Transmision issue? Or is this normal?

[Sethd2005]

When I take off, I can feel when the transmission SHOULD switch, but it doesn't. If I take my foot off the gas and reaply, it switches. Is this an issue? or does it do this for a reason?

BTW, I don't know too much about cars. If you need more info, I would be happy to provide.

[seldomseen]

How long have you had your '12 coupe for? Your coupe has a CVT transmission that doesn't have gears like a traditional transmission. It's normal to not experience any "shift shock" when accelerating due to how the CVT works, but is normal to notice the CVT work in sync with engine deceleration.

Unless you experience transmission/engine shuddering, loud whining sounds, or see your tachometer jump and be inconsistent with acceleration (slippage). Your transmission should be operating normally.

[Sethd2005]

I have only had the car for about 4 months. I bought it used from a dealership, it was previously a leased car. I got it because the carfax came out super clean and even had oil and filter changes every 3-4k miles consistantly from the first sale to the time I purchased it.

I'm going to have to test it out again. I'm pretty sure it's not changing though because I don't see the rpms change... I'll look again after work and see what happens.

[RicerX]

Have you ever driven a car with a CVT before?

[Sethd2005]

Never driven a cvt before, but I tested it again and it definitely is not switching. I can hear it and see it not switch. Someone work with said it's supposed to do that for towing reasons, so it won't go past 3rd gear if it thinks I'm towing something which will happen in a race type situation. Any truth to that?

[RicerX]

Hard to tell if what you're experiencing is normal operation for a CVT or a problem.

Any chance you could take a video of you driving the car?

[seldomseen]

I'm pretty sure it's not changing though because I don't see the rpms change... I'll look again after work and see what happens.

If the car's RPM aren't changing something isn't working correctly. Take your car back to the Nissan dealership so it can be put through the appropriate diagnostics. Your car's CVT is warrantied up to 100k miles.

[Sethd2005]

it's good to know that it's warrantied up to 100K, but I don't think I was clear in my statement. I don't see it changing as in, when it changes gears it obviously drops down, I see it moving up and up and up but after about third gear, I don't see the RPMs greatly reduce, which normally signals that the gear changed.

[RicerX]

You say you're in gear three ... are you driving it in manual mode?

A CVT is supposed to maintain a fairly consistent RPM with consistent throttle input. There is no "gear" changing sensation that you'll feel unless you're driving it in manual mode.

Very hard to tell if there's an issue based on how you're describing it. A video would definitely help.

[DestroDesigns]

You say you're in gear three ... are you driving it in manual mode?

A CVT is supposed to maintain a fairly consistent RPM with consistent throttle input. There is no "gear" changing sensation that you'll feel unless you're driving it in manual mode.

Very hard to tell if there's an issue based on how you're describing it. A video would definitely help.

Yes, This! We need a video of some sorts to help determine this!

[Rogue One]

Should switch? Do you mean SHIFT? As mentioned previously, the Altima has a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that provides smooth and "stepless" ratio changes, unlike conventional transmission systems that use sets of fixed gears.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGEz5ETOElc[/youtube]

[Sethd2005]

I'll try to post a video as soon as I can, can I put it directly on here or does it need to be on YouTube and then post a link here?

[ImStricken06]

dude forget EVERYTHING you know about conventional trannies, when you own a CVT.

your CVT works fine, according to your description on how its currently working.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

If you're pushing the skinny pedal on the right, and your car propels itself forward while the engine is running, then your CVT is operating.

You're not in third gear. There is no third gear.

[float_6969]

Sounds like a normal CVT to me. They DO NOT work like you're used to. There are no real gear changes. Any "shifts" are artificial. With a given throttle position, the RPMS should stay pretty constant, but the vehicle will accelerate.

[RicerX]

I'll try to post a video as soon as I can, can I put it directly on here or does it need to be on YouTube and then post a link here?

You will need to upload to YouTube and then post a link to it here wrapped in the YouTube tags we have in the editor.

[Sethd2005]

So Ifinally got the video up. Here is what I'm talking about...

[youtube]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yRNE0NhkUTs[/youtube]

[Rogue One]

OK, this needs to be repeated. THERE ARE NO GEARS IN YOUR TRANSMISSION! Therefore there will be no shifting or switching or whatever term you want to use. Period. You used both terms in your video to describe what you thought was wrong, suggesting that you've ignored what we've mentioned already. If you did not take the time to watch the video I posted previously, please watch it now.

[RicerX]

So Ifinally got the video up. Here is what I'm talking about...

[youtube]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yRNE0NhkUTs[/youtube]

You, sir, have a perfectly functional and operational CVT transmission. What you do not have is enough brake fluid in your reservoir, as evidenced by the "BRAKE" light illuminating upon acceleration. A stop by your local Nissan dealer will get you fixed right up for a small fee I'm sure. I'm not suggesting any DIY for you as you don't strike me as mechanically inclined, which is perfectly fine. I can't swim, so I keep my scrawny a** out of the pool.

[Rogue One]

You, sir, have a perfectly functional and operational CVT transmission. What you do not have is enough brake fluid in your reservoir, as evidenced by the "BRAKE" light illuminating upon acceleration...

While you're there, have them top off the headlight fluid too.

Meanwhile check out this CVT video. Notice there's no shifting or "switching". This is normal for a CVT.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb9JpjY3Qc4[/youtube]