You are here: Forums Wagons Dodge Caliber How sporty in this new Continuously Variable Transaxle II transmission?

How sporty in this new Continuously Variable Transaxle II transmission?

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

You are in the Dodge Caliber Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Dodge Caliber, Transmission, Wagon

Messages Page 3 of 3 1 2 3 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#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.

Messages Page 3 of 3 1 2 3 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Wagons Dodge Caliber How sporty in this new Continuously Variable Transaxle II transmission?