Tips on Driving CVT "Manual" mode

[teriases]

Hi guys,

Just want to give my own experience on driving manual CVT mode on my 2010 2.5S... I'm no professional driver, this is purely based on my own observation and experience with my Altima.

I find if you just "gun it" the CVT will response poorly most of the time. As most of you know, there's an "issue" with the CVT. Sometimes it bugs out and gives you a slow sluggish start from 1st gear, and sometimes even at other gears as well(from my observation). I tried it and I feel it when I keep my foot heavy on the gas while shifting to higher gears merging the highways.

However, I find when I keep my foot moderately on the gas and keep the car hovering around 3000 RPMs, then proceeding to punch the gas more, I get more acceleration from the car. This works almost 90% of the time when I drive. I proceed to shift when it hits at about 4000 RPMs. So I gas moderately to 3000, then punch the gas and shift, then ease off on the gas again, etc.

Any other tips or suggestions is gladly appreciated on this topic.

[fairlady2008]

i have so many questions about the manual mode i love it but wonder if it messes up the transmission i like being able to drive both

[SteaminWillieBeamin]

I believe the car is built to run at lower rpm giving you better gas consumption. When you punch it ... It should kick in.

[boston824]

Let me caveat this: I am not a Nissan service technician, and have no formal mechanical training. The statement below is strictly my personal experience in the operation of the CVT transmission in my personal vehicle. I shall not be held accountable for any damages that may or may not occur due to misinterpretations, or misunderstandings when reading the information posted below. If you are confused by this statement, well, I am not an attorney either.

Manual Mode on the CVT is not intended or meant to simulate or act like a manual transmission. It does however allow you lock the CVT in a higher or lower gear ratio for going up and down hill, or into the turns; it also allows you to lock it into a lower gear for snowy roads, or other places where traction may be an issue.

If you are intended on driving the vehicle as if it was a 6MT, I have noticed viable shift points as follows:

Routine shifting is in the ball park of 3000-3250 RPM,
if you desire a faster, more responsive acceleration RPMs >3250.

In order to obtain the best fuel economy, leave the vehicle in DRIVE. If you are harder on the take off, start in 1 and change over to DRIVE when you reach 3250 RPMs, and let the CVT operate from there.

[funkee]

Maximum torque is at about 4500RPM.

Let's suppose you're going 50, and you want to gun it, or pass someone - and your in CVT mode.

Put it into Manual - now you're in 5th gear. Shift down into 4th gear, you should be under 4,000RPM.

Press the gas almost all the way down (don't press it down to the click, otherwise it will downshift). Just before you hit 4,000 RPM put it back into CVT - and off you go!

If you switch back to CVT mode at anything greater than 4,000 RPM, the car will automatically shift up and drop your revs.

[702L32]

best advice is if you are not already proficient in driving manual transmission in all situations just stay in D or DS mode. Dont want anyone not to be able to avoid a situation cause they were in the wrong gear. If our trannys could start in 2 it would be nice too