just as I'd get to the bottom the ruddy thing would change up to top and slow down until I used the kick-down when the vehicle would lurch/bump as it clumsily changed down a gear.
Unfortunately I couldn't test drive it before purchase as it has to be adapted at £1200 a pop (motorbike crash). I only kept it 6 weeks and 4 of those were spent looking for something else.
I guess the OP will only know if one suits him is by having a decent test drive with traffic, roundabouts and hills.

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[WESTY66]

Couldn't agree more. I detested mine like the plague and my heart used to sink every time I got in to drive it. It really did. Just awful.
I was embarrassed to have passengers because it made me appear to drive like a learner. As an example, I'd accelerate to get a bit more speed before a long hill and just as I'd get to the bottom the ruddy thing would change up to top and slow down until I used the kick-down when the vehicle would stutter as it changed down a gear.
Unfortunately I couldn't test drive it before purchase as it has to be adapted at £1200 a pop (motorbike crash). I only kept it 6 weeks and 4 of those were spent looking for something else.
I guess the OP will only know if one suits is by having a decent test drive with traffic, roundabouts and hills.

????

 

[fullfat]

As per title, is there anything I should know about driving one of these box’s, I have driven torque converter box’s for years, even pre-select box’s, but not a “Robotic” auto, how are they different to a “proper” auto? Do I drive it like a proper auto?

Test drive in mine if you want

 

[WESTY66]

Test drive in mine if you want

Very kind of you (especially as you are just down the road) but I would be more afraid of wrecking your moho? but I will keep you on the back burner for advice??

 

[Tony50]

Mines on a 17 plate on a Fiat 180 goes well except at around 50mph it sometimes get confused goes up and down from 6th to 5th and visa versa, as a Ex Garage Owner I didn't trust it , so took out Extended Warranty , as I knew about Merc. Sprint shifts and some old Renault cars, but, have to speak as see it , does the job ok not quite as good as a proper Auto, as already said knock it into Neutral when stopped , but be careful not to be in a hurry when the traffic moves in front and hurry putting the Gearlever into gear as I did more than once I put it into reverse instead of forward drive, just for sake of piece of mind take out Breakdown Cover !!

 

[tonyidle]

built to do a different job

Or the same job badly - albeit more cheaply.

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[SpeedyDux]

Test drive in mine if you want

I never even had a test drive. Signing the order form with the Comfortmatic as a factory option was a leap of faith for me. Compared with the torque converter autos I was used to it requires a more chilled and sympathetic driving style, no more full throttle getaways at the traffic lights or roundabouts, but it is a lot better than merely acceptable. Having done 7000 miles it changes gears more smoothly than when new, now very smoothly indeed.

 

[PeteH]

So long as the "box" is not based on the (IMV suspect) 6 speed manual (Juddergate!. I had one rebuilt twice!). Then it should be OK. I personally, like the Mercedes which has a 5 speed full auto box, It`s smooth and goes like ???? off a shovel when asked. BTW. most "modern" auto "slush boxes" have a "lock up" feature, which effectively eliminates the loss that used to occur with old style "autos".

 

[Lenny HB]

Couldn't agree more. I detested mine like the plague and my heart used to sink every time I got in to drive it. It really did. Just awful.
I was embarrassed to have passengers because it made me appear to drive like a learner. As an example, if I accelerated out of slower moving traffic to get a bit more speed before a long hill, just as I'd get to the bottom the ruddy thing would change up to top and slow down until I used the kick-down when the vehicle would lurch/bump as it clumsily changed down a gear.
Unfortunately I couldn't test drive it before purchase as it has to be adapted at £1200 a pop (motorbike crash). I only kept it 6 weeks and 4 of those were spent looking for something else.
I guess the OP will only know if one suits him is by having a decent test drive with traffic, roundabouts and hills.

If you only kept it 6 weeks you didn't give it a chance. The software is set for the box to work with a fully run in engine which Fiat consider to be 15,000 miles, in practice with the two I have had they improve & run nicely once you have done about 10,000 miles.

