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The CVT delay thread

('14-'18) 
122K views 209 replies 118 participants last post by  richwales 
#1 ·
Hoping to catch a needle in a hay stack here....

Bought a '14 three weeks ago... unfortunately, it already had 500 miles on it, when I bought it. It was swapped twice before arriving to my dealer. Love everything about it even the stiff seats (I have a bad back). However, I believe I have found a glitch...

When switching gears out of Reverse and into Drive, there is a slow delay. Literally probably a 3 second delay. Not only is this frustrating but a little awkward, especially when pulling out of spot that someone is waiting for and you appear to be taking your precious time. It almost feels as if, during that delay it's in neutral, b\c as I accelerate, my rpm's rise but still not moving and then boom, your kicked back into your seat and jolt forward b\c you think you should have been moving 3 seconds ago.

Anyone else have this problem? I am currently at 800 miles and about to call the dealer to see what I can do. Any help?

Thanks,
 
#5 ·
Are you coming to a complete stop before moving the shift lever back into drive?

I noticed when trying to be too quick and shifting into drive while the car is still rolling backwards that there is some hesitation and judder. Its somewhat similar to how my golf cart reacts when doing the same thing now that I think about it.

If I come to a complete stop before shifting and wait a moment before hitting the gas its smooth and easy. I think this is just the amount of time the transmission takes to switch from reverse to forward gear. I haven't counted out three seconds but there is a delay. On a side note I wonder if reverse is continuously variable or is it just a standard gear...

Anyway.. If it seems like the problem is reproducible every time, take it to the dealer and show them with a tech in the car. Maybe three seconds is too long and it really is a problem?
 
#9 ·
I notice this also with my 14' Forester, but not 3 seconds. In mine is just a slight hesitation before she goes into gear AND this only happens in the morning when the engine is cold. After warm up and going into reverse and then into drive, the hesitation is not there.

I do think this happens because of the design of the new CVT transmission. I doubt very much that Subaru can do anything for you. They will probably check it for you and tell you everything is fine.

Honestly though, 3 seconds is a long time. Like I said mine will only hesitate for a split second and after warm up, no hesitation at all.
 
#10 ·
A perceived 3 seconds and 3 seconds on a stop watch can be 2 drastically different times.

Not calling the OP out, just stating. Unless the OP has timed it, take the 3 seconds for a grain of salt.

It(time) always seem longer then it really is when your are waiting for a result.
 
#12 ·
Yes, the delay you are experiencing is not normal in my opinion. I would have Subaru or a transmission shop test drive the vehicle and let them see for them self.

If Subaru gives you no satisfaction, take it to a transmission specialist, if they say the transmission shouldn't act like it is, bring it back to Subaru. If they still will not do nothing for you, hopefully your state has a Lemon Law like NJ. The vehicle is still considered "new" and you are not satisfied with it. Either they give you another Forester or your money back in full.
 
#15 ·
I spent several hours driving around friday evening and saturday afternoon and there didn't seem to be a delay in our '14 XT CVT....well most of the time. I had it in X-mode at one point (just foolin around) and everything about the mode was sluggish (kinda the point of it I guess). Also "I" mode is sluggish in almost every way as well.
 
#16 ·
Neutral to Drive up to 1.2 seconds is normal and Neutral to Reverse up to 1.5 seconds is normal.

8. Time Lag Test

A: INSPECTION
NOTE:
When the select lever is shifted while the engine is idling, there will be a certain time elapse or lag before
shock is felt. This symptom helps to check the condition of forward clutch and reverse brake.
• Perform the test at normal operation CVTF temperature of 60 — 80°C (140 — 176°F).
• Be sure to allow one minute or more interval between tests.
• Make three measurements and take the average value.

1) Apply the electronic parking brake.
2) Start the engine. Check the idling speed. (A/C OFF)
3) Shift the select lever from “N” to “D” range. Using a stop watch, measure the time elapsed from shifting thelever until the shock is felt.

