ANYONE GET THE NEW TRANSMISSION UPDATE

[harryg]

are you sure the ticking noise is not coming from the steering wheelcheck out this threadhttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zer...wheel

got my clock spring replaced and the creaking went away

[kerrton]

Did anyone get the update and notice that the ticking noise is still there? This is what happened to me today. Took it in for an oil change and the software update. Left and immediately noticed the same ticking noise still there, especially when turning or going around bends in the road. I'm wondering if they even applied the update or is my noise caused from something else entirely. Not sure what to do now.

In my almost 2 years of tracking the CVT rattle issue on this forum, with my dealer and dealing with the defect myself, including a CVT replacement, I don't recall anyone ever mentioning a CVT ticking noise. The CVT issue was a very definitive rattle, like shaking a tin can full of rocks. I'm not sure what your ticking noise could be, but I wouldn't assume the TCM and ECU reprogram would fix the problem, or did the dealer promise this?

Are you sure the ticking noise is coming from the transmission? If it occurs when turning, I'd say it's probably not the CVT but possibly suspension or steering related. Any more detail you can provide would help us to help you.

[Southpaw75]

In my almost 2 years of tracking the CVT rattle issue on this forum, with my dealer and dealing with the defect myself, including a CVT replacement, I don't recall anyone ever mentioning a CVT ticking noise. The CVT issue was a very definitive rattle, like shaking a tin can full of rocks. I'm not sure what your ticking noise could be, but I wouldn't assume the TCM and ECU reprogram would fix the problem, or did the dealer promise this?

Are you sure the ticking noise is coming from the transmission? If it occurs when turning, I'd say it's probably not the CVT but possibly suspension or steering related. Any more detail you can provide would help us to help you.

Okay, I'll try to provide as much info as I can about my Rogue issue.First of all, it definitely is not coming from the steering wheel. It is certainly coming from transmission area where the gear shift is. This rattle or ticking noise has been obvious from the first months of driving it off the lot. Bought in June '08 and it has 17k miles on it. AWD SL model. I would NOT describe the noise as shaking a can of rocks. It is not that loud. It's more like a ticking noise such as a loud clock if you put your ear right up to the hands of the clock moving. It only seems to happen at speeds between 15-45mph and really only is noticeable with making turns or driving on bends in the road. All this time, people with Rogues have been describing rattles from their transmission area and I just assumed my rattle was the same problem. It would be natural to think that, right? Now I'm not so sure. I don't think my dealer has actually taken my Rogue and went out to recreate the problem. They probably just assumed as I did. A customer is complaining about a transmission rattle - must be the same thing that other Rogue owners are experiencing. Apparently my issue is totally different than the common "CVT rattle" as the software update did not fix it. Now I guess I have to start over with the dealer.Any thoughts?

[MrsRogue]

Thank you Kerrton, I took it in today and after they checked the VIN it had 3 recalls on it....which I wouldn't have known if not for this forum. Thank you ladies and gents so much for this info.

[harryg]

Okay, I'll try to provide as much info as I can about my Rogue issue.First of all, it definitely is not coming from the steering wheel. It is certainly coming from transmission area where the gear shift is. This rattle or ticking noise has been obvious from the first months of driving it off the lot. Bought in June '08 and it has 17k miles on it. AWD SL model. I would NOT describe the noise as shaking a can of rocks. It is not that loud. It's more like a ticking noise such as a loud clock if you put your ear right up to the hands of the clock moving. It only seems to happen at speeds between 15-45mph and really only is noticeable with making turns or driving on bends in the road. All this time, people with Rogues have been describing rattles from their transmission area and I just assumed my rattle was the same problem. It would be natural to think that, right? Now I'm not so sure. I don't think my dealer has actually taken my Rogue and went out to recreate the problem. They probably just assumed as I did. A customer is complaining about a transmission rattle - must be the same thing that other Rogue owners are experiencing. Apparently my issue is totally different than the common "CVT rattle" as the software update did not fix it. Now I guess I have to start over with the dealer.Any thoughts?

o then its probably this problem zerothread/294280

they had felt pieces put under the trim around the shifter

[skholla]

I just got my 09 Rogue updated today and noticed an immediate difference when I drove away. Quicker/smoother acceleration, no more stuttering or low rpm lock down at low speeds, also I've noticed lower rpms overall. Hopefully with a light foot this translates into higher gas mileage!

