ANYONE GET THE NEW TRANSMISSION UPDATE

[maverick_rogue]

I had to revisit dealership due to unusual vibrations after ECM update issue.

I was getting unusual vibrations on Steering Wheel/ Center Console and brake (during idling in D and R mode).The RPMs were dropping to 650 RPMs at times.

Visited dealer ship today ....As I suspected Idle Air Volume Relearn either wasn't done or was done without engine fully warmed up.

Initially they were not ready to accept that as an issue, but I had them look at another Rogue they had for service. The Service Manager agreed mine had some issue.

Finally, they Performed relearn procedure and agreed "something wasnt done right during recall work previously". They also gave me CONSULT III printout showing RPM was now set at 710 RPMs.

It seems to be driving well since then...smooth like Scotch ....Though I will watch for vibrations for a week or so just in case...

Update : Noted this evening that the RPMs now fluctuate between 700 and 900 RPMs at idle. When I apply brake (in any mode D/R/N/P), slowly RPMs drop down to around 700 and then suddenly move to 800 +. Then again they start sliding down and reach 700 RPMs in around 20 Seconds and again move to 800+..and this repeats for ever.

Is this normal or something is wrong? The reason I need to ask this before I go to dealership is ...they claim everything to be normal unless I prove otherwise.Thanks for help.
Modified by maverick_rogue at 10:10 PM 1/18/2010

[Couz]

This is exactly why I'm reluctant to do this update....you go in for what seemingly seems to be a simple procedure and end up leaving with new problems.

I need convincing this update is really necessary for the well being of the transmission.

[kerrton]

Couz,

There hasn't been a single complaint or issue reported regarding the upgraded programming. Everyone has said that they have noticed an improvement, some even reporting a major improvement.

The only negative reports have been related to service tech's making mistakes leading to issues, but the issue is with the human error, not with the upgraded software. As with ALL service work on your car, you run the risk of faulty workmanship, but any reputable garage will always correct mistakes and I'm sure Nissan is no exception.

And the most important point is that this is designed to prevent future problems with your CVT and reduce wear on your CVT. If you don't get the update, you could develop problems in the future or your CVT could even be experiencing unnessary wear and tear at this moment, we don't know for sure but all we can do is trust the Nissan engineers who are the ones with the knowledge, and assume that they have a very good reason for spending probably thousands of man hours and dollars to develop and test this softare, and recommend the roll-out to all Rogue owners.

This is a big deal, Nissan doesn't do this kind of a thing just for fun, you can be gauranteed that they had a VERY good reason for making this happen. If you're not comfortable doing the upgrade, just make sure you make this clear to your service guys every time you take it in, because this will pop up as a maintenance item each time and they might do it without letting you know. But I'm confident the benefits far outweight any risks.

[Couz]

Couz,

There hasn't been a single complaint or issue reported regarding the upgraded programming. Everyone has said that they have noticed an improvement, some even reporting a major improvement.

The only negative reports have been related to service tech's making mistakes leading to issues, but the issue is with the human error, not with the upgraded software. As with ALL service work on your car, you run the risk of faulty workmanship, but any reputable garage will always correct mistakes and I'm sure Nissan is no exception.

And the most important point is that this is designed to prevent future problems with your CVT and reduce wear on your CVT. If you don't get the update, you could develop problems in the future or your CVT could even be experiencing unnessary wear and tear at this moment, we don't know for sure but all we can do is trust the Nissan engineers who are the ones with the knowledge, and assume that they have a very good reason for spending probably thousands of man hours and dollars to develop and test this softare, and recommend the roll-out to all Rogue owners.

This is a big deal, Nissan doesn't do this kind of a thing just for fun, you can be gauranteed that they had a VERY good reason for making this happen.

That's a very convincing post Kerrton.....well said.

If in fact it is an update to reduce the chances of future issues I'll bring it in to get the update done on my next oil change.

But I'm gonna wait a month so they practice on other cars first lol.....the impression I got after a call with my dealership is that they are just starting to address this recall and i'm not gonna be one of the first in there.

Also, is this update applying to Altimas and Maximas too...if so that is very significant.

Again thanks Kerrton.

