Rolling Backwards in Drive
 

Have a new 2009 Civic automatic and noticed that when in drive on a hill, the car rolls backward when brake is released as though it were in neutral. Is this normal. My shop says yes, but just want validation. He said it's designed that way to reduce "shift shock."

welcome to the forum. I spoke to a service manager for Honda, and he stated most cars if on a steep hill, and the idle being low, it may have a tendency to roll back. if mild incline normally will hold. the honda Pilot is the only vehicle that has anti back roll feature in the event you are hauling a boat and back up on the boat launch, the Pilot will not roll back into the water. If I hear more, will get back to you.

Rolling backwards
 

I have the same problem with my 2009 civic was told that this is normal for honda. I have never had this with other make of vehicles. I dont believe the dealer.

I have viewed several other forums, with many different owners of civics from 2001 to 2009 and many have claimed that their civics do roll back on a hill, depending on how steep.

one thing though don't allow it to roll back like that on the transmission alone. The reason being that it is terrible on your transmission especially in drive. Try to leave the brake on until you absolutely need to go forward otherwise it is just added stress on the transmission and the gears trying to make the car go forward.

its because civics have no power.

True, most of the 4 cylinders and 6 cylinders were designed for fuel economy not low end torque but at the same time even if they have no bottom end torque i still wouldn't let it roll back like that putting pressure on the trans-axle gears.

you would think there would be some kind of safety mechanism in place to prevent such things from happening considering the nature of the car and stupid people ???

There is, it is called the Emergency Brake. Especially when you park on a hill or some type of incline or decline you should definitely put the emergency brake on. To let the car even roll on to the trans-axle when in parked is extremely bad for the transmission.

hence the stupid people remark. that would be the ideal thing to do in a world with common sense but most people lack that. i guess meant a safety feature for the safty feature.