Aston Martin Vantage V8 Sportshift
Discussion
I have a 2015 Vantage V8 with Sportshift II and 30k mls. When maneuvering at very low speed and low load the GPID (Gear Position Indication Display) in the instrument cluster displays the letter "H" in red. This happened twice so far. Once when switching from R to D, and once when taking off from a stand still. I did not notice any problems or issues with the gearbox or clutch, everything seems to work fine. I checked the owner's manual, workshop manual and all threads on this site but could not find any explanation for "H". Any information regarding this would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
It is hill-hold, but I for one never rely on it as the version of the feature in my 2011 car requires a certain sequence and combination of actions/events to activate, so I notice it doesn’t always activate when needed.
I just use the traditional method, the handbrake, thankfully still mechanical in the n/a cars.
I just use the traditional method, the handbrake, thankfully still mechanical in the n/a cars.
Support all of the above - it's "Hill hold", only available on the 7-speed SSII (not sure about the V12 SSIII, but I'd guess it's the same.)
It only operates when the car detects it's stopped on the footbrake on an incline above the threshold (15%?). It will hold the footbrake on when you take your foot off the brake pedal until the system detects the drive starting to take up, then it will release. It will only stay engaged for a few seconds, so if you rely on it for too long it'll disengage and you'll roll backwards.
I use it all the time if the incline is steep enough to trigger it. If there will be a long wait, like a red light and I don't want to blind the guy behind, I'll engage the handbrake and the system will self-disengage after a second or two. Then, when ready to move off, put foot back on footbrake, red "H" comes on, release handbrake, take foot off footbrake (red H still showing), transfer to accelerator (car held stationary by Hill Hold system) apply some throttle and the system will release and the red H go out as the car moves off.
It only operates when the car detects it's stopped on the footbrake on an incline above the threshold (15%?). It will hold the footbrake on when you take your foot off the brake pedal until the system detects the drive starting to take up, then it will release. It will only stay engaged for a few seconds, so if you rely on it for too long it'll disengage and you'll roll backwards.
I use it all the time if the incline is steep enough to trigger it. If there will be a long wait, like a red light and I don't want to blind the guy behind, I'll engage the handbrake and the system will self-disengage after a second or two. Then, when ready to move off, put foot back on footbrake, red "H" comes on, release handbrake, take foot off footbrake (red H still showing), transfer to accelerator (car held stationary by Hill Hold system) apply some throttle and the system will release and the red H go out as the car moves off.
LTP said:
bogie said:
The Hill hold function came in as standard from MY2012.25 cars, both manual and sportshift, a useful addition once you learnt how it worked and trusted it working.
I didn't appreciate it came on the 3-pedal cars - every day's a school day.I am used to this feature on torque converter gearboxes, but cannot understand how it can work on manual cars.
Prior to moving off during a hill start, the clutch would be disengaged by the driver holding the clutch pedal down. How then can the engine hold the car stationary in a hill ? There would not be any power reaching the wheels.
Dewi 2 said:
I am used to this feature on torque converter gearboxes, but cannot understand how it can work on manual cars.
Prior to moving off during a hill start, the clutch would be disengaged by the driver holding the clutch pedal down. How then can the engine hold the car stationary in a hill ? There would not be any power reaching the wheels.
At the end of the day an SS gearbox is just a manual, but operated by ECU and hydraulics rather than the driver
LTP said:
Dewi 2 said:
I am used to this feature on torque converter gearboxes, but cannot understand how it can work on manual cars.
Prior to moving off during a hill start, the clutch would be disengaged by the driver holding the clutch pedal down. How then can the engine hold the car stationary in a hill ? There would not be any power reaching the wheels.
Thank you Paul. I understand now.
My 4.7 manual Vantage was built before the hill start feature was introduced.
I just continue doing hill starts in the traditional way. Select either 1st or Reverse, then have one hand on steering wheel and my other hand operating the hand brake.
If it suddenly begins raining, I switch on lthe wipers and when it becomes dark, I switch on the lights.
The era has ended, where drivers can be fully involved in driving though. Manual gearchange, no turbochargers, no particulate filters (sound), no auto speed restrictor and minimal catalytic converters (sound), can all help add to driving enjoyment for enthusiasts who like that sort of participation.
My next car will have so many 'features', it will probably require signing up to a university tech. course ! -
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