high rpm on moderate acceleration

[jspriddy]

Our 2010 FWD Rogue seems to rev way too high (3000+) occasionnally during moderate acceleration from a start. It's almost like someone riding the clutch, or clutch about to go out. It seems more likely to do this from a dead start, as opposed to resuming speed after turning a corner, etc. I understand the concept of the CVT, and most times am very satisfied with it.

Has anyone else experienced this? I did a search and found nothing related. I did read somewhere about programming the CVT, which I would assume a dealer would have to do.

If there is previous thread on this, please direct me there and my apologies for not having found it.

Thanks, John

[philipa_240sx]

jspriddy, welcome to the NICOClub Rogue Forums!

I am not sure if you post got lost during our recent forum upgrades, so here is my response:

Our 2010 FWD Rogue seems to rev way too high (3000+) occasionnally during moderate acceleration from a start. It's almost like someone riding the clutch, or clutch about to go out.

Yup, under certain circumstances this is normal. All I can say is, get used to it. The CVT does not behave like a normal automatic. After you have driven it for awhile... it won't be as noticeable. Also, if your Rogue is brand new (ie a few days) the CVT does go through a self learning process. It takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to complete. You may notice a difference afterwards,

The CVT reprogramming you may have heard about affects 2008-2009 Rogue's which had an issue with a 'rattling noise' during deceleration. Your 2010 already has the latest CVT programming.

[jspriddy]

Thanks, Phillip. I did not think it was serious-after all, it IS a Nissan. The fact that it was not consistent in this is what bothered me.

I wondered why I couldn't find my original post.

Thanks again,

John

[philipa_240sx]

Nissan's CVT programming is quite complex. It takes into account throttle position, engine load/rpm, vehicle speed, and a pile of other variables to calculate the ideal gear ratio.

- Generally I find Nissan has tuned the CVT to be very responsive on initial acceleration. So it's quite common to see a rapid jump in rpms to help with acceleration.
- Once you are up to speed, the CVT then tries to gear up quickly for fuel economy.
- Acceleration from cruising speeds is a bit slower... sometimes you need to really step on it to move.
- When it's cold (<40F) the CVT will stay in low gear until fully warmed up. Supposedly this reduces wear and tear on the CVT when it's cold.

It will all seem a bit un-natural for awhile. But the more you drive your Rogue, the less you notice it. And if you ever drive a conventional automatic again.... you will be shocked at the difference!

[jspriddy]

Thanks, Philip. Guess it's something I'll get used to, although we've had it over 6 months now. Makes you wanta scream "GET YOUR BIG FOOT OFF THE CLUTCH!!!"

Oh well, thanks again

John

[kerrton]

The fact that this happens "occaissionally" supports what Philip said regarding the complexity of the CVT. If the engine is cold, for example, it will definately run at higher rpms until operating temperature is reached. Also, it may sound obvious but if you are giving it lots of throttle/gas the CVT will select a lower gear ratio and the rpms will hold high for quite a while before dropping.

In my experience, the CVT is very deceptive - you feel as though you aren't accelerating very quickly because you don't get the same feedback as in a conventional transmission where the rpms rise and fall as the gears shift. Instead, if you drive with a moderate foot the rpms will stay pretty low, around 2000 initially then fall down below 1500 once you hit say 20 to 30 mph. Because of the low rpms you may be inclined to push harder on the accelerator causing rpms to sit around 3000 but this is not necessary, the Rogue accelerates very well under light throttle and low rpms.

The point being, it takes a while to get used to the CVT, and the question "is it normal for the Rogue to rev at 3000 rpms" is a tough one because it depends on a lot of factors, mainly "how hard are you pressing on the accelerator"? I'd recommend being a little more conservative on the throttle and the car will rev much lower but will still give very brisk performance and you'll much better fuel efficiency too.

[DanTheMan]

Our 2010 FWD Rogue seems to rev way too high (3000+) occasionnally during moderate acceleration from a start. It's almost like someone riding the clutch, or clutch about to go out. It seems more likely to do this from a dead start, as opposed to resuming speed after turning a corner, etc. I understand the concept of the CVT, and most times am very satisfied with it. Thanks, John

I think high rev's is just a relative state of driving. with the motor and CVT balanced the way Nissan has made them, 3K rpm really isn't that high at all. I will routinely go close to the 3,500 rpm mark without any issue, nor noticeable mileage issues. I actually think the contrary, short of "excessive" continual upper end rpm's, this combo is meant to be used in a more nontraditional manner than standard automatics. I believe you are more in the torque advantage stage when you gradually get into the higher rpm's for this vehicle.

Cheers!