[Pilgrim]

I feel the downshift when slowing down and not hitting the brake pedal all the time. Travelling at slow speeds when stopping and accelerating is when the CVT shifting is most noticeable.

I think what you're feeling is not shifting (which the CVT doesn't do), but is the mechanical lockup in the torque converter releasing as you accelerate lightly - the car senses that it needs to release in order to provide acceleration. This is not unusual in any car with automatic transmission. As you slow down, the lockup may engage just as it does while feathering the throttle at highway speeds. When you accelerate enough (and "enough" varies depending on speed and engine load) then the lockup releases to allow the transmission to change drive ratios.

If it's a rough or jerky feeling, IMO that is not correct and should be taken to a dealer while under warranty and dealt with. This is a qualitative issue and two people might have different opinions about what is too jerky and what is not.

 

[Blinky19]

I think what you're feeling is not shifting (which the CVT doesn't do), but is the mechanical lockup in the torque converter releasing as you accelerate lightly - the car senses that it needs to release in order to provide acceleration. This is not unusual in any car with automatic transmission. As you slow down, the lockup may engage just as it does while feathering the throttle at highway speeds. When you accelerate enough (and "enough" varies depending on speed and engine load) then the lockup releases to allow the transmission to change drive ratios.

If it's a rough or jerky feeling, IMO that is not correct and should be taken to a dealer while under warranty and dealt with. This is a qualitative issue and two people might have different opinions about what is too jerky and what is not.

You're right, it's the torque converter. Last year they replaced a leaking seal and had to drop the tranny. Does not feel rough or jerky. My experience is long trips deliver a more enjoyable ride than short ones.

 

[Cycleeric]

Our demo is doing a similar lunge or shutter at slow parking lot speeds or just idling forward as if in heavy traffic. Felt it a few times today and hope it's not a common problem in our new one that should be here this evening

 

[jkruseelle]

I have a 2015 it does it also. This is just a thing that is common with CVT's. My 2012 Subaru Outback and 2014 Forester do the same thing.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free Apppic of had to remove clips

 

[Orthobill13]

Update - I have been traveling and busy and have not taken it to the dealer, BUT WILL NOW!!!!

This is my wife's car but I have been driving it now a few times to really understand the issue. Here is the scenario.

In town driving, constant speed say between 30 and 40, maybe even 35 to 40. The RPMs drop down to right at 1,000. If there is any variation in the incline of the road, lets say even the slightest uphill grade happens, the car begins to drop RPM's just slightly and you would think would "upshift" to counter act. At that moment, last week the transmission started to clunk and jerk so hard that I thought it was going to drop out of the car. It literally made the car shake. The Rpm's went down to 500, back to 1,000, back to 500, etc… with each clunk. I just let it go to see what would happen and it did this for probably 10 seconds until I finally had to give it some gas to "snap out of it".

This is a real piece of crap engine / transmission combination.

I can assure all of you that I am not feeling downshifting, or a slight hesitation out of the torque converter. This is a serious problem.

I am simply posting this update as a means of letting this issue be known, and I will continue to update this thread after I talk with the dealer tomorrow.

More to come……

Thank you for all the input so far.

 

[DJO]

That is absolutely abnormal. Mine doesn't do that at all. Tranny or computer problem IMO. Let us know what they find. I'm very interested.

 

[Pilgrim]

Orthobill, that really sounds like an ECU (computer) problem to me. Could be sensors as well, but it's certainly not right.

 

[Orthobill13]

UPDATE:

Went to the dealer today and talked to the main mechanic. After a few minutes of playing politically correct, he finally admitted that we was aware of the scenario. Torque converter lock up is what he called it. Between 31 and 45 mph's when the system goes down into it's electronically controlled "over drive" where the rpm's settle in at 1,000… the system can get stuck and without input from the driver, the system will shutter back and forth. He admitted he owns a 2015 murano and has had it happen 4 times, I've complained and one other customer has complained. He directed me to call 1-800-Nissan1 which I am now.

I also discussed this is the dealer management and let them know that unless there is a quick resolution from the design center at Nissan, they have lost a Nissan customer.

FYI and buyers beware of the CVT torque converter lock up issue.

