My throttle response is not that great. When I push the accelorator, the increased gas is being fed into the engine, but there is no power generated until I give it even more until it finally downshifts..(auto). I keep reading threads with people saying how incredible their acceleration, and power they feel while driving their Max. I now am beginning to think I may have something wrong.

 

thats exactly how my auto feels, it seems to like to stay in the same gear unless your on it. right now I dont care about that since its almost 5sp conversion time

 

Yep, that's normal. I'm used to it now, so when I know I'll need a downshift to get adequate acceleration, I just punch the gas a bit more. The best torque will never come at 1500 RPM so you can't expect much if you're tapping the gas at 45 mph in 4th. Punch it down to third for a small boost and further down to second to really go. Another case is when you come to an almost complete stop but then start again. The tranny is in second instead of first and it feels more sluggish. 5sp would fix all these issues of course!

 

Cleaning the Throttle body in my 97 helped the throttle response a lot. I've also heard that tightening the throttle cable helps.

 

I just replaced spark plugs..cleaned throttle body. Both helped car run smoother. But now I just want to feel some oomph

 

I hate to say it, but the oomph you're looking for isn't easy to find in an automatic. Torque converters spoil all the fun, the only way to get your car to snap every time you hit the gas is to have a manual transmission...which I can vouge for and say, yes, they're snappy.

J

 

I've driven several cars..ie Lincoln LS Auto..and the harder I pushed on the gas it just accelerated harder. The only way I can get my auto to move is by slammin the gas and having it downshift...I know, I am probably wasting time wishing..but that LS was 210hp...so it makes me think

 

yeah my throttle response has went downhill, i feel like i'm getting no low-end response, u figured that it was my old spark plugs

 

try tightening your throttle cable, but not too tight, you should still have some give in the line. this will make your throttle response much better.

good luck

 

Poor throttle response:

1) Hybird intakes take away a lot of throttle response. More than I ever imagined. I've experimented with my hacked stock airbox (K&N panel filter, no resonators, cut up airbox) vs my hybrid HKS intake and the HKS intake feels like utter crap in terms of throttle response. It damn near feels like turbo-lag. The hacked airbox makes a huge difference in the way the car accelerates in the taller gears while cruising. This is with my 5 speed BTW.

2) Hotter weather = less dense air = less power. If you're running a underhood intake, things will be even worse.

3) Nissan autos aren't known for thier efficency. The torque converter is tight and makes for sluggish feel. The tranny also is slow to downshift.



Dave

 

my throttle response has been..... great

 

my throttle response has been..... great!

 

Thats because of the auto . .. ive driven a BMW 530I sport (auto), and that car has amazing throttle response. . Nissan's autos are just ****ty and not too sporty.

 

1. The "lock-up" function with the converter is not executed very well; never in 1st or 2nd gears, only in limited functionality in 3rd gear above 3K rpm, and only with limited throttle application below 3K rpm in 4th gear.
2. The minimum upshift speed for the 1-2 gear change is programmed too low, leading to sluggish acceleration coming out of a low speed intersection turn.
3. The valve body is tuned too soft so the upshifts are not firm enough for spirited performance.
4. Transmission cooler is significantly undersized for the application.
5. Final drive ratio is too tall, which hurts overall acceleration in all gears.

 

My 5 spd has great response. I especially like it while downshifting!

 

Try riding w/ OverDrive off in situations where you need faster response... not having to downshift out of 4th will help a bit.

 

Cleaning the throttle body and installing new plugs will help. I even went back to the stock air cleaner element vs. K&N and that helped response.

Also, if you have been messing with the idle speed, you need to set it as the factory manual recommends AND reset the automatic transmission settings according to the manual. That will sync any new settings of the throttle with the automatic trans.

One more thing...my alternator died last week and so I had to replace it...the engine pulls much stronger now. I'm wondering if a weak alternator was hurting my low end before I replaced it. It may be worth checking to see if you are getting good output.

 

How do you do that?

 

I'm sure the manual tells how to check the alternator, but any auto repair shop should be able to check things out.

What kind of driving do you do day to day? I find that the more stop and go driving I do, the more my engine/transmission get lazy and the bottom end drops off. Maybe it is the computer adjusting for those conditions.

 

Also try checking ECU for throttle position sensor code (0403). This sensor helps alot in terms of downshifting and throttle response. It can be easily adjusted/replaced, look at the faqs for how to adjust/test with ohm meter. After replacing my bad tps, the difference in throttle response was like night and day. I agree that weather has a huge effect too, don't expect alot especially when it's all hot and muggy outside.

 

all good responses...yeah, I have done many of these things..no codes poping up, or in "hiding".

Dave B. - Interesting find. I have the Frankencar, and do enjoy it, I really hope it's not the Frankentake

chris j vurnis - I agree with you whole heartedly...very lax tranny

goldmax - If you know how to reset the automatic transmission settings, please share. Not just I would benefit, rather could be useful for all our automatics.

chris j vurnis mentioned the TC...and I have somewhat forgot of this mod lately. A beefed up TC may help...folks in the know, let us know. It may be a last ditch effort before taking the plunge into a 5 spd tranny.

 

my throttle response sucks , same way since i got my car,

i changed o2 sensors, knock sensor, TCS sensor, all new spark plugs, new K@N cold air intake filter, cleaned my throttle body and have not noticed any thing different , maybe im just used to my old manual civic with quicker acceleration on low end

i have gotton used to it being slow on low end but when i hit 60mph and hit it and my ypipe kicks in then im lovin it again , but always would prefer low end better, its a shame to see old ladies passing me when the light turns green because my foots not floored , i keep it under 2rpms usually at take off

 

...and I was thinking something might have been wrong with my car. My old 85 Capri had much better low end power. I hate having to push the pedal down lower to make teh car downshift and get the power i want.. =/