[kerrton]

Now that's not a bad idea at all, let them get some practice on other Rogue's and maybe break a few so they learn their lesson before touching your ride!! Not sure about Altima, will check their TSB list later when I have time.

Happy Rogue-ing!

[Couz]

I just found out why some get letters earlier than others and its common sense.

They can't send out letters all at once or else dealerships will get bombarded with cars....so they gradually send them out.

For all i know I could be getting the letter in July.

[maverick_rogue]

Though I have had issues after ECM update, I would recommend taking it. transmission issue, that this update is expected to resolve is a far severe issue than what I or others have encountered as a result of poor workmanship at Service Centers.

A good idea may be to find a day when SC is not so busy so that they have ample time to finish work on your car and not hurry up things.Typically they are busy on Friday ,Saturday and Monday since that is the time when every one drives their cars to the dealership.

[JunseiMotors]

IdaCrue, there is no so called "Quirk" with the TCM on your vehicle. Every reprogram or "Update" as you guys call it require that a battery charger be hooked up to keep voltage above 12.5 volts. Reprogramming is done with Consult III (notebook) so once its hooked up to the DLC, it starts draining your battery. Thats with all TCM, ECM or any reprogram. Ive seen a tech try to do an update on the 02-06 Altima with no battery charger and fried the ECM.

[koolyce]

My dealer told me that the update is not available right now for the Canada!!!

From what I see here, it is total bulls***? I'am right?

[harryg]

When i intially went in to get the Recalls done(door handle, steering, and TPMS) I asked them about the CVT reprogramming and he said Nissan hasnt sent them the software yet and to check back in 2 weeks...i followed up in two weeks and got the CVT reprogrammed....this was all back right before Christmas...so your dealer should have gotten the software by now

[koolyce]

Well...seems that my dealer told me some "bulls***"... I was there last week and they said they didn't received anything from Nissan Canada.

[IdaCrue]

IdaCrue, there is no so called "Quirk" with the TCM on your vehicle. Every reprogram or "Update" as you guys call it require that a battery charger be hooked up to keep voltage above 12.5 volts. Reprogramming is done with Consult III (notebook) so once its hooked up to the DLC, it starts draining your battery. Thats with all TCM, ECM or any reprogram. Ive seen a tech try to do an update on the 02-06 Altima with no battery charger and fried the ECM.

Sounds like the tech either tried to take a shortcut and screwed up, or was stupid and screwed up. Either way I haven't had my Rogue since before Christmas, and won't be getting it back until the middle of Feb.

[casperfun]

Well I just got the update today. Mind you, I wasn't looking forward to it because my engine runs like butter and rides smooth as silk. Why mess with it. Anyways, somebody ran into my front bumper, broke my license plate cover and chip my paint. So what the heck, weather is a tad warm, yesterday 60 degress and today 50 degrees. This would probably be a good time as any to get my free oil change and re-call fixes out of the way.

Well my first impression of the CVT re-program is that the engine is zippier. Me being a light footed driver, I could tell it sped up faster a couple times more then I am use too. I guess it seems stronger. The engine and all. I didn't know about the vibrations until I came here and read about it. Well thanks everyone, now I know seem to be more aware of every little rattle and roll. Seriously, I have no problem with the engine, as I shall say now it was really smooth before and still after the re-program in my opinion.

I get 2 free oil changes. In this first one, I upgraded to half synthetic Vavoline that the dealership offered. I asked if they had full, but he suggested a half blend until 10,000 miles. It only cost me $9 and some change for the upgraded oil. I am only at 5250 miles for the first oil change. Wanted to break in the engine & oil and use it to its fullest potential. Reason I waited is that I wanted to wait for a break in the cold weather and also everyone here said the initial oil that Nissan places in the car is a high quality synthetic. Why waste it then.

Bought a bumper protector while I was there. Got the 10% off parts since I bought the car there.

Happy camper today.


Modified by casperfun at 11:33 PM 1/26/2010

[AznJohn22]

I went in for my 15K maintenace last Saturday and they did the recall. After the recall, i don't notice any vibration from the pedal when I hit the gas. May be they rotate the tires or something. But my rogue feels different now.

[philipa_240sx]

Finally going in tomorrow AM for the CVT reprogram. I almost never go to the dealer as I do all my own maintenance. They were surprised to get a call from me!