My Rogue only has about 8600km on the odometer and I didnt really notice any CVT rattle. I brought it into my local Nissan dealership for them to fix interior rattles. I had the driver side B pillar fixed a couple months ago as it was rattling in my ear. Today I had the passenger side A pillar fixed as it was rattling when listening to certain music or driving over very rough roads, also my driver side door has been creaking when touched and the armrest seems to have a small fracture that makes noise. The dealership called to say that the A pillar had been fixed, a new door panel had been ordered and they mentioned that they updated the CVT/ECM under a recall instruction. They didn't ask my permission but I am happy that everything is up to date, I'm looking forward to the weekend to do some long driving to see the changes.
Modified by skholla at 12:11 AM 1/6/2010

[Southpaw75]

o then its probably this problem zerothread/294280

they had felt pieces put under the trim around the shifter

Thank you for directing me to that thread. I've contacted my dealer to find out when I can get in to have this fixed.

[kerrton]

Glad to see everyone is doing their best to help you out Southpaw, I'm sure you'll get it resolved.

My advice to add is, don't tell the dealer "I've got a gear shifter squeek", because I'm not convinced that your ticking noise is a result of the gear shifter as described in the thread link posted by harryg. That is a simple squeek caused by the plastic finishing cover around the shifter, I had mine fixed for this issue too and it really didn't make a ticking sound, just plastic rubbing squeek noise. If you tell the dealer this is your problem, they'll just take it off, add some foam tape and call it done without actually trying to diagnose the problem, since you were so specific with your request.

Instead I'd ask them to track down the cause of the ticking noise, if it makes this sound fairly regularly then you're lucky and they should be able to find the cause and fix it. If it ends up being the shifter squeek, fine, but let them determine that or else you could be making a lot of return trips. Good luck, it'll get resolved soon I'm sure!!!

[mlmcgahee]

My Rogue is going into the dealer tomorrow for the transmission update. Will report back on any improvements.

[mlmcgahee]

Drove back 15 miles from the dealership yesterday. I really do not see any difference in performance that others have reported after the transmission update. I'll report back after driving it a few more days.

[Nick 568]

It seems to me that after the transmission update, even if you have the VDC kicked off, it still kicks in. It would do this before, but it does it much more aggressively it seems. Before, it would only kick in when you were doing really stupid stuff like trying to climb a 35 degree that's totally iced over. Or trying to do donuts in the dirt or something. But you could 'powerslide' the car on an icy parking lot just fine w/o it kicking in. Now it seems it kicks in almost right away. Beyond it messing with me messing around in a parking lot, I find it puts me on nerve when driving through the city. Because before I could turn the system off and rest assured that when the car slid, I was the one in control. I was the one directing the car. Not the VDC system. Anyone who's tried to countersteer for the slide and keep on the power with VDC on knows when it kicks in, it hurts far more than it helps.

I was wondering for a while if it was just me. But after having the update for 2 weeks now, I'm positive that the VDC is more aggressive than it was before. (at low speeds at least)

[philipa_240sx]

The VDC system is part of ABS system and shouldn't have been affected by the CVT reprogramming. The VDC system communicates with the engine and CVT computers via the CAN bus.

If the VDC is more 'aggressive' it may be due to engine load being placed on the tires by the new CVT programming.

[mlmcgahee]

Drove back 15 miles from the dealership yesterday. I really do not see any difference in performance that others have reported after the transmission update. I'll report back after driving it a few more days.

I drove my Rogue Friday for 85 miles during my normal work routine. I do see and feel a marked improvement in transmission.

It takes less effort to accelerate from 0 to 40 and the CVT does not need to rev up as high as it used to. The RPM's at 60 MPH is 1700 and 2100 at 70 MPH. It seems to respond better to the gas pedal like a 2.5 should. It now reminds me of driving the 2.5/CVT Altima.

