Car Problem

[PhantaPhanta]

Sorry if I'm posting in the wrong section of the forum.

So to start off, I got a 2014 Sports Package 370z 7AT

The problem is which I'll refer to as "the kick" in this thread.

I ALWAYS start the car up and leave it idle until the RPM is under 1 before taking it out.

So the kick happens when I'm just cruising, more specifically when I let go of the gas pedal(Foot off the gas and pedal from here on out) and then the RPM goes down to about 1.5 to 1. then it "kicks" and the rpm jumps back up to 2 then down to 1.5 to 1 again. This makes the car jerk a slightly bit

I heard some people talk about the sports traction mode or something. Is this why it "kicks" or is something wrong with my car :'(

Thanks guys. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Duc_Z09]

Is the transmission downshifting on you?

[PhantaPhanta]

Sorry total noob here. What do you mean by that. Its an auto. I dont use the tiptronics.

[Memphis370Z]

Originally Posted by Duc_Z09

Is the transmission downshifting on you?

I've got an AT as well and think I know what you're referring to. I agree that it is probably just the downshift that you're noticing. The AT likes to hang in gear while you're slowing down, bringing down the RPMs, until it downshifts in to the next lowest gear, causing "the kick" that you mentioned.

One question - do you notice "the kick" more after you've done a little spirited driving? If so, I would say it's totally normal. My AT seems to shift harder (both up an down), even under light throttle, after I have had a little fun. My guess would be that the this is just part of the ECU learning your habits. After I begin driving normally, it doesn't shift nearly as firm.

Hope this helps.

[PhantaPhanta]

Originally Posted by Memphis370Z

I've got an AT as well and think I know what you're referring to. I agree that it is probably just the downshift that you're noticing. The AT likes to hang in gear while you're slowing down, bringing down the RPMs, until it downshifts in to the next lowest gear, causing "the kick" that you mentioned.

One question - do you notice "the kick" more after you've done a little spirited driving? If so, I would say it's totally normal. My AT seems to shift harder (both up an down), even under light throttle, after I have had a little fun. My guess would be that the this is just part of the ECU learning your habits. After I begin driving normally, it doesn't shift nearly as firm.

Hope this helps.

Helps alot. I mean if this is "normal" then yeah I can totally live and deal with it. It only bothers me because I kept worrying there is something wrong with the car. As for your question yes, when I first got the car, it didn't kick. So.. it was like 67 Miles and I just you know.. first time in the 370z pushed it but around 1000 miles, i notice the kicks.

Thanks for your reply. It makes me happy. :]

[Memphis370Z]

Originally Posted by PhantaPhanta

Helps alot. I mean if this is "normal" then yeah I can totally live and deal with it. It only bothers me because I kept worrying there is something wrong with the car. As for your question yes, when I first got the car, it didn't kick. So.. it was like 67 Miles and I just you know.. first time in the 370z pushed it but around 1000 miles, i notice the kicks.

Thanks for your reply. It makes me happy. :]

Good deal and, by the way, don't fear the paddle shifters. They are your friends! Try down shifting with the paddle and you'll see, feel, and hear a real "kick" with the DRM!

[JARblue]

If you drive the car hard, it will temporarily 'learn' how you are driving and accommodate accordingly running higher revs and giving harder shifts. You may notice the downshift 'kick' more under these circumstances.

Find an empty road and drive 40 mph. Switch to manual mode and then hit the left paddle shifter to get to 2nd gear. You should feel a nice kick and see the RPMs jump up pretty good. Now if you really want to feel a kick, mash on the gas pedal

Please be careful and only drive within your own abilities

[PhantaPhanta]

Originally Posted by JARblue

If you drive the car hard, it will temporarily 'learn' how you are driving and accommodate accordingly running higher revs and giving harder shifts. You may notice the downshift 'kick' more under these circumstances.

Find an empty road and drive 40 mph. Switch to manual mode and then hit the left paddle shifter to get to 2nd gear. You should feel a nice kick and see the RPMs jump up pretty good. Now if you really want to feel a kick, mash on the gas pedal

Please be careful and only drive within your own abilities

Oh I've tried that and it sounds so nice. I only got stock exhaust so that downshifting is like the best way to make the car roar for me xD. I've only done it twice. Not sure if it damages car? But i heard it kills gas?

[JARblue]

lol it uses more gas than not downshifting to 2nd at 40 mph but not by a significant amount. And no it doesn't damage the engine Avoid downshifting into 1st.

Throttle is what uses gas. Lots of throttle at high RPMs will be the least efficient use of gas. But it is the most efficient method to obtain smiles

[JARblue]

We've got 93 octane for $1.94 in the area right now. So more smiles/$$ than ever in the Z!

[PhantaPhanta]

Yeah the Costco here sells 87 and 91 only. Ive been pumping 91 and the price of $2.40 makes me smile.

[Jordo!]

Transmission doing its thing in auto mode. Normal. No worries.

No need to warm up the car to get going -- no carburetor, no choke.

Just try not to floor it before oil temp is up to at least 160* F (unless fleeing a crime scene or something), otherwise, enjoy

[Zipper 104]

The first week I had my '13 370 AT I exited a highway to enter a town with a 30 mph speed limit (rigidly enforced everytime I go there) and noticed at low speed in low gear it hunted all over, seemingly all on it's own. Any attempt to keep the speed steady seemed fruitless. It took me awhile to get the hang of it.
It's like a young horse. It just doesn't like being reined in.


104

[DOOMMONKEY777]

OP now i had some exp in kicking transmissions in my day and they all had problems, so in my head i think there could be a problem, cold you plz provide a video of the kick wile driving for better analysis. Am not saying that some ppl here are wrong, i just would like a better view of the problem and give a more precise advice be4 its too late.

Now i have a 6spd manual, an ive heard lots of auto problems in this car so ye.

[Tadpole]

My Z does this too and you can really tell with an aftermarket exhaust. I get a little gurgle and a pop or two coming to red lights while downshifting.
I wouldnt worry about it OP unless you are thrown towards the windshield.