Anyone else dislike how the transmission holds 6th (sometimes 5th) for too long? If I roll into the gas at around 50mph with it in 6th gear, it'll lug the engine to the point where the shifter moves around. It's been like this since day one, and I guess it's for fuel economy but I think it's bad on the drivetrain.

If I push the pedal a bit further it will down shift like it should. I can also accelerate at a decent pace without inducing the lug / shifter shake.

That's why you don't buy an automatic.

That's why you don't buy an automatic.
I got the auto for re-sale and performance.

I note the same. Solution: drive in Sport Mode. That's what I do. :thumbsup:

Yes...
Sport mode and a TCM tune from Jesse...

Mark

:werd:

I put it in sport mode but the lug is still there, and I can't get jesse's tune uploaded yet. My tcm won't unlock (working with Rudy @ sct) but the ECM does - not sure what's going on. I just wasn't sure if this is a common problem with the auto.

Being able to manually shift gears with the automatic is provided two ways: 1) with the gear shift (+,-) or 2) using the paddles on the back side of the steering wheel. So, this is not a reason to not buy an automatic. In any case, the auto will continue to shift automatically if the gear shift is moved to the M (manual) position, but is not moved to either the + or - positions. Unlike normal auto shift mode where the car always starts from a standstill in second gear, the M position will start the car in first gear and changes the shift pattern to be more aggressive. This might eliminate Vrocks complaint, while continuing to shift automatically.

Going to sport mode changes the behavior but not much during normal driving. When I'm driving during my commute home, traffic slowly gets up to speed (mid to upper 50s), and the transmission control module selects 6th gear. Once that happens, it holds the gear like it would when it's in normal mode.

What I find most annoying is cruising on the freeway in a little traffic at say - 50 mph in 6th gear (auto). Then, the traffic clears up and you step on the gas. The car shifts down to (I’m guessing 4th) and the power drops way off until the shift is accomplished. Then full power. Until it is time to shift from 5th to 6th. Once again, the power is reduced (timing? fuel restriction?) and the car shifts into 6th and once again - full power. It kind of gives you the impression that the car is a little sleepy and when you demand power - it hesitates for just a fraction of a second.

Do the rest of you with automatics experience this? I know the transmission is trying to protect itself (or is it the rear end?) and it makes sense - but I would rather have a transmission (and/or rear end) that could handle the full power of the car.

As for auto vs. manual - the auto is still faster and I have not missed a single shift from a stop light :).

These sorts of complaints about the AT are very commonplace. I myself noticed them the first day I had the car.

In short, the shifting/throttle response of the AT car is weak. Some of us (myself included) have solved this problem with the Wait4Me tune. Problems solved. Drives like a new car. Seriously.

Tony

Anyone else dislike how the transmission holds 6th (sometimes 5th) for too long? If I roll into the gas at around 50mph with it in 6th gear, it'll lug the engine to the point where the shifter moves around. It's been like this since day one, and I guess it's for fuel economy but I think it's bad on the drivetrain.

If I push the pedal a bit further it will down shift like it should. I can also accelerate at a decent pace without inducing the lug / shifter shake.


Vrocks, do you get a shake or miss type feel when in 6th at low rpms?

I am having this issue. 6th gear, low rpms (1500-2000) cruising speeds, I call for slight acceleration under load (going up incline) but not enough to make the car downshift and I get a bumping/shake almost like a miss until I hit 2000 rpms. I already changed my plugs and wires and that helped for a week, then it went back to doing it all over again.

I'm trying to figure out what it may be so I can get the dealer to look at it.

Vrocks, do you get a shake or miss type feel when in 6th at low rpms?

I am having this issue. 6th gear, low rpms (1500-2000) cruising speeds, I call for slight acceleration under load (going up incline) but not enough to make the car downshift and I get a bumping/shake almost like a miss until I hit 2000 rpms. I already changed my plugs and wires and that helped for a week, then it went back to doing it all over again.

I'm trying to figure out what it may be so I can get the dealer to look at it.
Kadonny, I've experieced what you're talking about - the car bumps back and forth a bit.

I'm close to your area but I'm going to be away in Vegas until next week :D. If you want to make sure we have the same problem; I could meet you at the super Wawa, just south of your dealer.

Sure. Shoot me a PM when you return and we'll set it up some day.

Hey guys I have an AT and I experience the same issues. Took the car in today and they claim that one of my coils is bad. We will see when I get it back. Identical scenario. The problem started off really slow and I thought maybe a bad tank of gas somehow. Wrong! I think it is a programming issue and I doubt they will do crap to fix it, but I will give nearly anyone the benefit of the doubt once. If it happens again we will see what the excuse will be then.

Matt

Got my hoopty back today. It seems to run well. A little more responsive and a much smoother feel through each gear. Apparently only the coil was replaced, but I think they may have messed with programming. Unknown!!!
You may want to consider taking your cars in and have them looked at to see if this may be a larger issue???

Matt

Thanks Matt, good info. I definitely plan on having me dealer look at it when I take it in to put my winter tires on. Great info though, thanks!

No Problem. When you get it checked send me a pm to let me know what they found, if anything.
Matt