Maybe someone out there can help us out - we have a 2008 Mazda Tribute i 4 cyl Manual Transmission that is a nightmare to do a hill start or incline start. The e-brake is on the floor with the handle to disengage on the lower left of the steering wheel. Unlike a center console e-brake, there is no button on the e-brake to take the brake off gradually - it is either on or off immediately which makes hill starts very difficult.

Any help or ideas appreciated.

 

Keep your right foot on the brake pedal and slowly let the clutch out until it starts engaging and the rpms drop a little bit. This will hold the vehicle in place while you move your foot from the brake pedal to the gas. You can now take off!

 

Pretty much as 04tribute says...timing will be everything. When you come off the brake, be quick with acceleration and time your clutch pedal. That is a mistake any auto maunfacturer makes when it comes to a manual trans...not putting in a center console e-brake with release button. Good luck with your timing.