S and L on the gearbox

[discolandjim]

Hi this has probably been covered many time but What do S and L on the gearbox Do?

Thanks

[dandywarhol]

Have a scan through the "search" facility at the top of the page Jim

[Colin H F]

To quote from the handbook S= for driving down hills use this gear as when an engine break is nessessary. the gears will change automatically between 1st and 3rd in response to the vehicle speed speed
L= use this gear when an extremely strong engine brake is nessessary the gears will change automatically between 1st and 2nd in response to the vehicle speed.
Colin

[Gripped]

I found that the HOLD button does a similar job down hill - though I think it stays in 3rd - if not, I'm sure others will correct me. I often use it to slow me down coming up to junctions.

[mikeonb4c]

I'm finding my self driving the Bongo a bit like a manual motor these days when braking. As I approahc a slowing down situation, I first use HOLD whilst in D then, if need be, move lever to S (you don't have to press in the unlock button to do that, but it does prevent you moving into L by accident). In the snow recently, I would start in L (reduces chances of wheels spinning like mad). As I approached a junction at low speed, in L, I would use the HOLD button as a means of almost bringing me to a halt before I used the brakes. Worked well for me as a technique.

[Alacrity]

I'm finding my self driving the Bongo a bit like a manual motor these days when braking. As I approahc a slowing down situation, I first use HOLD whilst in D then, if need be, move lever to S (you don't have to press in the unlock button to do that, but it does prevent you moving into L by accident). In the snow recently, I would start in L (reduces chances of wheels spinning like mad). As I approached a junction at low speed, in L, I would use the HOLD button as a means of almost bringing me to a halt before I used the brakes. Worked well for me as a technique

Spot on. S & L is manual 1st (L) & 2nd (S) - using the hold button gives (very good) engine braking in these gears, perfect for snowy/icy conditions when you need to avoid the (largely useless) brakes. In D with the hold activated you will pull away in 2nd & upshift to 3rd only. Again perfect for snow/ice.

I suggest taking it out somewhere quiet & playing with it based on what has been said above, that way you will get the feel of it. Don't worry about breaking something - the electronics will stop you doing something stupid. Selecting S or L with the hold button in can be quite a severe downshift if you are near the top end (rev wise) of the ratio being selected.