Transmission Control Unit (TCU) Update

[MerlintheMad]

Also, I would like to expose my problem to you guys. The car feels different than before. It has 2500 miles on, so not serviced yet or anything else.
In the freeway, driving at a constant speed of 60-65 mph in smart mode (so ECO) the car is in high gear and revs at around 1200rpm. A month ago, if I accelerated in this condition, it revs up or drops the gear but generally speaking it accelerates. Now what happens is that the car does not shift to a lower gear (unless push the throttle deeper) and instead instantly revving up, it first goes from 1200rpm to 1000rpm and then quite slowly revs up. All together it feels there is no immediate power as there was a month ago. I don't know what it is. Any ideas?Thanks

How long does the slight drop in RPM last before shifting down and accelerating commences? I have found that in Eco (especially) if I mash the accelerator the engine is slower to respond than if I smoothly press it: almost as if I am giving the power train the "heads up" that I am wanting to go fast. So "less is more" in this case, less mashing and more deliberate pressing of the pedal gets more immediate results. Try that.

 

[max2382]

How long does the slight drop in RPM last before shifting down and accelerating commences? I have found that in Eco (especially) if I mash the accelerator the engine is slower to respond than if I smoothly press it: almost as if I am giving the power train the "heads up" that I am wanting to go fast. So "less is more" in this case, less mashing and more deliberate pressing of the pedal gets more immediate results. Try that.

If I keep the accelerator pressed at the same level, the drop lasts a while and then slowely start revving up. if i press it deeper it either revs up (but still slower than a month ago) or drops a gear. But the general result is the car doesn't have the same kick in the back as before.

 

[Marc Collins]

I forgot! I was using LC for the first time and forgot that I had to do the shifting. It was a brain fart of the first order. I'm glad for the safety feature that popped out of manual and shifted up at red line. My subsequent LC efforts went much better: I tried both automatic and manual gate. Finally I tried Auto Hold and just mashed the accelerator and shifted up myself. Manual gate is a lot of fun.

It isn't a safety feature--as you have had explained in other threads. There is no danger involved. The Stinger, like every other car in the world made in 2018 has a rev limiter that prevents engine over-speed and subsequent damage. You cannot over-rev the engine under any circumstance.

The feature you refer to, that auto shifts even when the car is supposed to be in manual mode is a nanny--one suitable for a minivan, not a supposed performance car. It's for people too dumb to remember they are manual mode. 99 out of 100 of us (the type of people who drive performance cars) would prefer manual mode to be manual.

We all make mistakes and anyone (me included) could forget. That's why there is a rev limiter to prevent engine damage if you forget to shift up and an emergency down-shift (the click button on full throttle) override of you forget that. What else does one need? Certainly not an annoying nanny that interferes with manual mode when you put the car in manual mode because you want a manual mode.

 

[Marc Collins]

If I keep the accelerator pressed at the same level, the drop lasts a while and then slowely start revving up. if i press it deeper it either revs up (but still slower than a month ago) or drops a gear. But the general result is the car doesn't have the same kick in the back as before.

This is exactly what Eco mode is supposed to do. If you want responsive shifts, don't use Eco mode. It is designed explicitly to be unresponsive to favour fuel economy. Comfort is in the middle and Sport favours performance over economy. Is that surprising? The car also adapts a bit over time. If you poke around in urban traffic most of the time, it will adapt by shifting sooner (lower rpms) since you don't need the power of higher rpms. Go drive in a spirited manner in Sport mode for an hour or two (not easy to do if you live anywhere near a population or police) and then go back to Eco poking around and it will behave as it did. If you keep poking along, it will revert to lazy mode once again. All by design and working as it should

 

[MerlintheMad]

You cannot over-rev the engine under any circumstance.

And I keep explaining to all you all what happened: The needle bounced well into the red zone, then immediately dropped below c. 5K RPM, and in a higher gear: I was in Manual Gate, i.e. shifting myself; yet the car took me out of manual, despite the shifter still being in manual gate. You say that over revving is impossible: I am telling you that I did it, but only for an instant. Are we talking about the same thing, just seeing it differently?

It's for people too dumb to remember they are manual mode.

LOL! That I was, but only once.

99 out of 100 of us (the type of people who drive performance cars) would prefer manual mode to be manual.

You said that poorly: 99 out 100 of "us" do not drive performance cars. Now, if you mean 99 out of we Stinger drivers (many of whom already have sports/performance car experience), maybe you are right. But I know that @Paul32 (for one) doesn't want to shift for himself so probably doesn't care. Most people don't care for manual mode in the first place. The few of us who do shift for ourselves can use manual gate (or the Sport mode equivalent in shift by wire?); and then we don't have "D" showing up at annoying moments.

I like the nanny because I might forget again. (Senioritis) As long as I am driving the damn car and not standing it on its bloody ear I am fine; the nanny won't show up. You sound like you're advocating for the removal of a feature which can save the engine from your own mistake; just because a Ferrari does it that way.

