CVT Questions (2010 ver.)

[Helium2]

I bought my 2010 SL AWD Rogue last Nov. (Certified Used).
It now has abt. 26,000 mi.

I've noticed that when the engine revs are around 1500 RPM (gently accelerating from a stop) there is a small but noticeable vibration mainly detectable in the steering wheel. This is most noticeable when the CVT is cold and vanishes as the RPM's get close to 2,000.
Is this normal?

Also, the other day (for the 1st time) is seemed as if the CVT didn't want to change out of the Low gear ratio.
I drove for several blocks with the engine between 3,000 & 3,400 RPM.
I tried moving the shift lever between L, D & N several times and even came to a full stop before the CVT started functioning normally.
Is this just a hiccup or is it the harbinger of a problem developing?

TIA

[ImStricken06]

I bought my 2010 SL AWD Rogue last Nov. (Certified Used).
It now has abt. 26,000 mi.

I've noticed that when the engine revs are around 1500 RPM (gently accelerating from a stop) there is a small but noticeable vibration mainly detectable in the steering wheel. This is most noticeable when the CVT is cold and vanishes as the RPM's get close to 2,000.
Is this normal?

Also, the other day (for the 1st time) is seemed as if the CVT didn't want to change out of the Low gear ratio.
I drove for several blocks with the engine between 3,000 & 3,400 RPM.
I tried moving the shift lever between L, D & N several times and even came to a full stop before the CVT started functioning normally.
Is this just a hiccup or is it the harbinger of a problem developing?

TIA

totally normal. they designed the map (which is the electronic data/signals that are sent at specific throttle positions, rpms, mph's etc) to lock the torque converter very early, and to basically put the transmission in what would be the 6th gear(if we had gears) ratio very early, to keep the RPM's down = which in result allows for better fuel economy since the RPM's stay low- and wont climb up as fast due to the 6th gear ratio being a hard one to climb quickly.
if you want to escape that map - press the gas pedal down much further and the throttle position sensor will engage a more aggressive map for the engine and transmission to work with - but then you will increase the RPM rage and the engine will use more fuel - but it will be working in an area where its torque is optimal.

[kerrton]

ImStricken is correct, and this phenomenon of this specific engine/CVT powertrain combo has been discussed at long length on this forum. It is completely normal for the reasons stated above, basically it is a fuel saving measure and the trade-off for that great efficiency is the vibration that you describe.

Regarding your second concern about the high rpm experience, this is normal when the powertrain is very cold, and will subside once the powertrain warms up a bit. Was the engine and CVT cold when this happened? If not, there is a possiblity that you accidentally hit the "Overdrive Off" button on your gear shifter.

[Helium2]

So the initial vibration is normal. That's good to know.
Thanks!
I don't want to stress the drive-train while it's cold anyway.

Regarding your second concern about the high rpm experience, this is normal when the powertrain is very cold, and will subside once the powertrain warms up a bit. Was the engine and CVT cold when this happened? If not, there is a possiblity that you accidentally hit the "Overdrive Off" button on your gear shifter.

The car had been driven 4-5 miles in city driving and had just had a quick rinse at a hand-type car wash to get rid of the bird deposits.
No under-carriage washing and only 5 minutes of washing the outside.
The ambient temperature was 70 F. +
There's no way the drivetrain was cold.
omg
the "Overdrive Off" button
That would go a long way to explain this. I totally forgot about it.

Thanks for the input!

[ImStricken06]

there is a possibility that you accidentally hit the "Overdrive Off" button on your gear shifter.

GREAT CATCH. i have paddle shifters and dont have the OD button, so i totally forgot about that.