Before you buy a 3.6R w/ 5 speed automatic...

[eps105]

Originally posted by mchristsen
OK so the hesitation issue was on my mind while out driving today, so I decided to do some empirical tests.

Test 1 - slow motion/near stop in Drive, little/slow acceleration.
Slowed down to a near stop (as one would do in California) and then applied a little gas - there was little to know hesitation.

Test 2 - slow motion/near stop in Drive, quick axcceleration.
Slowed down to near stop and then applied quick acceleration. Car hesitated and then lurched forward, one time getting a "cluck" gear change from the transmission.

Test 3 - slow motion/near stop in Manual 1st gear, slow acceleration.
Slowed as before and applied slow gradual acceleration, no hesitation.

Test 4 - slow motion/near stop in Manual 1st gear, quick acceleration
Slowed again, applied some quick gas, little hesitation, car takes off.

Now I should try it in 2nd to see if there is a difference, but on the couple of instances in Drive, it seems that it was thinking about what gear it should be in before engaging the engine.

Now this is all based on my experience and opinion. If you are willing, try it yourself to see if there is a difference. Remember, be safe while doing any of these tests (don't want to accidently run into something/someone).

M

This is similar to what I experience. One would think that if you were driving slow and the transmission was in 2nd gear and you feathered the gas, it would continue in 2nd gear, but instead it just sits there doing nothing. If it is already in 1st gear (either in manual mode or simply because you're going slow enough for it to drop to 1st), the hesitation is much less, if not nonexistent.

I've still felt hesitation in manual mode in 1st gear, but not as bad, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 second.

So the working theory in my mind remains that this is a software issue where the TCM or other computer momentarily balks for about a second as to whether to downshift to first, like a momentary computer crash.

Elliot

[priggly]

Does everyone who has a 3.6R have this hesitation issue or is it limited to a smaller sampling of cars?

[Somerset Max]

Originally posted by eps105


The H6 powertrain is not a clean sheet at all. This engine/transmission combo has been used on the Tribeca for 2 years now, and was virtually dropped into the Outback with minor changes (only the gear ratios are different, IIRC).

IMHO, it is far more proven than the CVT, one of the excuses I used to convince my wife to let me get the H6!

I still feel this is a software issue, not a solenoid or anything else wrong with the transmission.

Yes, the engine and transmission are essentially being recycled from the Tribeca, but the overall vehicle itself is a "clean sheet design". Putting new parts together with even tired and true parts can result in unexpected consequences. I agree with you that the hesitation issue is likely to be a mere software glitch, but when a 3.6R owner experiences frustration or annoyance every time that this issue becomes apparent, it is probably not very comforting to say be able to say to yourself, "This is probably only a software issue". The fact that owners are talking about this issue is evidence that they are frustrated or annoyed by it.

A software issue is still an issue, and this is just one example of first-year issues.
No matter how well-engineered and well-tested a design may be, there will always be issues that somehow escaped the attention of the engineers, and this hesitation issue is apparently one of them.

Like you, I am confident that a solution will be found for this hesitation issue.
Like you, I am also somewhat distrusting of the CVT--especially in view of previous new CVT records such as Nissan's a few years ago.

As I said, I am glad that I decided to postpone my 3.6R purchase until the next model year, when first-year issues--be they software-related or not--are fairly sure to have been resolved.
And, who knows--maybe next year I will be able to buy a Navigation-equipped 3.6 without having to pay for the moonroof that I don't want!

[paintballplr199]

after all of this said, you cannot argue with the amount of ass it hauls after that 1 second

[brywong1]

Originally posted by priggly
Does everyone who has a 3.6R have this hesitation issue or is it limited to a smaller sampling of cars?

I have not been able to replicate the hesitation in mine yet.

[davidpweis]

As I said, I am glad that I decided to postpone my 3.6R purchase until the next model year, when first-year issues--be they software-related or not--are fairly sure to have been resolved.
And, who knows--maybe next year I will be able to buy a Navigation-equipped 3.6 without having to pay for the moonroof that I don't want! [/B]

Heck; If you wait a full year, you can order your car the way you want it, and avoid those dealer chosen options

[Somerset Max]

Originally posted by davidpweis


Heck; If you wait a full year, you can order your car the way you want it, and avoid those dealer chosen options

I always order it as I want it, rather than taking what is on the dealer's lot.
The problem to which I referred is that the addition of the Nav system currently requires that you also take the moonroof. The Nav system effectively is "packaged" with the moonroof. Since I rarely open the moonroof that I have now, I would really prefer to skip that feature on my next Outback if I can. Currently, purchasers have to pay for the moonroof if they want the Nav system on their Outback 3.6R Limited.

[davidpweis]

Honestly; Your much much better of not taking the Nav system. It is 2003 technology, and completely outdated.

New devices on the market have cell phone reception, allowing the GPS's to communicate with the internet. This means realtime traffic, non static databases, updates, etc.

You can get them 3rd party, and integrate them into the dash via a 'dim1' slot thats currently empty. Be sure to avoid getting the bluetooth package as well, as the GPS units I'm talking about also handle that component. They also integrate rear view video, dvd player, etc.

You plug the GPS into the AUX port for sound through the speakers .

Oh..and they only cost 800 or so; that way you can spend the extra 700 on something else

D

[nipper]

This is teething pain of all drive by wire systems with automatics (Toyota has it too, and has had for some time).

DBW is still somewhat new to subaru and other mfg's. Just everyone with a complaint needs to write subaru, and possibly NHTSA. As things go its not like the doors falling off, but it can be annoying.

It should be correctable with a software update.


nipper

[mchristsen]

So after submitting a message on the Subaur website, I get a phone call from a Subaru CSR concecrning my issue. They had noted that I had a service appointment coming up for my XM install and they had spoken to the dealership and have asked the techs to look into this issue. The CSR is going to followup with the dealership after my appointment to see what they found.

I was a little suprised at the personal level of detail they SOA responded with and I am a little encouraged that they seem to be interested and want to be on top of it.

Anyway I will report back with any news.

Michael.