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Hesitations!

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Old Feb 1, 2001 | 07:51 AM
  #1  
Cumalot's Avatar
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From: Louisiana
I think it's maybe the general fault of an automatic? I really like my new CAI. However, every since I got the CAI, I noticed the hesiation even more. I'm talking about downshifting hesitation here. Whether I'm cruising on the interstate or around the streets, whenever I try to slam on the gas, I would get a hesitation when the car downshifts. The rpms would climb really high, almost to redline, and the CAI would be screamingly loud. Yet, I don't seem to be going anywhere. I noticed that instead of just slamming on the gas, if I just go a bit easy on the gas at first, and then step on it hard, I get better accelation. Anyone else experiencing this? I had this problem before I got the CAI, but maybe not as noticeable. Maybe I need a VB upgrade?
Btw, the CAI is great and all, but I need more power! I want my UPRD ECU now!
Old Feb 1, 2001 | 09:19 AM
  #2  
Daniel B. Martin's Avatar
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Bad news

Originally posted by Cumalot
... whenever I try to slam on the gas, I would get a hesitation when the car downshifts. The rpms would climb really high ... Yet, I don't seem to be going anywhere. ... if I just go a bit easy on the gas at first, and then step on it hard, I get better accelation.
It sounds as if your automatic transmission is exhibiting "breakaway" or "flare". Both terms mean the same thing, that the transmission is slipping during the downshift. Exhilarating acceleration comes at a price. Sometimes that price is paid at the gas pump, and sometimes at the transmission shop.
Old Feb 1, 2001 | 09:25 AM
  #3  
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Billet Torque Converter

would this help in the shifting? I was thinking of getting one for my 95 SE automatic! Has anyone had any experience with one? can they be purchased used?
Old Feb 1, 2001 | 09:37 AM
  #4  
Dusky's Avatar
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Billet Torque Converter

would this help in the shifting? I was thinking of getting one for my 95 SE automatic! Has anyone had any experience with one? can they be purchased used?
Old Feb 1, 2001 | 02:49 PM
  #5  
Cumalot's Avatar
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From: Louisiana
Re: Bad news

Originally posted by Daniel B. Martin
Originally posted by Cumalot
... whenever I try to slam on the gas, I would get a hesitation when the car downshifts. The rpms would climb really high ... Yet, I don't seem to be going anywhere. ... if I just go a bit easy on the gas at first, and then step on it hard, I get better accelation.
It sounds as if your automatic transmission is exhibiting "breakaway" or "flare". Both terms mean the same thing, that the transmission is slipping during the downshift. Exhilarating acceleration comes at a price. Sometimes that price is paid at the gas pump, and sometimes at the transmission shop.
So, what can I do? Bring it to the dealer to get it checked out? If I do, do I just tell them that, my transmission is slipping? What about the gas pump? I put in the best octane everytime. I do drive the car pretty hard, so would this be the result? Maybe I should have bought the tranny cooler, I don't know if they would make a difference. Please tell me what I should do Daniel. Thanks.
Old Feb 1, 2001 | 07:20 PM
  #6  
Daniel B. Martin's Avatar
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Transmission trouble

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cumalot
So, what can I do? Bring it to the dealer to get it checked out? If I do, do I just tell them that, my transmission is slipping? What about the gas pump? I put in the best octane everytime. I do drive the car pretty hard, so would this be the result? Maybe I should have bought the tranny cooler, I don't know if they would make a difference. Please tell me what I should do Daniel. Thanks.
Suggestions...

(1) Fuel octane (more properly called AKI, Anti-Knock Index) has no effect on the transmission. Nissan recommends 91 AKI as best for the engine, so continue to use that.

(2) Go to a dealer or transmission shop and get an expert opinion. The man should actually drive your car and experience the symptoms to give an informed opinion. I don't think they will charge you anything for a 5 minute test drive.

(3) Based on the expert opinion, decide whether your transmission requires immediate repairs. If not, replace the automatic transmission fluid. ATF is loaded with detergents and a fresh load of ATF will sometimes extend the service life of a transmission.

(4) Resolve to adopt a more moderate driving style.
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