Anyone experience sluggish transmission on cold starts?

airgate · 11-14-2009, 11:52 PM

Just curious, I've been noticing that my Insight has a sluggish transmission, shifts from PARK to REVERSE...

When I back out of my driveway in REVERSE, the car sits for a solid second or two before moving...and then when I get to the end of the driveway and shift into DRIVE, another delay...sometimes the Insight will rev a little and then goes...

I haven't noticed this issue until recently. My Insight currently has 15k miles...

Anyone else notice any issue?

Ehetleos · 11-15-2009, 02:15 AM

Ιt apears to me that cold-start engine+injection engine philosophy+CVT=3 partners that find it difficult to agree on most things. The moment the COLD ENGINE sign switches off, they are best buddies and kick @ss. But up untill then...patience!

Purplegate · 11-15-2009, 09:47 AM

Yup, same here. Lag between reverse and D... and anything linked to the CVT. CVT is a nice piece of engineering, but not "tight" to drive. It is not my first car with CVT and they all do similar behaviors, to some extent. I guess we just need to be patient and accept these sluggish moments.

Note, I don't think it's a problem. The CVT belt has to engage in the pulley, and even if the computer try to make it as smooth as possible, there is a mechanical transition that takes time. Also, and I am not the expert in CVT, by far, but I believe the oil used in the CVT has some properties to become more solid when pressured between the belt and the pulley, to fill microscopic cavities and increase the friction (to keep the belt in place and avoid slipping). In cold condition, the oil might have less capabilities, resulting in a little additionnal splipping. CVT experts can confirm ?

KlumzyDriver · 11-15-2009, 09:49 AM

Yes, I've noticed the same thing but the delay in shifting from reverse to drive does seem to take a bit longer in the cooler weather sometimes. I also have the same situation where the engine will rev a little uncommonly if you step on the gas (mostly before the tranny is fully engaged) when the engine is cold. I've got in the habit of just waiting the extra second or two before stepping on the gas. I don't think it's anything to worry about, but I'm wondering how really the cold temperatures (we'll get in a couple of months) will affect what is not really a problem...yet.

Un-related and every once in great while, while moving forward and subsequent to downshifting (as one might do when starting to accelerate, after getting to a bottom of a hill), the engine will start to rev when re-applying the gas- as if the tranny is temporarily "stuck" on the gear ratio from the aformentioned downshift.

All I can say about this is my car has done this infrequently since it was new several months ago. The only reason I don't think it's a big deal is that it happens rarely, it has always done it, and the issue does not seem to be happening more frequently than when the car was first new.

Anybody else, similar?

nameless00 · 11-15-2009, 05:19 PM

Try reversing into your drive way to see if you get a slow start going forward too..

The engine just needs to warm up, it does affect gas-mileage, on another thread I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to -20 C temps, since on a normal car there's a delay too, and I wonder if the Insight would be worst. Typically if it gets to 30 F (0 C) it's recommended you idle most cars for at least 30 seconds before driving off.

airgate · 11-15-2009, 10:14 PM

Awesome, thanks for the feedback folks - appreciate it!!

Cobb · 11-15-2009, 10:26 PM

Yeah, same here. I find if you tap the gas it pops right into gear. Likewise when it auto stops. Nice way to start a burn out if you turn off trac control first

nursemike · 11-17-2009, 11:56 PM

I have the same behavior from both my Honda CVTs, it appears to be "normal" and becomes even more pronounced in much lower temps.

NewOldReliable · 11-23-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nursemike

I have the same behavior from both my Honda CVTs, it appears to be "normal" and becomes even more pronounced in much lower temps.

Agree!
It happens every morning, especially with temps around 40 degrees F...Tranny hesitation before cvt engages from P into R.

Can't wait to see what happens when it really gets cold.

fuelmiser · 11-23-2009, 11:46 PM

I contacted Amsoil to see if they are going to make a CVT fluid and have not heard anything. That's why I can't stand using OEM fluids. Honda just goes out to the lowest bidder and stamps their name on it rather than giving the business to 3rd party and make zero profit on it.

My guess that I will be stuck using Honda CVT fluid. And if I bought a Nissan Cube, I'd be dealing with the same issue. I almost bought a Cube before deciding on the Insight.