8-speed trans slow shifting

[studebiker6]

Just bought new 2012 Genesis 3.8 sedan. Immediately drove to Vegas. What a fantastic freeway cruiser! Love everything about car except for tranny. It seems to shift at times very slowly and when you floor it, there is a big hesitation before the power kicks in. Is this normal or just my 3.8?

 

[upsbroke]

It's normal. Welcome!

 

[roblaw]

Welcome:

I did a string about the transmission a while back. There is some sort of throttle TSB (but not a transmission software update as I was told) on the car. It helped a little but the 3.8 8 Speed does not downshift promptly and shifts into the highest gear as soon as possible, lugging the engine. My car was built in July of 2011 (check your door) so you may want to discuss with the dealer to see if your car has not had the update. Otherwise an excellent car for the money.

 

[PMCErnie]

Just bought new 2012 Genesis 3.8 sedan. Immediately drove to Vegas. What a fantastic freeway cruiser! Love everything about car except for tranny. It seems to shift at times very slowly and when you floor it, there is a big hesitation before the power kicks in. Is this normal or just my 3.8?

Floor it all the way and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[studebiker6]

Thanks Ernie. I was not pressing the pedal down all the way (maybe 98%). When I really pressed down 100% it downshifted and took off like a Rocket 88. Now my Genesis is perfect! (I'm still in the new car honeymoon period)

 

[Clive Ross]

It should not be necessary to floor it to get a downshift. I have a 2012 Genesis 4.6 and I would say the computer control of the transmission is flawed. I've been studying this issue for a few days now.

When I slow down from say 60 mph in traffic to 20 mph and move the gear selector from automatic to manual it shows that it is still in 8th gear. When I move the selector back to automatic and I accelerate normally as traffic speed picks up the transmission stays in 8th for 2 or 3 seconds, as I press down more on the throttle pedal eventually it does shift down.

This to me, is an unacceptable design flaw. I've had Jaguars, Lexus and other high end cars with automatic transmissions and none had lag like the Genesis.

Sure, I can floor it or use manual selection, but that's not what I paid for.

 

[PMCErnie]

It should not be necessary to floor it to get a downshift. I have a 2012 Genesis 4.6 and I would say the computer control of the transmission is flawed. I've been studying this issue for a few days now.

When I slow down from say 60 mph in traffic to 20 mph and move the gear selector from automatic to manual it shows that it is still in 8th gear. When I move the selector back to automatic and I accelerate normally as traffic speed picks up the transmission stays in 8th for 2 or 3 seconds, as I press down more on the throttle pedal eventually it does shift down.

This to me, is an unacceptable design flaw. I've had Jaguars, Lexus and other high end cars with automatic transmissions and none had lag like the Genesis.

Sure, I can floor it or use manual selection, but that's not what I paid for.

Get used to it. You never owned an 8 spd Jag, or Lexus.

 

[jmatero]

Get used to it. You never owned an 8 spd Jag, or Lexus.

I've driven 7-speed Benz, 8-speed BMW, and 8-speed Chrysler and they all shift quickly and respond great to throttle input. The ZF in the new 3 and 5 series is exceptional. It's even damn responsive in the new A6. It's the programming.

The Hyundai "in-house" 8-speed is actually based on the Aisin 8-speed. VW and Audi use the high-torque versions in their larger suv's and they also downshift very quickly. If feels like the Genesis is definitely in need of some revised shift programming.

 

[sooththetruth]

So noticeable is the "slag" transmission on a test drive, that I chose to keep my 2010 despite an amazing offer to replace with a 2012, and then ordered a replacement suspension for 2010.

Really, I found the 2012 with all that power feels sluggish moment to moment, and the need to floor the pedal to get a lively feel is ludicrous. My wife is livid I have chosen this route. She despises the 2010 ride after we drove 1800 miles round trip on vacation. I hope the new suspension gives me what I'm looking for.