While I'm there, they are doing the steering gear recall and fix the drivers side door handle for the second time... yup, I've been unable to open the door for the past day. Had to reach in and open from the inside... what a PITA! Supposedly there is a permanent repair now and it shouldn't reoccur.

[philipa_240sx]

It's done. Invoice shows the CVT reprogram and idle air volume learn. A few things became immediately obvious:

1) The rattle is gone... hooray!2) The engine rpms stay a bit higher in deceleration. I assume Nissan is keeping higher ratio's during deceleration to reduce/eliminate the noise.3) The CVT is slightly more responsive, ie. downshifts more quickly.

I will reserve final judgement until 2 weeks have passed. By then the CVT computer should have completed it's self learning period and fine tuned it's operation.

I did not notice any difference in vibration at city speeds (20-40mph), it's still there. Once again, I want to give it a couple of weeks.

Overall, I am quite happy. The dealer was prompt, courteous, and I was in/out in 3hrs. I also had the steering gear recall and door handle seals done (the driver's side handle stop working yesterday) so I figure the wait was reasonable.

[bboard]

I had 3 recalls done yesterday too (door, CVT reprogram, steering) + creaking noise in centre console. No luck in the fuel gauge reading problem (but it only happened a few times).

Definitely notice car a little more zippy - especially true if I'm cruising say at 50km/h (35mph) and I need to pass a car...I now don't need to depress on gas pedal hard.... i cannow gently apply a little pressure and boom, it goes...

Dealer said it took 3 hrs, but gave me a rental car to use (which they'll probably bill Nissan Canada) lol

[JunseiMotors]

"HarryG" - Dealerships get the software automatically downloaded onto the CONSULT III machine. This is of course if the notebook is hooked up to the internet as it should be. Reprogramming cant be done with CONSULT II. Only with the brand new scan tool. Consult III is Windows based so its basically a laptop. Ours is hooked up wireless so we always have every update day to day as they come out. The only thing I can think of is they dont have theirs hooked up wireless or on the internet connection and have to always plug it in. Sounds like total BS to me.

[Couz]

Guys quick question.

I still didn't get the CVT update because I'm not really due for any kind of maintenance until another three weeks, I figured I'd wait and get oil + CVT reprogram.

Some of you know me as a bit neurotic about my car but is this something that should get done ASAP....

Am I risking hurting my CVT by not having it done right away and still driving without the reprogram?

Don't want to join those with CVT horror stories by having a damaged rattling CVT.

[kerrton]

Hey Couz,

My opinion is that 3 weeks delay is nothing to worry about, you've been driving it for many months without any problems so I'm sure it'll be ok for a few more weeks. Also, I don't think the CVT develops problems suddenly, based on past experience. If you are unlucky enough to get a bit of a rattle noise at low speed it develops over a period of months and even then, the re-program has been reported to eliminate the rattling. No need to visit the dealer twice in 3 weeks, I'd recommend doing it all at once, either wait 3 weeks or split the difference, schedule an appointment for next week and do your regular maintenance a couple weeks early, then you'll have peace of mind. Just my opinion!

[Couz]

Hey Couz,

My opinion is that 3 weeks delay is nothing to worry about, you've been driving it for many months without any problems so I'm sure it'll be ok for a few more weeks. Also, I don't think the CVT develops problems suddenly, based on past experience. If you are unlucky enough to get a bit of a rattle noise at low speed it develops over a period of months and even then, the re-program has been reported to eliminate the rattling. No need to visit the dealer twice in 3 weeks, I'd recommend doing it all at once, either wait 3 weeks or split the difference, schedule an appointment for next week and do your regular maintenance a couple weeks early, then you'll have peace of mind. Just my opinion!

Thanks for the advice Kerrton.

My car is going to Nissan next week, but the body shop.

I'm getting my rear bumper fixed after a lady reversed into me.

I guess, you're right, I still only have 9800kms and I'm sure most of you have driven many more Kms without a reprogramed CVT.

I'll do it in three weeks with the oil change.

Still very curious to see if I'll feel a difference...I hope not in a negative way because as far as I'm concerned the car is to my satisfaction the way its running now.

