I have just given up my very reliable 16 year old Space Cruiser in Part Ex for a beautiful Townace. O( and 0).

Anyway, could someone tell me, when using an automatic lever, what gear should you be in when switching the ignition off? This might sound like a stupid question, but I am so used to my old Cruiser, which I have had for 13 years, that I have no idea on this. I know what P, D, R, 1 and L are for and I know that you start the engine after the red light goes out and that you start in P and use D for Drive, 1 and L for low gears for hills etc, but I do not know what gear I should be when switching off the ignition. Pleeeeeease help me and thanks for your reply in advance. Great Website. Joanna, South Wales

- (#6790) Joanna, 20 Jan 03

Well you can actually switch off in any gear but you will find that you should be in Park if you want to remove your keys. It's a failsafe and something you should get into the habit of doing.

- (#6791) Ian Dunse, 20 Jan 03

joanna,
under normal driving conditions D will take care of most driving conditions,even going up hill the gears will drop to a lower ratio automaticlly,going down hill
depends on driving conditions,but normal conditions I would let the townace sort it out,the townace has very good brakes being able to carry 8 person's.when I park up my townace I always apply the hand brake and still keeping your foot firmly on the brake pedel move the gear lever into P position then turn off the ignition,
remembering to go from D to P you must push the button in at the top right side on gear knob.never put the gear lever into P when you are still moving as you will do some real damage to the gearbox.also once in position P this will lock the wheels and the ace will not move.welcome and good luck.dennis

- (#6792) dennis, 20 Jan 03

I am amazed at how quickly you nice people have replied (Ian and Dennis). Thank you and thank you again for all your help. Makes me feel a whole lot better and more confident when parking up now.

- (#6793) Joanna, 20 Jan 03

... We recently changed from a manual Spacecruiser to an automatic Townie too ...Both good, but the Townie is great!

The D for drive takes care of all normal driving. The only unusual feature we found on the 1994 (L reg) townie is that you can't move from P to any other gear unless you have your foot on the brakes. It's a safety feature I suppose, but it really foxed us at first!

- (#6794) tony, 20 Jan 03

Yet another Space Cruiser to Town Ace owner!
Congrats on a good choice. I've had mine a year now, just passed the MoT without even a mention, and the only thing I miss is the gentle purr of the 3Y engine. Would I change back NO!
Happy motoring.

Clive

- (#6795) Clive, 20 Jan 03

Thanks to Clive and Tony also for your replies. Now I feel more confident in driving and parking.

It is so very nice to know that there are others who have gone from the old reliable Space Cruiser to a Townace. Funny old world!!!!!

Jo

- (#6881) Jo, 21 Jan 03