 

[MerlintheMad]

If I keep the accelerator pressed at the same level, the drop lasts a while and then slowely start revving up. if i press it deeper it either revs up (but still slower than a month ago) or drops a gear. But the general result is the car doesn't have the same kick in the back as before.

My best guess is that Smart mode is learning your driving style; which is only occasionally "spirited", i.e putting your foot well into it. If you use Sport or Custom, I bet that you won't have a perceived "turbo lag". And if you drive in Smart the way you would in Sport or Custom, it will adjust to you wanting more immediate acceleration accordingly.

 

[Marc Collins]

And I keep explaining to all you all what happened: The needle bounced well into the red zone, then immediately dropped below c. 5K RPM, and in a higher gear: I was in Manual Gate, i.e. shifting myself; yet the car took me out of manual, despite the shifter still being in manual gate. You say that over revving is impossible: I am telling you that I did it, but only for an instant. Are we talking about the same thing, just seeing it differently?

LOL! That I was, but only once.

You said that poorly: 99 out 100 of "us" do not drive performance cars. Now, if you mean 99 out of we Stinger drivers (many of whom already have sports/performance car experience), maybe you are right. But I know that @Paul32 (for one) doesn't want to shift for himself so probably doesn't care. Most people don't care for manual mode in the first place. The few of us who do shift for ourselves can use manual gate (or the Sport mode equivalent in shift by wire?); and then we don't have "D" showing up at annoying moments.

I like the nanny because I might forget again. (Senioritis) As long as I am driving the damn car and not standing it on its bloody ear I am fine; the nanny won't show up. You sound like you're advocating for the removal of a feature which can save the engine from your own mistake; just because a Ferrari does it that way.

Why do you keep repeating the same wrong facts over and over? You didn't over-rev your engine, even for a moment. What is the engineering redline of the Stinger engine? Well above the rpm where maximum power is achieved (6,000 rpm)--probably significantly above 7,000 rpm.

And if you don't want to shift for yourself or have to remember whether you are shifting for yourself, don't use manual mode. The rest of us don't need a proper manual mode ruined because a few people don't want a proper manual mode. It's already an automatic transmission--how much more do you need than auto shifting in every mode except manual--and even it has two different emergency overrides?

 

[Marc Collins]

My best guess is that Smart mode is learning your driving style; which is only occasionally "spirited", i.e putting your foot well into it. If you use Sport or Custom, I bet that you won't have a perceived "turbo lag". And if you drive in Smart the way you would in Sport or Custom, it will adjust to you wanting more immediate acceleration accordingly.

I just said this in an earlier post...although to be clear, don't use Smart mode either if you don't want the car deciding (badly some of the time) how and when to shift.

No wonder the manufacturers get frustrated: give people options and they refuse to use the ones that match their stated preferences or address their specific concerns. Don't give people options and they will rightly complain about lowest common denominator design choices.

 

[max2382]

This is exactly what Eco mode is supposed to do. If you want responsive shifts, don't use Eco mode. It is designed explicitly to be unresponsive to favour fuel economy. Comfort is in the middle and Sport favours performance over economy. Is that surprising? The car also adapts a bit over time. If you poke around in urban traffic most of the time, it will adapt by shifting sooner (lower rpms) since you don't need the power of higher rpms. Go drive in a spirited manner in Sport mode for an hour or two (not easy to do if you live anywhere near a population or police) and then go back to Eco poking around and it will behave as it did. If you keep poking along, it will revert to lazy mode once again. All by design and working as it should

I understand, and I knew that. What I am trying to say is that unresponsivness got worse, a lot worse than it was a month ago. Maybe it is learning my driving style as MerlinTheMad suggested, but it was a night and day change, not gradual. I read about a guy with the BOV stucked open, and I was wondering if it could be something like that. Or maybe a plug. I don't know, that's why I am asking. I know the difference between various driving modes and all got worse, even sport mode.

 

[Marc Collins]

I understand, and I knew that. What I am trying to say is that unresponsivness got worse, a lot worse than it was a month ago. Maybe it is learning my driving style as MerlinTheMad suggested, but it was a night and day change, not gradual. I read about a guy with the BOV stucked open, and I was wondering if it could be something like that. Or maybe a plug. I don't know, that's why I am asking. I know the difference between various driving modes and all got worse, even sport mode.

You didn't say every mode got worse at the same time. If the car doesn't respond to extended spirited driving in Sport mode, then, yes, you probably have some other issue that is affecting the whole operation.

 

[max2382]

I just said this in an earlier post...although to be clear, don't use Smart mode either if you don't want the car deciding (badly some of the time) how and when to shift.

No wonder the manufacturers get frustrated: give people options and they refuse to use the ones that match their stated preferences or address their specific concerns. Don't give people options and they will rightly complain about lowest common denominator design choices.

