Transmission nearing its end??

[TSImonkey]

I tried searching this but didn't get anything. I didn't even know how to put this in the search engine...i have a feeling its a real stupid question but i rather ask it and be safe than to be sorry.

So here's the thing: I have an automatic AWD TSi and it seems to be very sluggish in the low rpm's. Here's an example. If I'm at a stop sign , and need to go quick to merge into traffic, I'll step on it, and the car will start to roll, and the rpm's will very slowly rise and only after about 3-4 seconds the rpm's will suddenly rise real quick and the car goes. It feels as if the transmission down shifts out of nowhere, but how could it down shift if I'm starting from a stop?

I'm not sure if its simply the retarded automatic being slow and down shifting when ever it feels like it , or if my throttle body isn't opening all the way?

Another example:
after this started happening i tried to experiment a little bit. i got my car rolling at about 15 mph. (remember all this is done in D mode and i've never launched this car) Once rolling i wanted to see how responsive the car is. So i literally floored it real quick and nothing happens until about 2-3 seconds after.

The car is fresh out of the shop after a complete tune-up and new timing belt. it does have an exhaust leak but I'm getting the new exhaust as we speak. I'm just having difficulty getting it. it was supposed to be on the car already last Saturday.

so any ideas as to why my car is being so UNresponsive and sluggish???

 

[Elvenhome21]

What happens when you manually downshift and floor it at the same time. Does it respond any quick.

 

[TSImonkey]

Well I've never really manually down shifted, i usually always keep in on D. But when i'm on the highway and turn the O/D off it just makes the engine roar and it down shifts quickly, but not much torque tho. It just seems like its down shifting and making a lot of noise, but thats it. I'll try doing some manual down shifts when i drive tomorrow. The "a lot of noise" part though might have to do with my exhaust leak in the flex section of the downpipe. Would an exhaust leak cause such a lack of response perhaps?

How do you suggest i do this down shifting experiment? i don't want to do anything stupid that might be harmful to my tranny.

 

[Elvenhome21]

A exhaust leak isnt going to change anything performance wise as long as its "after turbo".

With the downshifting test, cruise at 15-20 mph or whatever speed the trans shifts into 3rd gear. Then right after it shifts mash the gas and downshift with the shifter (I don't know what the auto shifter has for markings 1,2,d,od or L,d,od) to where ever 2nd is supposed to be. If the trans downshifts quicker, then its something electronic with the kickdown circuit.

If it acts the same then its internal, first check the fluid on the dipstick. Does it look red or brown, does it smell burnt or have any smell for that matter.

These test aren't going to be harmful if your tranny is still good.

 

[MILITISINVICTUS]

You want to make sure your transmission is not in limp mode. What you describe is much like how my last talon, an automatic, behaved when it was in limp mode. Totally gutless from a stop. Check your codes and see what comes up.

 

[dan2288]

you feel an increase in power 2-3 seconds after wot because thats when the turbo kicks in...all it is is turbo lag

 

[TSImonkey]

I'll definitely check the tranny fluid and make sure it's alright.

And what you mentioned about limp mode....As much as I've been reading I'm still a novice, so..how would i check my codes? and how do i tell what mode its in, and how do i change it to the "non-limp" mode? do i just go to the mechanic and have him hook up my car to that fancy computer they all have haha. I don't have any logger system or anything so that's why I'm asking


And as far as the turbo lag goes, this is not turbo lag. I have driven other turbo cars before such as a 240sx with the SR swap totally modded and tuned so i know how turbo lag feels like. In my case there is basically no power what so ever for the first 2-3 seconds. Than the revs jump and it goes.

thanks for the input i really appreciate it.

 

[Elvenhome21]

It doesn't sound like limp mode, normally I thought it would be locked in one gear all the time. I haven't ever dealt with DSM automatics with the tranny computer, I am basing my suggestions off of what I know about chevy automatics. In which most automatics are basically the same in how they operate inside, until you start dealing with the mega electronic control transmission's like what cadilacs have in them.

Unless if you notice something wrong with the fluid, then a DSM A/T guy is going to have help you out.