I had the same thing happen to me in my JKU on some really steep hills in NC.
I really think Jeep intended for people with the autos to use the manual mode. I didn't do it at first in my JKU but once I figured out that it held the gear through redline and would not shift until I wanted, it gave me all the control of a manual without having to work a clutch. I assume the ZF 8 spd is the same way. Once you get used to it, its great. But I can see how this could be a problem especially if it catches you off guard at the wrong obstacle at the wrong time.
That was just the thing with me. I was backing up to get lined up better on an obstacle and just forgot that I wasn't in manual. Really surprised the hell out of me.
Thanks big time, Eddie! This is certainly not the behavior I would have expected. I'm sure your warning will save me some grief, if not something much worse.
Like I said, just want to make sure others know about this so that they'll know how to prevent it.
Thanks for sharing. This could cause someone without your experience level an issue that could go south in a hurry.
I agree. It was unnerving even for me.
Eddie, did you have the Auto Start Stop on or off? Was the motor mistakenly shutting off even though your foot wasn't on the gas?
Auto Start/Stop is OFF when in 4LO.