Marc, I read all the posts. Thank you. If I am expressing a problem or others do, there is no need to get upset. We might not be as trained as you in knowing engines and whatever else, but do not treat people as idiots.
I am trying to explain a problem that my car has. I am not talking about different driving modes. If I tell you my car is different than a month ago in the way it accelerates, you should believe me and try (if you want) to help me. telling me I don't understand anything about anyhting, doesn't help me to fix my issue

 

[max2382]

You didn't say every mode got worse at the same time. If the car doesn't respond to extended spirited driving in Sport mode, then, yes, you probably have some other issue that is affecting the whole operation.

I described smart (in ECO) mode because it is the one where I can feel this problem more. I asked the other guy about the BOV issue and how to check it. When he'll respond I might have an answer. I can always bring it to the dealership. I just wanted to see what people in this forum, that drive the same car I have, experienced in the past. If you didn't have any problem, I am very happy for you and a bit jealous in the same time.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Marc Collins]

Marc, I read all the posts. Thank you. If I am expressing a problem or others do, there is no need to get upset. We might not be as trained as you in knowing engines and whatever else, but do not treat people as idiots.
I am trying to explain a problem that my car has. I am not talking about different driving modes. If I tell you my car is different than a month ago in the way it accelerates, you should believe me and try (if you want) to help me. telling me I don't understand anything about anyhting, doesn't help me to fix my issue

I was simply replying that you mentioned Merlin's reply, but seemed to have missed my earlier one. I am perturbed with his replies that suggest he ignores facts that have been explained multiple times in multiple threads. Sorry if that spilled over to you.

The key is that if the car is not responding to spirited driving in Sport mode and all modes are behaving lazily or badly, you need to take the car in for service. Option 1 is to get the TCU update applied and see if that fixes it. Or, get the dealer to check every aspect of the car to see if something related could be affecting the transmission. But this latter option requires the dealer to be co-operative and patient, which they usually are not. They'll go for a quick test drive and say everything is fine leaving you to argue. The TCU update could at least eliminate that possibility so if it still misbehaves, they might also conclude that it is something else affecting the tranny.

 

[max2382]

I was simply replying that you mentioned Merlin's reply, but seemed to have missed my earlier one. I am perturbed with his replies that suggest he ignores facts that have been explained multiple times in multiple threads. Sorry if that spilled over to you.

The key is that if the car is not responding to spirited driving in Sport mode and all modes are behaving lazily or badly, you need to take the car in for service. Option 1 is to get the TCU update applied and see if that fixes it. Or, get the dealer to check every aspect of the car to see if something related could be affecting the transmission. But this latter option requires the dealer to be co-operative and patient, which they usually are not. They'll go for a quick test drive and say everything is fine leaving you to argue. The TCU update could at least eliminate that possibility so if it still misbehaves, they might also conclude that it is something else affecting the tranny.

Thank you for the reply. My previous car had similiar behavior and everytime the TCU was resetted it went back to normal. Then after a while the problem returned. I was thinking about the TCU update, but then I came across this and another threads where people keep saying the update actually made the car worse and 'lost' sport mode. I am waiting for the guy that expericed the BOV stuck to reply me. Maybe it is a simple issue like that and it doesn't need any update. Let's see.

 

[Fl stingergt]

I have gt . With Tc off and in manual mode I can hold every gear to rev limiter hits and retards timing. They are telling me at kia that when they put new map in to fix other issues it reset transmission to new again. So it has to learn my aggressive driving style again. Said it could take 500 to 1000 miles. We will see what happens.

 

[Fl stingergt]

They told me at kia they don’t have ability to reverse change. Just wait to see if car can relearn. That’s why I started thread if you like your shifts how they are don’t get the update.i guess a lot of people not into the performance where complaining about shifts. So majority wins. They said aftermarket tuner can change things easier then dealers has far has that goes. They are not set up to fix those issues. They tried my dealer is very good to me so it is what it is I guess for now.

 

[Marc Collins]

They told me at kia they don’t have ability to reverse change. Just wait to see if car can relearn. That’s why I started thread if you like your shifts how they are don’t get the update.i guess a lot of people not into the performance where complaining about shifts. So majority wins. They said aftermarket tuner can change things easier then dealers has far has that goes. They are not set up to fix those issues. They tried my dealer is very good to me so it is what it is I guess for now.

This has been the experience of many of us with past cars. The majority wins and ruins the tranny programming. Marketing wins over engineering. They try to sneak in some sportier programming, but it throws people off. The most obvious one is the more aggressive downshifting even in Comfort "D" mode. People say it's not smooth enough for a luxury car even though they are purchasing a Stinger or Infiniti or [fill-in blank] or some other car advertised to be a driver's vehicle.

Thanks for warning on this. An important decision to think about before updating. Just like ripping your dash apart to replace head unit to fix the famous fader issue. Cure may be worse than the illness.

 

[Fl stingergt]

Ya I decided against getting head unit done. Mine does the fader thing to. But something worse might happen if they fix it

 

[Fl stingergt]

If transmission doesn’t relearn . I will just pull ecu Tcu and get reprogram by some tuner out there.

 

[Marc Collins]

If transmission doesn’t relearn . I will just pull ecu Tcu and get reprogram by some tuner out there.

Are there any available?