24 Nautilus R2 Hybrid: Transmission "slip" when accelerating from stop

[NCNautilus]

I am a few weeks in, less than 800 miles, and am noticing a distinct "slip" or what might be better described as a "thump" when accelerating from a dead stop. Almost feels like a weight is shifting slightly longitudinally. Only a split-second and only when going form a completely stop. Am I talking myself into things to be wrong or is anyone else noticing this behavior?

 

[Jacyte]

Check your seat to make sure its not become loose. Not much in the eCVT that can cause a slip feeling since there is no clutch packs. The flywheel damper could also have a problem. It is designed to reduce the feel of the gas engine engagement by absorbing the initial shock. You might just be feeling the gas engine engaging since the torque damper can only absorb some of the feel. I can feel mine as well if i accelerate at a specific rate.

 

[NCNautilus]

Check your seat to make sure its not become loose. Not much in the eCVT that can cause a slip feeling since there is no clutch packs. The flywheel damper could also have a problem. It is designed to reduce the feel of the gas engine engagement by absorbing the initial shock. You might just be feeling the gas engine engaging since the torque damper can only absorb some of the feel. I can feel mine as well if i accelerate at a specific rate.

Yeah I thought it was a strange sensation because of the eCVT, but that's the only way I can describe the feeling. And it makes no audible sound. It's definitely not the seat, but I am going to check to see if something is shifting in spare area and I'll ask about the torque damper next time it's in for service (if it doesn't get worse). Thanks.

 

[foo3922]

I have noticed the same thing. Mostly when I press the accelerator hard enough that I think it's engaging the engine instead of only using the electric motor.

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[Jacyte]

Yeah I thought it was a strange sensation because of the eCVT, but that's the only way I can describe the feeling. And it makes no audible sound. It's definitely not the seat, but I am going to check to see if something is shifting in spare area and I'll ask about the torque damper next time it's in for service (if it doesn't get worse). Thanks.

I'm curious if anyone else chimes in. Can anyone else feel the gas engine engage in their hybrid when you first accelerate from a stop? It might be normal operation.

 

[NCNautilus]

Bringing this back up to see if anyone else feels this... I have not had time to get it back to the dealer to have it looked at. "Slipping" doesn't seem to be any worse, but is definitely noticeable and annoying.

 

[angore]

I sometimes feel something when I accelerate. It thought it was the cvt kicking in. I cannot really feel when engine is even on. It is a new experience for me.

 

[Jacyte]

Bringing this back up to see if anyone else feels this... I have not had time to get it back to the dealer to have it looked at. "Slipping" doesn't seem to be any worse, but is definitely noticeable and annoying.

“slip” isn’t a good term to describe it to the dealer. The engine won’t necessarily rev when you hit the accelerator and there is nothing that will allow slip in the driveline. Lag is a better term and there is an intentional lag built in. It’s either to reduce the risk of drivetrain component failure and/or to provide a smooth acceleration feel. The electric motors provide considerable torque and so does the 2.0. Because the gas engine output is controlled by matching planetary gear speed by an electric motor, the system cannot provide sudden combined output without a massive torque shock.

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[Rssherms00]

I know what they are referring to. It’s like a lag/slip probably going from electric to gas.

 

[NCNautilus]

I know what they are referring to. It’s like a lag/slip probably going from electric to gas.

I have a guess that it is switching from electric to gas. I hope this isn't the norm for hybrids.

 

[swindler]

I'd say it's the normal behavior, but to attach the word annoying to it makes me think you're describing something more jarring. You're either the Princess and the Pea, or you have something you should follow-up with at the dealer.

 

[olderbudweiser]

Yes my Maverick Hybrid and now this Hybrid Nautilus has a moment one can feel going from full electric to ICE turning on.

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[NCNautilus]

I'd say it's the normal behavior, but to attach the word annoying to it makes me think you're describing something more jarring. You're either the Princess and the Pea, or you have something you should follow-up with at the dealer.

It’s not something I noticed the first few weeks, so I don’t think it’s normal. It has not gotten worse since I first noticed it, but it is definitely annoying.

 

[Jacyte]

It’s not something I noticed the first few weeks, so I don’t think it’s normal. It has not gotten worse since I first noticed it, but it is definitely annoying.

It does sound out of the ordinary if you feel like there is a thump. The engine startup in mine is more of a slight shudder, almost like a tiny bit of wheel slip on wet roads. You can hear and feel exactly what it is though so its not worrying or disturbing in any way. Often its imperceptible but under the right amount of throttle it can be noticed.

 

[BaySt79]

I’ve experienced the same. I find that it doesn’t happen when the auto brake hold system is not active, so perhaps something related to the brake being electronically released when the accelerator is pressed?

 

[RhonnaG]

I believe i felt what you described last night. Trying to pull out into traffic from full stop. It waa a lag in getting to a good speed .. but I also felt sort of a thump. Then a bit later the powertrain warning light came on! Would this have anything to do with injector recall? Was supposedly fixed before delivered to me. I was at one week to the day, at 301 miles when that warning light came on. Get in this morning and warning light gone. Any thoughts?

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[swindler]

My thoughts are 'See the dealer'.

 

[RhonnaG]

Just fyi ... in case it may apply if you experience the 'lag' or loss of power. My dealer came to pick up my car while I was at work yesterday, dropping off a loaner car so they could figure out the issue [engine light, powertrain warning and details about issue with turbocharger]. Within a few hours, they determined that a vacuum tube was not securely fastened and caused the issue with the turbocharger. I am getting the car delivered back to me today. Hoping this fixes it!

 

[NCNautilus]

Mine is going in Friday (tomorrow) for this issue. I don't think it's gotten worse, but I don't think it is normal either. Will let you know what they find.

 

[LauraLincoln]

I know exactly what you’re talking about and I’ve only had the car 2 days. I’ve never had a hybrid so I assumed it was electric to gas change. I tested it and took off at a granny pace and didn’t experience it. When I hit the gas like I normally do in everyday driving I feel it every time. Let us know what you find.