More thoughts on the 7AT from a future buyer...

Mike S.

I test drove a new 2011 370z Touring (no sport) 7AT last weekend. I liked it. In this thread, I'm really just posting about the 7AT drivability. It felt really very similar so my G37x, except just much quicker. The Z is about 500lbs lighter.

However, the gears are the same and so is the final drive. Now the reason for my worry is that the G37 boards are riddled with 7AT complaints. Its not that its a bad tranny, just the software, at least in the G, is messed up in many ways. Infiniti has released TWO software updates since 2009 to correct it and it still hasn't fully.

I did notice than when the Z was cold and I was coming to a stop (just in standard "D" mode) that it held on to 2nd gear until like 2mph then kind of jerked into 1st. My G does the same thing when cold (actually worse).

My hope is that Nissan has tuned the 7AT more aggressively in the Z (firmer shifts?) and that the problems seen in the G line aren't in the Z. I would imagine that if they were, I'd see posts here.

Here are some of the problems the Infiniti G 7AT have had:

1. When first released in 2009, the downshifting slowly for stop under 30mph was aggressive enough that you could basically roll to a stop without using the brakes! It wasn't harsh downshifting, just kind of kept the tach at around 1500 as it kept choosing lower gears. Coasting in city driving was not possible LOL. A re-flash of the TCU corrected this.

2. Harsh 3-2 or 2-1 downshift. This would/will occur when braking for stop (not downshifting for acceleration). Sometimes it feels like a little jolt.

3. "Flare". The 7AT has a Variable-Locking Torque Converter. Not sure why, or how it helps, but it makes the tranny very busy. After my car is at operating temp and is then restarted (say I run into a store for 20 mins), when I come out and drive away, the rpms will jump as its shifting from 3-4 or 4-5. Almost like its slipping. It's basically the torque converter unlocking (producing a split second rise in rpm's) and then re-locking a split second later.

So I post all this because I've come to hate the 7AT in my car, even though it does drive well when you're more aggressive. However, on the Z boards, it seems all is rosy when the tranny.

Here is a link to the Infiniti Technical Bulletin for the latest transmission software update. BTW: They updated the ecu in this update too.

[TSB] G37 7AT shift issues TCM/ECM reprogram - MyG37

Dart

Have had mine (2011 with sport) for 9000 miles now. None of the issues you mention except when manually downshifting from 2-1 it would sometimes engage strongly. I realized that keeping my foot on the brake while downshifting was causing the issue. Let foot up, dowshift, no problems.

I like the transmission a lot for it's different abilities, calm or raging it's all good.

Doug&Michelle

I agree with Dart. It's not perfect but the more I drive it the more I like it. Now that I have the Fast Intentions cat back, I drive in manual mode mostly. I do wish they would have put in a DCT but I'm still very happy with what we have.

jpritche

My 2009 370z has 25,000 miles on it and the AT is running just as strong as ever...

on the other hand...dad's 2010 7AT G37...well lets just say we have been car shopping lately

Mike S.

This at least validates my thoughts. The tranny in the Z is the same as G (unless there are some minor internal differences) and its hooked upto the same engine. It must be all in the tuning and I'm happy to hear these gremlins are absent in the Z.

Mecinoid

Yep found that out too. So, I brake earlier, let her coast to a stop and apply the brakes to stop creeping and roll back.

UNKNOWN_370

I also agree. The capabilities are surprisingly huge and contrary to popular belief. It takes time to understand this transmission to make it work to its fullest capacity. As the car gets to know your driving style, it begins to give better throttle response and faster shifts. No multiple drivers in this car. The more this car learns your style and only your style. The better your shift timing gets.
What I love best is that floor shifting and paddle-shifting give different driving sensations while in manual. And DS gives the most sedate shifts for instant yet smooth power. Just keep it in drive and downshift when you need a quick boost of acceleration without the aggressive feel. Leave the paddle alone for a couple seconds and you are back in D.

11Thumper

Yep. For a slushbox it does an amazing job. Sure, some people knock it but hey, technology changes things. Would I get 7AT again if given the choice? Probably not since my commute has changed quite a bit but hey, it may change again. Do I want to sell my Z because the 7AT is boring? Nope!

Felix 808

Yep absolutely agree! Theses are not the old slip-o-matics of yesterday. Definitely glad I got the auto.

YMMV

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gr8-wrx

I haven't experienced the problems you mentioned. I only have about 2,500 files so far, though...

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Me: 2022 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Double-Cab SB, 2023 Toyota Corolla
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Weekends: 2010 Nissan 370z Roadster

gurneyeagle

Same here; on both counts.

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Waiting on the Z35! SOLD - 2011 Gun Metallic Touring 7AT w Sports Pkg & Nav, Nismo Bumper and Rims, RC Grille, RC Brake Ducts, H&R Spacers, Painted Door Hdls, GTR Start Button, Nav By-Pass, EVO R Fog Light, CF Ducktail, CF Interior Trim

11Thumper

Same here...

kenchan

hey so mike, when are you going to pull the trigger? you've been lurking for some time.

Mike S.

I dunno......haha. My G has about 5 lease payments left....so I'd need to order one in about 60-90 days. Wanted to wait until the NY Auto Show to see if Infiniti would show a new G....but it sounds like they won't show it till 2013. I don't want another G that is basically the same car as 2007. You might have to show me your Z!

kenchan

haha, i see. yah, ive been waiting for wat the next gen G-coupe might look like as well.

been holding out with my 2004 (original owner) since im not a big fan of the current G37C's.

if you want to see picts of my Z you can check out my profile's album page.