[JDV]

Hi Bruce,

It will help you a lot if you can get hold of a Power & Torque graph of your engine

You will notice that the engine generates max power at about 4000 rpm; hence the reason for it sitting at that rpm in auto. If your change down(manual) to another gear there is a lot more strain(and wear & Tear) on the engine although it is capable of doing that

These engines are also designed to do more than 4000 rpm and the wear and tear is lower at that rpm on a downhill than pulling away from a trafic light !!

enjoy your pajero !

Johan

[koevoet]

The gradient control has been build in to try and make the vehicle a bit more safer when going downhill. It cannot tell the difference between a steep downhill on some serious some 4x4 route and the downhill on a tarred pass. The safer option in my mind would be to have it in both cases. Remember all the drivers of these cars are not always experts. I find it quite helpful especially with an explorer attached.

[RoelfleRoux]

I am convinced that the auto box was designed for the petrol engine and adapted to the diesel. Both the auto DiDs that I had the pleassure of parking in my garage had the same driving logic as your's. On the petrol model I hardy ever feel the need to interfere by going to the manual side. The fact that I need to stop for petrol before tha box can get to 5th could play a role as well