Forgive me if there has been a previous thread on this topic. I looked and looked, but may have overseen it. Anyhow, when I release the gas pedal I cant help but notice the breaking sensation in my Patriot. I can only assume it is due to the cvtl2, but should it really be that drastic? I sometimes feel the need to switch to neutral and coast down to the stop sign, then place it back in drive. What do you think? Similar sensation?

Somebody else may be able to give a better answer, but here are my thoughts. You have FD II, which is the trail rated drive, right? I think when you lift your foot off the gas the transmission is anticipating that you may be going down hill or coming to a stop and is slightly downshifting in anticipation, giving you additional engine braking. I think this would be normal. When I drove a five speed stick or four speed stick I used to automatically downshift to a lower gear when coming to turns and reduced speed areas, then accelerate out of the turn or reduced speed area. I think the CVT is doing just that, it takes some time to get used to, but you have more control over the car this way.

I don't have my Patriot yet, but I think that's the reason for your sensations you are getting. I would not try to shift to neutral. Good luck!:smiley_thumbs_up:

DJ; I've noticed the same thing, hate it. I've also noticed how the cruise control uses breaking to slow down going down hill, annoying! In both cases, these pulses take the normally smooth ride and **** it all up. Oooo, and I also hate the slight delay between hitting the gas (lightly) and the vehicle moving, usually results in a slight jolt. Argh, even more reasons I don't much like the CVT/drive by wire.

Jonda; I see where you're going with that, but it shouldn't be anticipating off road conditions if its not in L range. If it IS, it needs to be re-programmed, cause that's stupid.

Anyone with FDI or no FD option experiencing the same thing?

I can concur that with my Pat (it is FDII), letting up on the gas provides a sensation of braking. I pay it no mind because I rack it up to the 4 banger. Every horsepower counts in a 4 and when you send most of them out to pasture (decelerate) the mighty Pat slows right quick.

DJ; I've noticed the same thing, hate it. I've also noticed how the cruise control uses breaking to slow down going down hill, annoying! In both cases, these pulses take the normally smooth ride and **** it all up. Oooo, and I also hate the slight delay between hitting the gas (lightly) and the vehicle moving, usually results in a slight jolt. Argh, even more reasons I don't much like the CVT/drive by wire.

Jonda; I see where you're going with that, but it shouldn't be anticipating off road conditions if its not in L range. If it IS, it needs to be re-programmed, cause that's stupid.

Anyone with FDI or no FD option experiencing the same thing?

Have you had the TSB (http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/Caliber/TSB/Caliber_1803107.pdf)
done for the "lack of acceleration" mine had a horrible delay and since the TSB it has pretty much gone away. As for the decel I can't say anything because I'm used to it from my XJ which feels like you slam on the brakes when you let off the pedal.

I have an '08 so no TSB required. Mine also has the same feeling when lifting of the accelerator. I attribute it to the torque converter still being locked up for a few seconds before it releases. I currently have 120 miles on mine, and though it is a different feeling than I'm used to, it doesn't really bother me. I'm not seeing it as a problem.

Yes, I notice it some on my FDII. It took me some time to get used to it. There are some situations where I'd prefer not to have it, other situations (like in traffic) where I find it to actually be a good thing.

I'm guessing that the torque converter is "locked" in most driving situations since the CVT eliminates the need for the TC to slip a little when changing gears. So when you let your foot off the gas you get a bit of engine braking sorta like a manual tranny.

I've got the 08' and noticed it from the day I bought it. I've had mine almost a week.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_braking

for whatever reason, it seems to be more pronounced in the Patriot than any vehicle I've driven in the past. Personally, I find it easier for driving in traffic situations and coasting on the highway.

when you let your foot off the gas you get a bit of engine braking sorta like a manual tranny.

This is exactly what it feels like. Good explanation JRX. I also get the feeling as soon as I let go like if I am downshifting (as if it was manual trans). As soon as I let go of the gas pedal, its like downshift breaking feeling, then 1 to 2 seconds pass, then again, the downshift feeling (all this without actually pressing on the break), yet you do get the breaking feeling (all on an automatic) Weird....

Just wondering. Does the sensation get any worse, better, more frequent, harder etc when the A/C is on or off?

Thanks,
Jim

Just wondering. Does the sensation get any worse, better, more frequent, harder etc when the A/C is on or off?

Thanks,
Jim


I will try it with both today and let you know tomorrow.

I'll have to test out that feeling when I get my 08, due in 4-6 weeks. Personally I'm more comfortable with an engine braking sensation than one of free wheeling when I lift my foot from the pedal, but that's just the way I like to run. Now, if I lift my foot and the car feels like I hit the arresting gear with the hook down, THAT could be disconcerting!;)

I've got FD1 with manual trans. and have not noticed this.

My '08 4x2 has the same thing, it'll take some getting used to...

looked at this a little more today... i bet you only notice it at less than 30mph, and probably less than 20...

it's really ingenious the way they've programmed the CVT - lots of engine braking at slow speeds, and hardly any at cruising speed...

if you're an 08 autostick, you can also somewhat manually override by shifting up before coasting.

.. i bet you only notice it at less than 30mph, and probably less than 20......

Yes.

And it's much more pronounced with A/C on.

For me at least.

Jim

Just wondering. Does the sensation get any worse, better, more frequent, harder etc when the A/C is on or off?

Thanks,
Jim

No real difference.

on the caliber and I am assuming also on the patriot CVT's when you lift your foot completely off the gas it cuts fuel to the motor.