Trans Chugging At Slow Speeds

[mrpalazzolo]

Hey all,

I am experiencing a chugging from the transmission on my 2010 V6 FWD when driving from about 15-25 mph (parking lots, residential streets, etc). To me, it seems as if it doesn't know if it wants to be in 3rd gear or 4th gear (or 4th & 5th), so it goes back and forth between the two gears until the speed is increased. Similar sensation when driving a manual shift in 4th gear at really slow speeds because the RPMs are too low.

I happened to mention it to my sales person yesterday because I had to pick up my license plate, and they said that Mr. So-n-so, (pointing to a customer in the showroom) mentioned the same thing.

Definitely doesn't feel like a mechanical problem, but more than likely a software problem. I will make an appointment soon to get it taken care of. Hopefully.

I will let everyone know of the outcome.

Mark

[Don67]

Your transmission has adaptive learning software, so before booking that service appointment I'd try driving with a heavier foot for a couple of days to see if it makes any difference. You never know.

It wouldn't surprise me if the engineers had reprogrammed this new six-speed transmission to lug along at abnormally low RPM, as just one of many tricks behind the impressive new EPA rating.

[ehkewley]

I doubt it has anything to do with your driving habits. I have similar problems with my '08 model. The firmware in the transmission is terrible. My 3.3L wants to be in 4th gear at 30mph.. drives me nuts. I end up lugging the engine unless I drive in manual. It is especially bothersome when driving behind slow drivers. I'll drop down a gear at that point. I assume it's to save a few mpg, but like somone else on this forum said.. you didn't buy a santa fe to be fuel efficient. I talked to a dealer and they gave me the same "adaptive transmission" speech. I've tried driving it hard for a week, but it still likes to lug at low speeds. The only thing that truly bothers me about this vehicle.

[PoMansAWD]

QUOTE (ehkewley @ Mar 25 2010, 10:03 PM)

I doubt it has anything to do with your driving habits. I have similar problems with my '08 model. The firmware in the transmission is terrible.

Yep, 5spd autos are frustrating enough IMO. The OP's 2010 model is a 6spd auto. Oh the horror.

Joel

[Don67]

QUOTE (ehkewley @ Mar 25 2010, 10:03 PM)

My 3.3L wants to be in 4th gear at 30mph.. drives me nuts.

Don't worry, there's always therapy for that As far as your Santa Fe is concerned, however, 1500 rpm is plenty to maintain 30mph. Drive it like a Honda Civic if you want to, using the manual shifter, but all you're doing is spending money to appease your inner teenager.

That said, I will agree that Hyundai automatics could benefit from better kick-down responsiveness. As I have said before in this forum, during passing maneuvers on the highway I could swear that my Santa Fe's transmission is run by a government committee.

[mrpalazzolo]

Definitely, driving with a heavier foot, or standard acceleration up to 40-70 mph, there's really no problems with the trans shifting.

It's just those slow parking lot and residential street cruises (sometimes) where I get the "problem", which may not be a problem at all, I don't know. I guess it is something I can live with if it isn't a problem.

70 mph @ 2000 rpm I say that's pretty darn good, though. No wonder I am getting 25+ MPG! In fact, that is one of the reasons why I bought the Santa Fe.

[ehkewley]

QUOTE (Don67 @ Mar 26 2010, 07:04 AM)

Don't worry, there's always therapy for that As far as your Santa Fe is concerned, however, 1500 rpm is plenty to maintain 30mph. Drive it like a Honda Civic if you want to, using the manual shifter, but all you're doing is spending money to appease your inner teenager.

That said, I will agree that Hyundai automatics could benefit from better kick-down responsiveness. As I have said before in this forum, during passing maneuvers on the highway I could swear that my Santa Fe's transmission is run by a government committee.

Back from the dead! didn't see this post originally. I don't drive it like a ricer, in fact I hate high spinning engines, however 1500 rpm isn't plenty for me on hills. I drive hilly back roads to work, and find that 1800 ~ 2k seems to do well for me. I'll agree on a flat terrain that 1500rpm is ok, but as soon as I run into hills (new england is full of them), it's all over. It wants to be in 5th gear at 40mph. I keep it in 4th around 35mph and it seems to do alright. If I leave it in the auto mode, the engine lugs until it switches to a lower gear, and then insists on going back to a higher gear. I wish I had the 4 speed auto.

[Don67]

QUOTE (ehkewley @ May 11 2010, 04:30 PM)

1500 rpm isn't plenty for me on hills.

Agreed. It's fairly flat where I live, but on hills (and especially when towing) the 5-speed does drop a lot of speed before downshifting... so much so that the cruise control occasionally shuts off. I use the manual shift mode quite a bit under such conditions

Hyundai is reportedly working on an 8-speed automatic, which will be a step in the right direction if they get the shifting action right. Otherwise it'll just be eight times the frustration

[PoMansAWD]

Can you still pick what gear you want with the new 6spd auto? Reason I ask, our 2008 Honda Odyssey 5spd can frustrate the heck out of me on rolling hills. What's worse is there's no way to force it into or hold 4th. If you press the button to disable OD, it won't advance past 3rd per design.

Joel