I give it
Modified by mlmcgahee at 7:43 AM 1/11/2010

[IdaCrue]

My Rogue is still sitting at the dealers waiting for a new TCM after they fried it uploading the "improvement". 3 weeks now without my Rogue. I wish I would have never heard of this update.

[IdaCrue]

Just talked to the Service Manager today and here is the deal on the TCM for my Rogue. Nissan got back with them and informed them that the update to the TCM has a particular little quirk. If the voltage on the car fluctuates during the update the TCM will stop working. The 2008 model is non recoverable from this event. Due to a change in the module, the 2009 can be recovered by Nissan Technical, but they have to do it over the net with some program that is not available to the dealers. The only remedy for the 2008 model is a replacement. From what Nissan has told them, this problem has happened quite a bit across the country and that is why the modules are on backorder. Nissan has advised them to hookup a battery charger to the car when they perform the update to ensure that the car's voltage is stable during the installation of the update. The 2008 modules are on backorder and will be available on Feb 9th. When they are available the dealer is planning on overnighting one in to install on my Rogue. Until then my Rogue sits in the shop, however they swapped out the crappy Cobalt loaner car for a nice 2010 Altima rental. I don't know how much of this is B.S., but at least I now know when or if my Rogue will be back in my garage. If you have a 2008 Rogue ask the dealer contact Nissan Technical prior to installing the update to checkout this story and to potentially save you some grief.

[Pescakl1]

Thanks for the update IdaCrue.

Sounds to be a reasonable issue (Don't foresee any BS). That is always what scares me about reflashing electronic devices: You remove an operating software before installing a new one. During this period of time, the system is defenseless to anything in the environment. For digital camera and video, it is explicitly written to fully charge the battery before updating the software. My video camera won't even let me do it if it is not plugged to its charger.

Thanks for the information, I am sure every member (me included) will bring this piece of information to the service department when we will ask for the reprogramming. Sorry you had to suffer from the experimenting.Enjoy your Altima, looks to be a nice car.

[kerrton]

IdaCrue,

Thank you very much for sharing that bit of information, it may very well help some of our members avoid future problems.

The facts you state about constant voltage are indeed true regarding reflashing/reprogramming electronics. I would be surprised if all Nissan Techs weren't aware of this fact, but perhaps it's one detail that gets overlooked in the interest of time, and considering the Rogue is new and the battery should be in great shape. However, this isn't always the case a we've learned here! Thanks again and good luck.

[s1rogers]

Im going in for the update today, but I have some worries.......early Nov 2009 - took the car in for the cvt grumbling - dealer said "yep, you need a new transmission", they ordered it, we dropped the car off, they handed us the rental, 20 minutes later they call us and tell us to return the rental because Nissan told them that it can be fixxed by a computer update that they are working on and does not need replacing.

Got the notice to come in for the "update" Jan 12 - received the letter concerning the cvt extended warranty on Jan 13. Then on Jan 14th (yesterday) I receive a letter from Central Nissan in cooperation with Nissan Motor Company begging to BUY BACK MY ROGUE because they are desperate for certain 2008/2009 Rogues for their "used vehicle inventories". They will give me $10,000 in total discounts toward any 2009/2010 truck, car, crossover or suv, no out of pocket expense, same payment and a golf, ski or spa certificate.

I foind it strange that all of these things are happening and they "need" my rogue for used car inventory. I'm beginning to think that they are wanting to avoid a recall and try to get back all the cars that they can and repair.

Thoughts?

[kerrton]

I got a similar letter but not quite as desperate, no mention of $10 grand or vacation packages, just "above market value" for the trade-in, which would still mean thousands out of my pocket to upgrad to a new vehicle.

I'd be careful not to get sucked in to that deal, because I'm sure there will be out of pocket expenses, if not in terms of monthly payments then they'll surely extend the time you'll have to make the payments (i.e. start over with another 4 or 5 year finance plan). Considering you get to start over with a new vehicle maybe you'd be ok with that.

They mention the $10 grand towards the new car, but do they mention what they'd offer you for your current vehicle in addition to the $10? That is a key piece of info too.

