acceleration issues?

[kjwzoom]

To preface, '06 Murano w/ 60k miles. I treat it right and do all the required service.

So, why is it that when accelerating onto the freeway (65mph) it feels as if the Mo is faster at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle than at higher inputs? It seems that if I try to get on the gas harder, the Mo rides on top of the 'power wave' but if i lift off a bit, it 'rides down the wave' and really moves... I know that's a horrible way to describe it. Must be the old surfer coming out in me... Is this a CVT issue?

Just wondered if anyone has had this, or if it is just a normal CVT thing that I'm blowing out of proportion. Thanks guys!

[diy?]

Don't know either, but noticed it on our 04 Murano and on our 2010. The '10 seems to accelerate from stop somewhat more strongly (though my Jeep Grand Cherokee will blow the Murano's doors off), but when passing, about 3/4 throttle produces much better results. When I asked the dealer if they could reprogram, I got the ole "we don't alter factory settings for EPA reasons" (???)
I am not technically qualified to challenge the dealer, but might stand a better chance with some help on the right buzz words to use.

[kjwzoom]

Whew, glad it isn't just me then. It wasn't something I had thought about until recently. It is usually our relaxed weekend driver, but with our other car in the shop a few months ago it was our daily. Kinda irritating when hitting an onramp -- leaves one wondering where all that HP and TQ are...

[kerrton]

I kind of doubt that this is normal or "by design" feature of the Murano CVT. Even though it is a drive-by-wire-throttle, i.e. no actual linkage from gas peddle to throttle, just an electric position sensor in the gas peddle to tell the computer what inputs you are giving.

My guess would be a faulty gas peddle position sensor, or possibly a problem with the CVT itself.

I have the Rogue with CVT so all I can say is other than the absence of shift shock, the CVT should pretty much behave like a conventional transmission. In this case, the harder you press on the accelerator, the more the throttle should open and the lower the CVT gear ratio resulting in more rpms and power. Press harder on the accelerator, car accelerates harder and faster, this basic rule should apply to all vehicles regardless of specifics.

I guess my advice would be to monitor it for a while, get a really good handle on exactly when it does it, and how it performs then mention it again to the dealer when you are in for your next service. My advice to light a fire under them too is to use the buzz words "safety issue", if you feel you cannot safely merge into traffic and pass when required. If you need power in an emegency and you stomp that accelerator to the floor, it should accelerate hard, much hard than at 3/4 throttle for example. Be persistent with the dealer because I believe you have a problem, if I understand you right. Stomp on accelerator right to the floor, should equal "suck you back in your seat with maximum acceleration".

[kjwzoom]

Yeah, that "suck you back in your seat with maximum acceleration" bit? Not so much... *sigh* And no, at WOT the engine makes go fast sounds but at 3/4 it actually goes better... New engine 10k miles ago due to sludging and now this? Lovely.

I'm taking it in for her 60k mile service in the next few weeks, I'll ask about it.

[diy?]

Appreciate the feedback. Took her out last night: 3/4 throttle & revs went to 4k with reasonable accleration. Stomped it & revs immediately hit 6K, then slowly dropped, but without corresponding increase in accleration. As I recall, pretty much the same as the '04. Somewhat the same feel as downshifting my Jeep without aplying extra throttle...revs jump, but nothing really happens.
We have two Nissan Dealers in town; both say "we don't mess with factory settings". Find myself wondering that, if I take it in the day after the warranty expires, a sudden solution will be available; for 300 bucks.

[kjwzoom]

Hey diy? I totally agree with you, that's what mine does! Seems illogical that an engine turning at 5-6000rpm is somehow slower than one turning at 4000rpm... Is it just the CVT protecting itself, or what?

I'll ask my dealer what they say -- if they give me the same story of "we can't change factory settings" or some garbage, I'm going to be mad. No reason this should be this way.

[diy?]

Probably dating myself in this electronics age, but in the old days, something like this could often be attributed to lessened vacuum levels at high altitude. We're @ 5,200 here in Albuquerque; how about you kjw?
Somewhat related (maybe?); how does your Murano perform when in cruise control mode...on rolling hills. My tach bounces all over the place; irritating & has to be crashing gas mileage.

[kjwzoom]

Hadn't thought of that -- I'm at about 4300 here in UT.

Yeah, mine doesn't like that either -- too much change for the CVT brain to handle maybe? I usually turn it off! It has to be true 'rolling hills' though - mine doesn't do it on steep mountain grades or anything...

[diy?]

Oh well; guess we'll just concentrate on the 95% of our Murano that we really like...but if you come up with a fix, my suggestion is to post that you have it; but that it's gonna cost you 50 bucks before I let you in on the secret! (pretty sure my wife will be willing to chip in 25.)

[mellisabrown]

Hey diy? I totally agree with you, that's what mine does! Seems illogical that an engine turning at 5-6000rpm is somehow slower than one turning at 4000rpm... Is it just the CVT protecting itself, or what?

I'll ask my dealer what they say -- if they give me the same story of "we can't change factory settings" or some garbage, I'm going to be mad. No reason this should be this way.

hmmm...worthy