 

[Delboyarapaho]

My two have been fine and I couldn't imagine the number of clutch changes if I had a manual. Just don't rely on it to change down when on cruise control as if you are going up steep hill (motorway) and the box changes down you will have to re-engage cruise control as it will drop out. Other than that minor irritation they are good

 

[DP+JAY]

Just don't rely on it to change down when on cruise control as if you are going up steep hill (motorway) and the box changes down you will have to re-engage cruise control as it will drop out. Other than that minor irritation they are good

I was wondering about how the cruise behaved on the auto.

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[Carolyn and Kev]

Oh dear what have I let myself in for??
It’s not the latest offering, it’s coupled up to a 3.0L on a 63 plate!! Should be fun in the alps....not??

You are taking too much notice from the "doom and gloom crew" ! As Lenny has said...its designed to do a job.
You have the same truck as we do. Ours has been a dream to be honest and as i have mentioned to you in PM messaging...You will not regret it.
Take no notice of the 'doom and gloom brigade' and just enjoy the journey.

Just as a matter of comparison...The automatic on our 2012 3.0 litre fiat works van 201,878 miles exactly to the day it was sold and not a problem with the box at all. It did a fair bit of travelling across the french borders etc . We had more issues with the electrics than engine and gearbox problems.

Kev

 

[Lenny HB]

A couple of other points, if manovering onto to ramp don't try using brakes & throttle at the same time as if both peddles are depressed at the same time it cuts the engine.
Also on later ones don't hang out the door when reversing as it selects neutral if the driver's door is open.

 

[Lenny HB]

I was wondering about how the cruise behaved on the auto.

Our last van it was fine current one we are about 600-700 kg heavier, it speeds up more downhill and slows down more up hill but fine on the flat.

Like all vehicles cruise control is far better suited to autos.
If in auto you can flip up and down the gears manually and cruise stays on. If you select manual it drops out when you select a different gear.

 

[pandas]

Our last van it was fine current one we are about 600-700 kg heavier, it speeds up more downhill and slows down more up hill but fine on the flat.

Like all vehicles cruise control is far better suited to autos.
If in auto you can flip up and down the gears manually and cruise stays on. If you select manual it drops out when you select a different gear.

'Adaptive cruise control' is even a better experience

 

[Puddleduck]

I never even had a test drive. Signing the order form with the Comfortmatic as a factory option was a leap of faith for me. Compared with the torque converter autos I was used to it requires a more chilled and sympathetic driving style, no more full throttle getaways at the traffic lights or roundabouts, but it is a lot better than merely acceptable. Having done 7000 miles it changes gears more smoothly than when new, now very smoothly indeed.

20,000 in ours plus whatever we do in the car and as I said before I would not change to a manual.

I was wondering about how the cruise behaved on the auto.

It's great.

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[Westerham Womble]

Ours hasn’t been without issue but all fine now. Our problem was the hill hold wouldn’t release on a few occasions, culminating with being stuck on an alpine pass with a queue of cars behind. Eventually traced to a sticking brake light switch which may well be quite unusual, but worth logging in the grey matter in case it happens to you.
I would buy another, do need to learn how to use the box sympathetically.
Ours is really slow to drop down the gears when on cruise and going up a hill, if you change down manually you have to change back up manually.

 

[Lenny HB]

Eventually traced to a sticking brake light switch which may well be quite unusual,

Common problem can also cause all sorts of other faults.

 

[Paulypaul]

Totally off topic but are you the same westy66 from the SSVC?

 

[WESTY66]

Totally off topic but are you the same westy66 from the SSVC?

Eh?? What’s SSVC?? That’s probably given you the answer??. He’s stuffed if he buys a Moho and tries coming on here with that name???. But seriously, no I’m not.

 

[Paulypaul]

Eh?? What’s SSVC?? That’s probably given you the answer??. He’s stuffed if he buys a Moho and tries coming on here with that name???. But seriously, no I’m not.

OK, it's the "Split screen van club" and there was a fella on there who's user name was same as yours as he owned a '66 Westy'.
I wasn't inferring you were a member of some underground secret organisation!

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