2011 inadvertantly going in reverse after stop

[amatula]

Hi,
I have a new (3 month old) 2011 Insight. Sometimes after I stop, say at a traiffic light, the car will go in reverse when I go to put on the gas. This happens sometimes when the car is on a level (not uphill) road and sometimes on a hill.

Is this normal for the Insight?

I am thinking perhaps I need to keep my foot on the gas while also keeping my foot on the brake momentarily to prevent it.

I welcome any suggestions or advice!

Thank you in advance,
Annie

[Zwolfe]

Sounds like the level road might not be as level as you're thinking it is.

It's just gravity working on the car until you apply enough power to overcome it.

When the Insight is in auto-stop you do not have the automatic pull like you would in a typical automatic car, since the engine is off. Holding the brake pedal while you apply gas to pull forward then removing your foot from the brake is a good way to overcome this situation you describe.

There are also alternatives, such as keeping the car in "(S)port" mode rather than D, or using the handbrake, etc. S mode will ensure the engine does not shut off so the car will attempt to pull forward and not be pulled backward by gravity. It sort of defeats the purpose of having a car with auto-stop, but, if you are going to be in areas with lots of inclines it might be worth while to take it out of D and put it in S, which BTW, can be done on-the-fly without any problems.

[davidm]

I've seen this issue when on an incline and posted a thread about it, including my solution, here: Autostop on a hill and rolling backward.

I have no idea why it would roll back when it's level, are you sure that it's not at least a slight incline?

[amatula]

Thank you, both, for your help!

I will practice what you suggest. I thought I was level sometimes but perhaps not.

I do love the Insight. It's fun to drive and I appreciate the technology in it, especially learning how to increase gas mileage.

All the best,
Annie