smsmart wrote:SamirD wrote:This is known as 'shift shock'.
I've noticed that any automatic transmission that's had someone shift without a complete stop--even once--will have this damage. It's the main reason I don't give my cars to dealership to drive. Two of my cars that I bought brand new came back with shift shock after I had to give them for service--even after telling the service people I want it shifted like it says in the manual!
The last time I had my Kizashi serviced at the dealer, the service manager was pulling the car out of a parking spot and shifted the car from reverse into drive while the car was still moving--all right in front of me. I can't even tell you how much I cringed at that moment

They all do this...and then we pay the price. This is the primary reason I never let anyone drive any of my cars. Hell, the guy at the Porsche dealership did it to my Boxster even after I talked to him AT LENGTH about how I want my car driven!
So I've been reading a lot of the Kizashi service manuals and I just happened to run into the section on the CVT road tests.
Time Lag Test
This test is performed to check conditions of clutch, brake and fluid pressure. “Time lag” means time elapsed since select lever is shifted with engine idling till shock is felt.
1) Connect scan tool to DLC.
2) Select “Data list” mode on scan tool.
3) Drive vehicle so that CVT fluid temperature reaches normal operating temperature (50 – 80 °C (122 – 176 °F)).
NOTE:
Engine coolant temperature rises when revving engine in “P” or “N” range, but CVT fluid temperature does not rise in “P” or “N” range. Be sure to drive vehicle in order to raise CVT fluid temperature.
4) Apply parking brake and block wheels.
5) Start engine.
6) Depress brake pedal.
7) With stopwatch ready, shift select lever from “N” to “D” range and measure time from that moment till shock is felt.
8) Similarly measure time lag by shifting select lever from “N” to “R” range.
Gear shifting time lag
“N” → “D”: Less than 3.0 sec.
“N” → “R”: Less than 3.0 sec.
NOTE:
• When repeating this test, be sure to wait at least 1 minute after select lever is shifted back to “N” range.
• Engine should be warmed up fully for this test.
• Repeat test 3 times and take average of those data for final time lag data.
Code: Select all
Troubleshooting Condition Possible Cause Action
“N” → “D” time lag exceeds specification Low line pressure Perform “Line Pressure Test”.
Slippery forward clutch Replace CVT assembly.
Broken forward clutch piston oil seal Replace CVT assembly.
“N” → “R” time lag exceeds specification Low line pressure Perform “Line Pressure Test”.
Slippery reverse brake Replace CVT assembly.
Broken reverse brake piston oil seal Replace CVT assembly.
That last table didn't translate so well, but the gist of it is, do a line pressure test or
replace the CVT.
I was considering giving the Kizashi to someone to change the tires to winter, but forget that now. It won't take much to trash the CVT. Now that I'm thinking about it, it's probably why Nissan is having so many problems with them...just like Honda did with their trannys back in 98.