My 5 AT sedan (35,600 mi) really is slow to respond when I accelerate hard from slow speed. For example, I'm stuck crawling in traffic, see an opening and go for it. The response was so sluggish, that I almost got rear-ended.

The dealer "sees nothing unusual" but I can't believe this is normal.
I've read several posts where drivers think Grounding kits help with MM shifts (I know the delays they've described) but I'm talking about just plain "automatic".

The lag doesn't seem to occur if I accelerate gradually (although it does seem to hang onto 2nd abit too long at times), only when I step on it.
Either way, the car should respond quicker, I think.

Would Grounding Gear help? Transmission flush? Other suggestions?

Thanks guys !

 

Are you saying that the engine responds immediately, but the AT doesnt downshift immediately? Or the RPMs just dont climb right away? I have an 03.5 AT with 69K miles and have never had it feel sluggish at WOT, but there have been times where I think it should have downshifted and didnt. I have the grounding gear 10 wire and it didnt really do that much. Maybe a little better throttle response, but nothing dramatic. If you havent had your full AT fluid exchange service done yet, you're past due.

 

My car shifts "fair" in manumatic mode. However, when I downshift from 3rd to 2nd or even 2nd to 1st, the car can actually take SECONDS to shift sometimes. I have to let off the gas and wait for it to get back into gear.

It's very annoying.

 

JnKirk and Ballisticus, thanks for your input. I don't have a clue what WOT means but what happens is the engine bogs down (like in the old days if your carb was adjusted too rich). The car feels restrained, then shoots out like a rocket. I sometimes smell fuel after going through this excercise.
To be honest, I think the RPMs drop but I'm not totally sure. I'll pay attention to that.
Thanks for the tranny flush suggestion and your take on Grounding Gear. I will do the transmission service ASAP.

 

I also have this problem , just bought a used 2003.5 sedan with 67,000km 2 months ago and Ronso describes the problem very well (if it's even a problem, someone told me it's normal too!) I used to drive an Accord and was able to cut in and out of traffic like a madman . Now when I punch the gas it takes a second for the car to accelerate. This is dangerous if you dont expect it, I am naturally starting to adjust my driving style now but it really pisses me off when it happens, I was thinking about resetting the computer. Does anyone here know for sure whats up?
Thanks

 

when I need to briefly accelerate quickly (such as changing lanes in slow moving traffic) - I put it in MM and make sure its in 1st or 2nd (depending on your speed)... my 04 responds very swift in MM but indeed takes a moment to down shift in full auto (and indeed can be a traffic hazard).

Just use you MM when needed and you will be fine.

 

OCG35 and 03 Silver, thanks. I was starting to wonder if I was having hallucinations. I'm sorry you're having the same issues.
Downshifting as OC describes sounds right. I haven't done it out of concern that I'll mess up the tranny. I suppose that if I'm going 15 mph, drop a gear and kick it, I should be alright (as long as that lower gear isn't #1), or am I wrong here?
Anyway, thanks for the responses. I just completed the ECU reset described in this forum. I'll find out if it took when I take "the little woman" out for dinner tonight. If she punches me and tells me to slow down, mission accomplished. If not, I'll report that too

 

I’ve already started downshifting like OC35 describes, and getting used to it. I’m sure after a year of driving this car I will just downshift before hitting the gas without thinking about it .
Rosno did you reset the ECU with the gas pedal or the battery? I was going to try doing mine this weekend .

 

Been there! Done that! I think. If you're talking about a delayed automatic transmission kickdown response to the point where it's dangerous. The engine revs while the auto transmission gears down and after a seemingly long delay the car finally moves out. That's exactly how my 03 doggie door A/T Sedan acted when it was new.

To start, what's the year, type, manufacture date and the vin number (use xxx for the last three digits) of your car?

Once we know that I may be able to make some additional recommendations to OCG35's amd 03Silver's.


DaveO

 

WOT=Wide Open Throttle

The tranny service is not cheap. It takes about 12 qts of Nissan Matic-J to do it right at $13/qt. + labor. But I wouldnt trust anyone but the dealership or a mechanic you know well. Lots of people have been scammed by Kwiklubes for charging for it but not even doing it. Either that or they just drain whats in the pan (only 3-4 qts) and leave the rest.

 

I've got an 03 as well and tho I can't categorize my delay as extreme as yours/ there is a mild hesitation as the tranny downshifts before responding. OC has it right- I drive in MM mode in tight freeway situations for immediate response/ and my car responds perfectly.

If u try this and it works/ I'm not sure I'd bother w/ the tranny flush.. I've been on the fence about the G's grounding gear addition/ but haven't seen enough solid reports to convince me yet.

I think another factor is that your ECU "learns" your driving behavior and so if you don't drive hard most of the time.. it falls back into 'moderate driving' mode. Fortunately, with the way I drive, my car doesn't have that problem!

 

DaveO I am very curious what you will recommend, here is my info.
vin- Jnkcv51ex3m316---
date- 12/02
year 2003 (2003.5 i think due to no doggie door)
thanks for your help, if this can be fixed or bettered I will be very happy.

 

03 Silver: I used the gas pedal ECU reset. Be patient as it may take a few tries. When I took the car for a test of the reset, I had my wife yelling Whoa!! a few times and I did sense a bit more response but I'll have to try it alone so I can concentrate. Second gear still hangs sometimes.
DaveO: Thanks man! I'll post the information and will appreciate any advice.
Ballisticus: Thanks for the definition and the warning. I am having the Dealership do the flush. I'm not happy that it's expensive but if that solves it, the car and my safety are well worth it.
OCGSedan and 35:Thanks for the MM tip. I'll try it and see how bad the lag (if any) is. I suppose that if the reset actually took, I should get on the car abit, just to "re-educate" the ECU.
Again guys, thanks for all of your responses. Dave, I'll get the information to you .

 

Rosno - after doing the reset how long are you going to drive it fast and hard? Do you know how long it will take to re-learn your style?

 

03Silver,

I believe your Sedan has an in-cabin TCM in the same series as mine so this latest mod should apply.

The latest ECU/TCU program is Part Number 23710-AM604. This program significantly improved the normal auto mode driveability and reduced the A/T's downshift time.

I had previously upgraded the original 31036-AL000 program to 31036-AL004. This had helped a little. Gord's 10-wire GroundingGgear kit helped more. The Stillen valve body increased the speed and firmness of the shifts (especially in MM), but not the delayed kickdown time.

Those in Southern California can contact Mike Longridge at Riverside Infiniti or PM Chad@InfinitiSpecialists (a sponsor here)... they can hook you up. The reprograming runs about $100.00.


DaveO