[crispycritter911]

I think I need it. The last time I went to the dealership to get my first oil change. I explain how it seemed to hesitate during the morning on the interstate going to work. They tried to blame the stereo system. Funny thing about that was every instance that it did. My radio was off. Well now I see this update roll out and about 3 days after hearing about it. The car started hesitating again. I looked down at the gauges and noticed my tach was revving pretty high. Normally doing 80MPH I rest at 2500 to 3000 RPMS. This time I had seen it sit at 2500 RPMS then shoot straight up to 4000 RPMs. Which seems to make it not responsive. I got the 09 Rogue in Aug. and it doesn't even have 4500 miles on it. I hope this fixes it. Other wise I want my old Frontier back.

Oh and my Girlfriend's 08 Versa does the same thing. Put it in Drive facing up on a hill. Start rolling back right away until I have about 1500-2000 RPMS. Then it starts to roll in the right direction.

[Couz]

I haven't heard anything from my dealership yet.....

But just out of curiosity is this update necessary if your content with your cars performance?

[casperfun]

Unfortunately yes if you want to avoid the known transmission issue. Supposedly this is to prevent that.

[Couz]

So, is this recall on all 2009 Rogues?

I ask because I had mine in on Dec 14, 2009 to get three recalls done (Steering,TMPS, Door handle) and there was no mention of the CVT update i n their computers.

Either it may not apply to my 2009 Rogue or it had not been received yet by my dealership.

[Couz]

Whether you need the update will depend on the build date of your Rogue, it is impossible to guess if the update was included in the early 2010's or not because we have no way of knowing when the update was completed, we only know when it was released as a recall.

The way to find out is to give your dealer a call, they will be able to tell you immediately if you require the update or if you already have it.

Are all 2009's included in this recall/update?

[harryg]

They reflashed mine...so im going to say yes.

[Couz]

They reflashed mine...so im going to say yes.

Reflashed??

What does that mean.

To be honest I hope they do mine in a way because i do have the vibration but at the same time why fix it if it aint broke?

Like I said, I went in for 3 recalls on Dec 14, no mention of the update...wonder if the update was sent at that point or was it sent to my dealer after the 14th of dec

[kerrton]

Hey Couz, good question, reflash means reprogram. They replace your existing programming with the latest new and improved code which controls your engine and transmission.

First of all, the repogram is not intended to fix any vibrations, it's meant to address the CVT rattling at low speeds. It seems that it also may adjust or tweak the way the CVT performs in a few other situations as well, but mainly it address the abnormal rattling and any wear that goes along with it.

As far as whether or not to get the update: this isn't just a fix, but also I think of it as preventative maintenance, as it will help to prevent future problems with your CVT, even it appears to running fine right now.

I'd recommend just giving your dealer a call, and ask them to check if the upgrade applies to your car. Their computer will be able to tell them right away, and if they say that you don't need it, just ask them to elaborate...

[Couz]

Hey Couz, good question, reflash means reprogram. They replace your existing programming with the latest new and improved code which controls your engine and transmission.

First of all, the repogram is not intended to fix any vibrations, it's meant to address the CVT rattling at low speeds. It seems that it also may adjust or tweak the way the CVT performs in a few other situations as well, but mainly it address the abnormal rattling and any wear that goes along with it.

As far as whether or not to get the update: this isn't just a fix, but also I think of it as preventative maintenance, as it will help to prevent future problems with your CVT, even it appears to running fine right now.

I'd recommend just giving your dealer a call, and ask them to check if the upgrade applies to your car. Their computer will be able to tell them right away, and if they say that you don't need it, just ask them to elaborate...

I get no rattle at all....but if its fact that its preventive I'd want it no matter what they say.

unless they say I already have the update...is that possible?

Anyways, I'll call tomorrow.

Thanks Kerrton

[harryg]

It is possible that the dealer just went ahead and did the update without notifying you, check the paperwork they gave you when you went to go pick up the rogue.

[Couz]

Just talked to my dealership and I require the update.

Also asked about getting letters etc...to warn us and wasn't very re-assured by their procedure.

But I guess if I stick with them to do my servicing I'll be ok as the recalls will get flagged when they open my file.