Truth to tell, people talk about the 2010 being too harsh, but I noted the "wallow" on uneven pavement, and a severe unsteady feeling around corners when driving long sweeping turns in the mountains. To be truthful, the very nice salesman at XLEVEL (Jason) pointed out my misconception.

Oh, and on the test drive the 2012 air conditioner cooled the car remarkably slowly on a really hot day. The salesman told me this and that, but that's enough compromising for a new car to keep me away.

If not for the suspension/cornering, I would consider my 2010 about perfect. I am betting they fix the 8 speed programming in the next Genesis compromise experiment, or better still, give you A CHOICE.

Honestly, I would never have bought a 2012 just because of the driving dynamics. But clearly many people are pleased by the highway ride and mileage. I get it.

The Genesis is still far and away the best value on the market for Near luxury segment. It has a "near luxury" price range, and when the compromises are worked out it will become a STEAL in the Full Luxury market.

 

[Ruissimo]

I ease into it when I want to accelerate hard. a) it gives me much more controlled acceleration/stability, b) it is fun to see the reactions of those I leave in the dust, who don't see it coming from my relatively normal "start", and c) I like the "increasing-pin-you-to-the-seat" feeling.

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[PMCErnie]

I ease into it when I want to accelerate hard. a) it gives me much more controlled acceleration/stability, b) it is fun to see the reactions of those I leave in the dust, who don't see it coming from my relatively normal "start", and c) I like the "increasing-pin-you-to-the-seat" feeling.

Same here. The minor negative aspects of the 8 spd are the least of my worries. Overall, the tranny is very smooth. Things like the dead pedal being too far forward annoy me much more.

 

[jake the snake]

I used to have the 2009 3.8 with the 6 speed and it was great
Now have the 5.0 with the 8 speed and it really gets up and go, especially if you put it in sports mode. I'm sure its just programing or a learning curve.
Hope you get a good fix and start enjoying.

 

[wjakridgeii]

The tranny sucks and those on here telling us to get over it, do not seem to understand or have experienced an actual luxury car with an 8 speed tranny that works. The Genesis is a nice car but not a true luxury car. I will not buy another one with an 8 speed transmission. As soon as I get my two years out of it, I hope to find a sucker that accepts the mediocreness of this car.

 

[EXBMWGUY]

The tranny sucks and those on here telling us to get over it, do not seem to understand or have experienced an actual luxury car with an 8 speed tranny that works. The Genesis is a nice car but not a true luxury car. I will not buy another one with an 8 speed transmission. As soon as I get my two years out of it, I hope to find a sucker that accepts the mediocreness of this car.

Incorrect. Some of us have. BMW, for example. It isn't just about the transmission -- it's about the whole car. Some get over it -- some don't. But don't make assumptions about others' car experiences without some fact-checking.

 

[PMCErnie]

The tranny sucks and those on here telling us to get over it, do not seem to understand or have experienced an actual luxury car with an 8 speed tranny that works. The Genesis is a nice car but not a true luxury car. I will not buy another one with an 8 speed transmission. As soon as I get my two years out of it, I hope to find a sucker that accepts the mediocreness of this car.

I must have taken 5 test drives at various dealers, totaling 3 hours on the road. When I finally bought my car I knew it pretty well. I took the good with the bad; the great with the imperfect. I know there are better transmissions out there, just like there are higher sticker prices. Overall, so far, I'm pleased as punch with it. I'm sure you will find a sucker who accepts mediocrity. Then you will be off to your next disappointment, whatever you buy.

 

[jake the snake]

Lol

 

[G-488971]

Welcome:

I did a string about the transmission a while back. There is some sort of throttle TSB (but not a transmission software update as I was told) on the car. It helped a little but the 3.8 8 Speed does not downshift promptly and shifts into the highest gear as soon as possible, lugging the engine. My car was built in July of 2011 (check your door) so you may want to discuss with the dealer to see if your car has not had the update. Otherwise an excellent car for the money.

Great info. I have this vehicle and experiencing all these issues. What is the TSB? I am taking my car in on Monday. This has been going on for a while. Is this an expensive fix?