 

[DJO]

Wow, that's a huge major issue IMO. So far, I've not had it happen to me, though now I'm certain it will.


Good luck!

 

[Orthobill13]

UPDATE:

Have opened a case with Nissan and so far have gotten nothing but lip service from the person at Nissan and broken commitments in calling me back with information. Today I called and spoke to them, and mentioned I am investigating the Lemon Law in my state. They now are calling my dealer and are suppose to call me back yet today.

I will never purchase another Nissan… ever.

 

[Dushash]

Any updates on this? And as usual we ordered our Murano before reading this. IMHO this should be easily fixed by a CVT software flash that will not let torque converter go back and forth at these speeds and at low rpm's. This sounds like a recall that can be done easily at any dealership. IF Nissan will do it. A bit disappointing.

 

[Pilgrim]

The more I follow this thread, the more it sounds like a widespread 2015 problem that Nissan will have to address. I agree that it should be addressible via software.

 

[Dushash]

So it's a little surprising that people post about silly unimportant stuff like mysterious small pea size dents on driver door or installing a led lighting in foot-well and other similar stuff. However, the only and biggest serious issue with Murano so far is this CVT torque converter engaging algorithm that NEEDS reprogramming. This is major RECALL, this should be talked about in every review. There should be hundreds of posts by now here. We should talk about it mostly.
What's going on? Is this BS or is this issue really true? People are so strange, they pay $40K for car and don't bother with how it drives?! I am really surprised. :8:

 

[DJO]

I've actively tried to duplicate this and have not been successful.

 

[Dushash]

I've actively tried to duplicate this and have not been successful.

Thanks, that gives hope that it is actually not inherited into Jatco CVT issue, but probably something specific to certain cars only (bad parts or assembly error).

 

[wordsworth03]

I have tried to replicate it as well and have not been able to reproduce these issues. I think if it were a truly widespread issue, there would be more posts about it. And if were truly a big issue, I'm sure we will see some sort of recall or update.

I read several different automotive forums (BMW, Audi, MB) and all cars have their share of problems no matter how much they cost - $20k to $100k. There are always sour people on all of the forums that will never purchase brand XYZ again because of an isolated issue, regardless of the car make/model.

 

[wtgkb8]

The reason there isn't hundreds of posts about a CVT problem here in the 3rd Gen forum is because it's doesn't seem to be a common issue. I...as with the others posted just before me...have had no such CVT behavior with my 2015 Platinum. Just like them...I have been very focused on trying to get my CVT to behave as described by the OP...but have had no CVT behavior anywhere close. It continues to perform as a extremely smooth...yet quick reacting CVT as designed.

We did spend ~$40k for this vehicle....and trust us..we definitely care how it drives.

I would continue to pursue getting your CVT issue resolved as that is not how the majority of the CVTs in the 2015 models behave. Something is definitely amiss with yours...and you shouldn't be having those issues with such a big purchase.

 

[Godzilla1964]

I do not have the lunging but I still do have the tight/untighten around the 25 - 30 mph. Everytime . . .

 

[Dushash]

I do not have the lunging but I still do have the tight/untighten around the 25 - 30 mph. Everytime . . .

Well that's a torque converter locking and unlocking. It's an expected algorythm for CVT. It also happens on other speeds - all depends on current rpm, speed, engine load etc. The issue is only really annoying IF you have ubnormal lunging OR jitter-shudder back and forth like converter is locking and disengaging constantly e.g. in viscous cycle etc.

 

[Orthobill13]

UPDATE -

Yes, I may have come across a bit sour, but I can assure everyone this is a valid issue at least on my car. I don't know how wide spread it is. I have a video of it now, but not sure I can upload video directly to this site. I will investigate maybe hosting it on youtube and link to it.

Regarding the current fix, I spoke again to the dealer on Friday. He also says that he drives a Murano and does not experience the problem. The one he is driving is very current. The plan now is for me to switch with him this week and drive the newer produced Murano for a couple of days and see if I can duplicate the problem. If I can't, then they are going to begin to replace CVO parts on mine. If I can duplicate the issue, then we will have to wait for Nissan to come up with a programming change for this.