Time lag standard:
1.2 seconds or less
If “N” o “D” time lag is longer than specified:
• Secondary pressure (line pressure) is too low.
• Forward clutch worn
• Piston malfunction
• Control valve body malfunction
• Learning incomplete

4) In the same manner, measure the time lag when shifting “N” o “R” range.

Time lag standard:
1.5 seconds or less
If “N” o “R” time lag is longer than specified:
• Secondary pressure (line pressure) is too low.
• Reverse brake worn
• Piston malfunction
• Control valve body malfunction
• Learning incomplete
 
#18 ·
The delay in going from reverse to forward is what brought me to this forum. I have to say, I don't like the quirks of the CVT transmission. I tryed some experiments today to narrow down exactly what the car is doing before I complain to the dealer.
If you are travelling in reverse with the transmission in reverse the car has got to come to a complete stop before the transmission will engage in the forward direction. If you step on the gas with the car in forward while still rolling backward, the gas pedal will go all the way to the floor with the car just idling. Keep the gas pedal depressed and the car will stall and you will lose both brakes and steering. If the car comes to a stop while the gas pedal is depressed the car lurches forward in a stuttering kind of way. Both instances can be very disconcerting. You need to come to a stop before pressing the gass pedal. The hill assist does not seem to come on when you are braking in reverse so there isn't much delay once you do come to a stop. I am having to learn an entire new way of backing out of parking spaces.
 
#19 ·
It is too bad you did not go through your way of driving before purchasing the Forester, you might of thought twice before plunking down your cash. Not knowing how the CVT is compared to a traditional auto trans can be quite a learning experience for some. Took me about a week to get used to it. Now I love it and would never go back to a traditional trans.
 
#21 ·
Ok, some measurements taken by hand with my iPhone stop watch. R-to-D, and P-to-R from a standstill, 5 runs each. The engine had just gone off the blue temp light. AC off. About 24 degrees celsius ambient temperature.

R-to-D: avg=1.5s, std=0.21
P-to-R: avg=1.4s, std=0.18

It takes about 1.5 seconds to shift from reverse to drive with my HT-CVT.
 
#23 ·
I'm curious as to why anyone would shift from Reverse to Drive while the car was moving in the first place? I always come to a complete stop before moving the shift lever. Perhaps that is why my 11-year old Corolla with auto trans works just like new! I test drove both a Forester and an Outback with the CVT and didn't notice any issues along these lines, because I just drove it like I have always driven.

The only thing I want to know about the CVT is will it last? Can the fluid be changed by the owner/driver without a trip to a dealer? I like to do my own minor maintenance. That way it is done by a college graduate who actually owns the car and cares about it.
 
#24 ·
I know exactly what you mean. Coming out of a parallel parking spot, switch from reverse to drive -- wait for it, wait for it, wait for it -- and, bam, I'm off like a shot with the G-force pushing me against the seat. I asked the Subaru mechanic today what was the deal with that and he said it was normal; all gears but reverse are CVT and reverse is like a regular transmission, is what he said. The hesitation is the engaging of the regular transmission from the CVT. I'm no mechanic, but does this make sense?
 
#27 ·
There have been quite a few posts in the Pet Peeves thread about shifting delays in the 2014 CVT. Let's try to keep the Pet Peeves thread aimed at minor annoyances, the way it was intended, and use this dedicated thread to accumulate specific concerns regarding shifting delay problems with the 2014 CVT.

We like to keep things tidy here. And perhaps we can attract the attention of SoA people, who are reputed to be among us, to take a look at this situation if we can keep it all straightforward and together.
 
#29 ·
I have noticed the delay, probably between 1 and 2 seconds(have not actually timed it)....enough to make it noticeable and to be careful to wait until I know the shift has been made before pressing on the accelerator. It should be quicker, I think, and have pointed it out to the wife so she will know to wait for the shift to be complete. Just to be clear, I am talking about the delay when going from reverse to D/L.
 
#31 ·
To clarify my post above, I notice mine the most when first starting and backing out of the garage then changing to D/L, so the tranny is relatively cold. It is certainly slower than my 6 speed Volvo. I don't recall noticing it when it is fully warmed up.
 
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