'03 Q A/T questions

[Mike W.]

Truth be told I'm really a 3 pedal guy, but trying to find a Path/QX4 so equipped in good shape, semi local, seemed impossible so I bought an A/T. Anyway, it seems to have some unusual characteristics.

There is near zero creep in gear. I don't mind it, but it seems odd. A problem?

In basic around town driving it's like most autos, but on the road it's somewhat reluctant to either up or down shift. Again, I don't mind, and actually much prefer it, but most autos will cycle endlessly regardless if I want it to or not. Again, a problem?

It was serviced not too long ago and I'll do it again in time, I'm pretty proactive on things like that.

[Blindaviator]

My 2001 is basically the same way so it is likely normal operation...

The less creep in gear sitting still is actually a good thing as It is less wear on the clutches...

My old 1999 Camaro had issues with the transmission "hunting" for a gear at highway speeds. Turns out it was a known issue with that particular GM transmission that would cause total failure if not repaired. So these transmissions getting a good solid lock on overdrive is a good thing...

About the only vehicles you find with 3 pedals anymore are sports cars... Sounds like you need a good Corvette to perambulate around town in for the weekends...

[Mike W.]

My 2001 is basically the same way so it is likely normal operation...

The less creep in gear sitting still is actually a good thing as It is less wear on the clutches...

My old 1999 Camaro had issues with the transmission "hunting" for a gear at highway speeds. Turns out it was a known issue with that particular GM transmission that would cause total failure if not repaired. So these transmissions getting a good solid lock on overdrive is a good thing...

About the only vehicles you find with 3 pedals anymore are sports cars... Sounds like you need a good Corvette to perambulate around town in for the weekends...

Nope, I'm a BMW guy with a couple of them with all 3 pedals.

Anyway, I forgot one more thing. No lockup on the torque converter? Half a MPG or so but not a big deal, just kind of surprising.

[Blindaviator]

Nope, I'm a BMW guy with a couple of them with all 3 pedals.

Anyway, I forgot one more thing. No lockup on the torque converter? Half a MPG or so but not a big deal, just kind of surprising.

Hehe guess I should have included the Bavarian Money Wasters in there...

Is it a 4x4 model?

[Mike W.]

Blindaviator

Is it a 4x4 model?

Yes it is.

[Blindaviator]

If you are worried about MPG you could put manual locking hubs on it. Others report getting 2-3 MPG better mileage after installing them not to mention less wear on the front differential and half-shafts... The hub kit runs about $180 on Amazon...

Only drawback is if you have the push button 4wd model (as opposed to the manual floor shifter) you have to make sure NEVER to engage the 4wd mode if the hubs are unlocked. Others have reported that doing so would cause damage to the transfer case...
See here for more info: locking-hubs-t295565.html

My pathfinder is the floor shifted 4x4 and I plan on installing them soon.

[Mike W.]

While less than enthused about the MPG I knew it going in so it's not a surprise. It's intended use is a go anywhere vacationmobile, not a DD so ease of use is a concern, although I have dealt with locking hubs in my last 4WD back in the 70s.

My real concern was to make sure the lack of a lockup converter was by design and not a sign of things to come.

[amc49]

Any creep in an ATX at idle is from convertor slip only....................no clutches involved in that. Any lockup would be off at that time. The heavier the vehicle generally the less they creep at idle, the weight increase forces more slip to happen.

[Mike W.]

Any creep in an ATX at idle is from convertor slip only....................no clutches involved in that. Any lockup would be off at that time. The heavier the vehicle generally the less they creep at idle, the weight increase forces more slip to happen.

Understood it's two different conditions at much different times. Both just seem unusual or unexpected. I actually prefer minimal (or no) creep, but most A/T vehicles including heavier pickup trucks do have more of it.

[rgk]

Nope, I'm a BMW guy with a couple of them with all 3 pedals.

Anyway, I forgot one more thing. No lockup on the torque converter? Half a MPG or so but not a big deal, just kind of surprising.

You don't have lockup above 45mph? Are you throwing a trans code?

[Mike W.]

Nope, I'm a BMW guy with a couple of them with all 3 pedals.

Anyway, I forgot one more thing. No lockup on the torque converter? Half a MPG or so but not a big deal, just kind of surprising.

You don't have lockup above 45mph? Are you throwing a trans code?

Nope. It coded once on vacation for cat efficiency, but that was the only code there. I know what a lockup TC looks like on a tach and it doesn't have one. Seems odd but if that's all it does wrong I'm leavin' it in place.