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How sporty in this new Continuously Variable Transaxle II transmission?

23 messages,  Last post on Nov 04, 2009 at 5:58 AM

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#14 of 23 Re: CVT drivability [bigtsr] by daveydodge Jul 12, 2007 (4:29 am)
Replying to: bigtsr (May 27, 2007 3:51 am) So what is your mpg's before and after the TSB#18-031-07? My Caliber was delivered to me in August of 2006 and I am getting just over 28 mpg on my SXT 2.0L CVT with Mobile One Synthetic and about 70% highway driving....Should I have the TSB#18-031-07 done on my car? Should all calibers have this done built before November of 2006? I now have almost 19,000 miles with no problems as we speak. The dealer finally has 5 Calibers sitting on his lot for the first time since last Fall where I ordered mine from!! Replies to this message: caliberchic (Jul 12, 2007 10:16 am) bigtsr (Jul 12, 2007 6:15 pm) daveydodge (Jul 13, 2007 4:24 am)
#15 of 23 Re: CVT drivability [daveydodge] by caliberchic Jul 12, 2007 (10:16 am)
Replying to: daveydodge (Jul 12, 2007 4:29 am) I had the TSB done on my SXT 1.8 two days ago, hubby reports better acceleration however we haven't drive it much to report on the MPG. We also had a consistent stalling problem when in neutral the dealer said it was to fix that issue as well. We'll see about that.   PS Ours was built in April 2006, my other Caliber which I bought this year has none of those problems.
#16 of 23 Re: CVT drivability [daveydodge] by bigtsr Jul 12, 2007 (6:15 pm)
Replying to: daveydodge (Jul 12, 2007 4:29 am) Before the TSB I was getting 24-25 mpg US in the city where most of my driving is normally done after it has risen to 27-29 mpg US. Acceleration has gone from ho hum to chirp the tires I'm out of here. Lately I have been driving about 70% expressway at 65-70 mph and average for the mix is at 31.516 mpg US. I don't know if you NEED the TSB done but if you read the criteria justifying the TSB and your car was built before April 28,2007 it is elgible. Other than that if your happy with it the way it is now why bother. Replies to this message: daveydodge (Jul 13, 2007 4:24 am)
#17 of 23 Re: CVT drivability [bigtsr] by daveydodge Jul 13, 2007 (4:24 am)
Replying to: bigtsr (Jul 12, 2007 6:15 pm) Thank you Bigstr for the info....my Caliber went into production on June 6,2006 and I received it August 8th, 2006. I will ask the dealer about it but yes mine is running fine...thanks again for the info!
#18 of 23 Tranny of the Future! by synesthesia May 17, 2009 (9:30 am)
Personally, I love the CVT tranny... But then I drive for economy and a smooth ride. My Speed Racer days expired when my wisdom teeth came in.   The downside to the CVT is a rather weak torque converter... Not weak in regards to durability, but in fluid coupling. The CVT only uses its torque converter to allow the engine to idle in gear at stop lights. A hydraulic clutch "locks out" the torque converter to avoid hydraulic slippage while cruising and also saves gas by allowing the engine to completely shut off fuel to the injectors during deceleration. Two big pluses and one giant leap for automatic transmission fuel mileage.   The one thing many Speed Racer types miss in this tranny is the "LUNGE" of power a big beefy torque converter provides coming off the line when the light turns green. With the CVT, acceleration is more like a jet plane, or rocket... Not so spritely off the line, but remarkably firm and smooth once you get rolling.   I've never had a problem keeping up with the rest of traffic coming off a traffic light, but if you tromp on the gas from a standing start, the lack of oomph is noticeable. Once you're rolling, the CVT is smooth as silk... No lurching from gear to gear like every other tranny on the road, and no "gear hunting" climbing long grades with the cruise control on. Passing in traffic is no problem either... The CVT allows the engine to spool up instantly for a surge of confidence inspiring acceleration, without the lag, waiting for the downshift in a standard auto.   This is the transmission of the future! Sorry if the drag racers are disappointed with the (lack of) "out of the gate" lunge.
#19 of 23 mopar 1 dude by morpar1dude Sep 11, 2009 (8:16 am)
I am interested in what tsb no. 18-031-07 does to the trans. Replies to this message: morpar1dude (Sep 11, 2009 9:45 am) bigtsr (Sep 11, 2009 3:37 pm)
#20 of 23 Re: mopar 1 dude [morpar1dude] by morpar1dude Sep 11, 2009 (9:45 am)
Replying to: morpar1dude (Sep 11, 2009 8:16 am) Is tsb #18-031-07 a service that the dealer know about. Replies to this message: bigtsr (Sep 11, 2009 3:37 pm)
#21 of 23 Re: mopar 1 dude [morpar1dude] by bigtsr Sep 11, 2009 (3:37 pm)
Replying to: morpar1dude (Sep 11, 2009 9:45 am) The TSB #18-031-07 is a reprogramming/software mod of both the TCM (transmission control module) and the PCM(power control module). It makes the changes to drivability and the way the engine responds. The dealer can look it up on the Chrysler Service net or check your VIN number to see if it's been done or if indeed your car falls within the required VIN or manufactured time frame.   I personally printed it out and went to my dealer and told him that Iwas experiencing the problems described in the criteria section.
#22 of 23 mopad 1 dude by morpar1dude Sep 28, 2009 (4:55 pm)
I had the TSB#18-031-07 done it runs like a different car.thank you.
#23 of 23 mopar 1 dude by morpar1dude Nov 04, 2009 (5:58 am)
gas mileage is a steady 24 mpg.in town after tsb#18-031-07.

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