Acceleration Issue

[heroesdriveversas]

Hello Everyone. I've noticed from time to time when I'm driving my V that the car takes a couple extra seconds to accelerate when I hit the gas pedal. I'm not sure what the problem could be. I bought the car in October and I have about 4500 mi on it right now.

Any ideas? Any help would be appreciated.

[bikeman]

Which transmission do you have?

David

[heroesdriveversas]

It's a Versa S w/ auto transmission

[xtwoonamatchx]

when you hit the gas, does it accelerate at all? because if its slowly accelerating, its because your transmission didnt downshift... i drive the 6sp and have been caught in the wrong gear several times... so watch your rpms when you hit the gas and see where theyre at and all that good stuff...

anything below 2500 you arent getting much out of it.

[heroesdriveversas]

No it accelerates when I hit the gas. Sometimes, after I brake real fast, it takes a couple extra seconds for the rpms to build up. Is this normal, or should I be concerned? Thanks.

[Versa Madness]

I think that the acceleration lag that you are experiencing is due in part to the "drive by wire" throttle control. You may 'floor it' but the computer will sometimes cause a lag or delay in acceleration. I have noticed this with other drive by wire vehicles such as newer Mercedes Benz.
Modified by Versa Madness at 6:29 PM 1/2/2008

[jfanaselle]

I agree - sounds like typical DBW lag.

If so, then it's especially noticable when you're approacing a red signal light; you've almost come to a complete stop (still going 5-10 mph) and the light turns green. You step on the gas and there's a lag before the car responds.

[heroesdriveversas]

Should I be concerned about this? I don't really notice this all the time.

[motoguy128]

The automatic might be slow to downshift when you brake hard, as a result, you're still in a high gear, 3rd or 4th when you go to accelerate again.

When you brake next time, watch the tachometer and see if it jumps ever so slightly as you slow down, this is the transmission downshifting.

The tranmssion may be slower to respond when it's cold outside.

It wouldn't hurt to check the transmission fluid levels. If the fluid level gets very low, one sign might be erratic or sluggish downshifts.

I haven't expereinced this with our 4 speed auto Altima. It does however, downshift and upshift fairly rough IMO. It reminds me of my parents '92 Camry. Defnitely lacks the refinement my 5 speed auto Accord had. I think we'll be turing it in early for a new Altima or Rogue.

[keanucosmo]

I think that the acceleration lag that you are experiencing is due in part to the "drive by wire" throttle control. You may 'floor it' but the computer will sometimes cause a lag or delay in acceleration. I have noticed this with other drive by wire vehicles such as newer Mercedes Benz.

Modified by Versa Madness at 6:29 PM 1/2/2008

It may be related to a slow downshift and being in too high a gear, but I have a 98 Corvette with Throttle By Wire and I can tell you that I have never had a lag at all. I have had slow acceleration if I am in too high a gear for the speed. If I am in 6th gear below 60 mph, acceleration is slow.

I also have never had a lag in my 6MT Versa. Again if I am going to slow for the speed, it will accelerate slowly. Over 50 in 6th seems fine with the 6MT, but if I brake down below that, I have to downshift also.
Modified by keanucosmo at 12:50 PM 1/4/2008

[Althalus]

It may also be something simple have having the AC running, my Versa always starts slower when I've got it going.