Messy gear selection when turning.

[rocket rod]

I recently purchased a brand new D4 and it's fantastic but I have a question about the auto shifting around corners.

When taking off in a straight line the shifts are smooth and seamless but when slowing down, turning a corner and then accelerating away there is a messy change down, to say 2nd gear, and the car has a bad lag or dull spot. This last for half a second then away again with the smooth changes.

It seems strange I don't get that lag from take off only when going around corners. It's not a huge deal but it would be great if the gear selection pre-empted the take off and not have to change down.

Should I get the auto reset by a dealer or is the there a way I could do it as I have an IIDtool?

[LandyAndy]

Ive heard it called "the pregnant pause".
Havent noticed it much on mine,is it like it wants to gently glide around the corner then wants to launch into a race?????
The gearbox learns how you drive it,try pre-empting it with a paddle shift down for a whilst then see if it changes its behaviour.
I recently had mine serviced,was given a D4 loaner with only a few thousand ks on it.It was wanting to play race cars at first,by time I returned it it was driving like an old mans car,and I dropped the average fuel by 1l/100km:):):):):)
Andrew

[rocket rod]

Thanks LandyAndy I reckon your description of "the pregnant pause" is on the money as it's exactly what mine is doing. I haven't tried the paddle shift experiment yet but if that proves to solve the problem is the long term answer to reprogram the transmission via a reset. If so how?

[Mungus]

The messy change down may disappear as the gearbox learns (adapts) to your driving style. The lag however, will most likely only improve slightly. There are several threads on this lag and I can't determine if it is turbo related or gearbox related as these ZF's disconnect when stationary and possibly at other no loads times. Try it in sport mode as well. I would at least get the brake light switch checked for proper adjustment. They serve two purposes (lights on and ABS input) and can be related to a delay IMO, although if the adjustment is way out it will most likely lead to a fault light.
Do a search in this section as there is much discussion on this lag including left foot braking etc...

[LRD414]

Here is the best thread I found on this subject. But unclear whether it would still be applicable for the more recent model years. And somewhat inconclusive for its effectiveness too. The avoidance of left foot brake is covered in a different thread.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/133687-d3-rrs-pregnant-pause-roundabouts.html

Cheers,
Scott

[LandyAndy]

The messy change down may disappear as the gearbox learns (adapts) to your driving style. The lag however, will most likely only improve slightly. There are several threads on this lag and I can't determine if it is turbo related or gearbox related as these ZF's disconnect when stationary and possibly at other no loads times. Try it in sport mode as well. I would at least get the brake light switch checked for proper adjustment. They serve two purposes (lights on and ABS input) and can be related to a delay IMO, although if the adjustment is way out it will most likely lead to a fault light.
Do a search in this section as there is much discussion on this lag including left foot braking etc...

Sport definately crisps up the changes.I sometimes use it in the city.Downchanges nicely too.
Andrew

[WhiteD3]

My 2007 petrol D3 was prone to this as the thread cited mentions. My 2011 D4 was not; maybe because it was lost in the difference in accelerator response between the D3 petrol (a lot) and the D4 diesel (waiting......). My current 2013 SDV6 never does it.

If yours is a new car you should get it checked out.

[rocket rod]

Thanks for all your responses, I have tried sports mode and yes it does kick down and change gears more quickly as expected. I just think that it maybe my fairly quiet driving style as well because I tried be aggressive in drive mode and gear changes were quicker, so I think what I've got, is what I've got.

I was assured by the dealer when I picked up the car a couple of months ago that the latest software was installed so I trust that is the case.

[LandyAndy]

Thanks for all your responses, I have tried sports mode and yes it does kick down and change gears more quickly as expected. I just think that it maybe my fairly quiet driving style as well because I tried be aggressive in drive mode and gear changes were quicker, so I think what I've got, is what I've got.

I was assured by the dealer when I picked up the car a couple of months ago that the latest software was installed so I trust that is the case.

Mate,go back to the dealer,if its Southerns,chat with Jon,the service manager.He listens and is more than happy to help,been quite impressed with my dealings with him.Im sure Barbagallos are no different.Get them to take a demo for a spin with you steering and see if what you are experiencing is normal.
Andrew