[jk47]

I had the ECM update done last week when I went in for service. That and the steering screw issue came up in their system to be fixed. I can feel the most difference when accelerating from a stop. Sometimes when you start forward the person in front of you slows down and you have to take your foot off the accelerator. When you press it down again the car would accelerate slowly initially like it was in too high a gear. Now with the update, my car accelerates smoothly no matter what. I haven't had any issues now with the Rogue feeling like it's "not in the right gear".

I was happy with my Rogue before but the update makes the car even better.

[gc444]

I have had my 2008 Rogue going on 2 years and 43,000 miles and I never had the rattle, but I definitely had the issue where it could not seem to find the gear it wanted. When I got the recall notice I was in no hurry to get it fixed until I saw the benefits on this thread. I had my wife take it down to our Nissan Dealership yesterday since she works down the street from it and she immediately noticed it was better when she picked it up. When I got home and took it for a test drive I was most impressed. It definitely felt much, much better than before. Driving to work this morning was a most pleasant experience.

[KenHash]

2008 SL AWD with 15000 miles. Never had the rattle noise.Had the CVT update and Steering column recall item taken careof this weekend. Total time 1 hour and 40 minutes. Car feels like it did when it was brand new.Very smooth and painless.

[IdaCrue]

After almost 1 1/2 months of my Rogue sitting in the shop, I finally got a call today and the dealer got my fried TCM replaced and reprogrammed. I also got the steering wheel recall done. I am picking up my Rogue tomorrow. I can't wait, I really missed the car, especially when it snowed LOL.
Modified by IdaCrue at 2:07 AM 2/9/2010

[maverick_rogue]

This is a big one !!!!!!

My transmission (FWD 2009 Nissan Rogue) is getting replaced within two months of driving with the new ECM/TCM update.

I actually visited a new dealership (Thousand Oaks Nissan...a really great dealership) for AC Noise issue and Service manager and Technician noticed something that I had overlooked as normal ,a grinding noise when braking from 40 MPH to 0 MPH. They had huge discussion with Nissan Tech Line and now transmission is under replacement for one of the two reasons

1. The other dealership messed up with previous ECM /TCM Update.2. Traany was already damaged by the time the update came in.

The Service Manager told me Rogue would be ready by Friday or so. I will get more details then and will update the forum.

I would highly recommend Thousand Oaks Nissan to those living in or around Los Angeles. After ridiculous responses from other dealership , dealing with Julie (Service Manager) and Nick (Technician) was a pleasant surprise.

[IdaCrue]

Well I got the Rogue back and everything works great. I don't notice any noise from the CVT when pulling into the garage but, since I haven't drove it for 51 days, the other benefits/improvements that others have mentioned weren't as apparent to me. I also got the steering wheel recall done while they were reinstalling/reprogramming the TCM. It is amazing how much I missed the Rogue and it's AWD, ease of getting in and out of, cargo space, Bluetooth, Homelink, etc. etc. The Altima rental was nice, but I do like my Rogue better.

[Couz]

I went to pick up my Rogue from Nissan for body work.

i stopped over at the service to ask about this update....two guys said that there won't be any better feel or performance after the reprogram.

Its just to fix possible rattle noise and that's all.

I also called and talked to service guy at another Nissan and he said the same thing, you shouldn't expect any "better" feel or performance.

So, I'm getting the sense I'll be one of the ones who doesn't feel an ounce of difference....to be honest I hope I don't since I'm pretty content.

[philipa_240sx]

After the reprogram, the CVT will go through a self learning process to fine tune it's operation. Depending on how often and how much you drive, it can take several days to complete. This self learning does not significantly alter the way the CVT responds long term... ie. It does not 'learn' your habits. Rather it just fine tunes the operation and makes small adjustments based on transmission wear, component tolerances, etc.

I had my CVT reprogram done nearly 2 weeks ago. Initially it felt 'different', but I barely notice it now. The only thing I do notice? There is no more rattle and the engine rpm's behave differently (they stay higher) during deceleration.

[philipa_240sx]

Just wanted to add another comment,

The programming update does not appear to affect the low rpm vibration felt at city driving speeds (20-30mph). It still present in my vehicle, but honestly I do not pay attention to it.