Car just doesn't move

[kogu]

Hi Guys:

I am still in my break period (900KMs), almost done. For the most part, the acceleration and pick up feels just right. but sometimes, I just feel like the car just doesn't move. Maybe it's trying to adopt to my driving stlye and act accordingly? Have any of your ever experienced this before?

 

[mikec]

Details on your car: engine type (V6 or V8), etc. And is there any pattern to the problem - i.e. does it seem to happen from a standing start, after steady speed driving, 20mph speeds, 80mph speeds, etc?

My gut reaction is simply transmission downshifting. If you press the throttle pedal far enough, the transmission will downshift... sometimes 1, 2, or more gears. Once in a while, it seems the engine+transmission control electronics start downshifting a bit... and then decide to downshift another gear or two. So now you get twice the usual downshift delay. It ends up worse than "turbo lag" of 1980's vintage 4-cyl turbo engines. Giving it a bit more or less throttle - to stay out of this "can't decide how many gears to downshift" area - helps.

One thing you can try: use the manual shift mode just before punching it. Even if you don't downshift - just making it hold the current gear - you'll see/feel a difference. If you never experience the delays, then it's probably transmission induced. If the car still feels like it's not responding, then blame the engine.

Oh, watch the dash displays - if the ESC light blinks ON for a moment, the engine power is being reduced DRAMATICALLY by the traction control logic. It's really aggressive - the slightest hint of wheelspin causes the system to cut engine power almost to idle for a moment. Wet conditions, trying to punch it while turning, etc. are when ESC will be most active.

mike c.

 

[ctrcbob]

Hi Guys:

I am still in my break period (900KMs), almost done. For the most part, the acceleration and pick up feels just right. but sometimes, I just feel like the car just doesn't move. Maybe it's trying to adopt to my driving stlye and act accordingly? Have any of your ever experienced this before?

Break in period? What the heck is a break in period? Modern cars have not had a break in period in decades.

I think you are talking about the car not moving (enough) when you first start off from a stop. If that is what you are talking about, this is a problem with many of our cars. Start from a full stop, then when you ease off the gas at about one or two mph, then step on the gas again, (next to) NOTHING.
Some guys have explained it as the transmission shifting from 1st to 2nd at that slow speed, and there being no power. I don't know, but sounds as good as anything else. I think it has to do with the "Drive by wire". What I do when I must have the power at an intersection, and I don't want to take a chance of the "nothing" happening, while still at the intersection, I just place the gearshift in manual mode, 1st. Once I'm through the intersection, I shift either to 2nd, or back to automatic. I now do this often, as I don't want that dangerous feeling of "nothing" while a car is coming toward me fast.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Or as an alternative to Bob (assuming that was your question):
Just make sure you come to a complete stop first. In other words, if you slow to even 1 MPH at a stop sign, you'll likely still be in 2nd when you accelerate. That will produce a "lugging" hesitation.
From a true 1st gear the car takes off like a rocket.

 

[Nabber]

If your rear wheels spin the least bit, your brakes will grab those rear wheels something fierce. IMO, the traction control is WAY overzealous.

 

[cheez]

If I was in the charge of making Hyundai vehicles I would enable a feature that turns off ALL traction systems so you can feel the "raw" power... Hyundai still has a lot to catch up.

And as for the hesitations on acceleration, it's the nature of being automatic transmission. If it had a manual this wouldn't be a problem at all.

.

 

[kogu]

Thanks guys. I have a 3.8. The problem is not when I start off from a stop sign. It happens when I slow down a bit due to traffic and then punch it, without coming to a full stop.

Thanks again for your feedback

 

[cschuler]

Thanks guys. I have a 3.8. The problem is not when I start off from a stop sign. It happens when I slow down a bit due to traffic and then punch it, without coming to a full stop.

Thanks again for your feedback

That's, unfortunately, normal. It is a situation where the algorithms that control the engine and transmission are not very expert. It is one reason why serious performance drivers eschew automatic transmissions. Or, it could be fault with your particular vehicle. Do you come from a stick-shift background?

 

[cheez]

Thanks guys. I have a 3.8. The problem is not when I start off from a stop sign. It happens when I slow down a bit due to traffic and then punch it, without coming to a full stop.

Thanks again for your feedback

My Lexus IS350 did the same. I was hesitant to slow down or tap on the brake because it will upshift to top gear if I do that... gotta keep some gas on the pedal to keep the gear from upshifting. Ya know.. these cars are all designed for fuel economy which is why they have tendency to upshift too soon. But of course if I put it on Sport Shift it's not a problem.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Thanks guys. I have a 3.8. The problem is not when I start off from a stop sign. It happens when I slow down a bit due to traffic and then punch it, without coming to a full stop.

Thanks again for your feedback

Same situation as the stop sign. You're in a higher gear than you realize.
And yes, most modern cars are like this for economy reasons.
Sounds like something you'll adapt to, not a problem with the car.

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[kogu]

thanks again guys. I drove a few automatic maximas before getting into this one. However, I barely noticed that in my maxima though. I am not too concerned at the moment. It maybe something I need to get used to. Just the engine noise. After driving a few maximas and hearing the engine noises, it takes a bit to get used to hyundai engine. but no issues on that part !!!. It's just a different breed and starting to like it.

 

[cschuler]

thanks again guys. I drove a few automatic maximas before getting into this one. However, I barely noticed that in my maxima though. I am not too concerned at the moment. It maybe something I need to get used to. Just the engine noise. After driving a few maximas and hearing the engine noises, it takes a bit to get used to hyundai engine. but no issues on that part !!!. It's just a different breed and starting to like it.

Yes, the engine is a little noisy with quick acceleration. I don't mind it ... guess it is part of that 'sport sedan' aura.

 

[Genny10]

I have had this problem at least a few times. Here's where I notice it - I'm not a two foot driver, but once in a while I use a left foot brake at the stop sign and rev the engine just a little before takeoff. In that case, I will get a very noticeable lag - kind of like the brake is still on or the engine is dead. It's one of those things where you find yourself leaning a little forward anticipating takeoff and ... nothing.

 

[Sayantsi]

Thanks guys. I have a 3.8. The problem is not when I start off from a stop sign. It happens when I slow down a bit due to traffic and then punch it, without coming to a full stop.

Thanks again for your feedback

Drive by wire, and throttle programming to minimize emissions. Its annoying.