Jerky/Rough in First Gear (maintaining 'smooth' low speed)

[James Gerber]

Did a search for 'low speeds' and 'first gear' and 'jerky at low speed.

I'm taking my new 'used' 2003 2.2L 5spd to the dealer after a week of driving and putting together a little list of things for them to check out.... which brings me to this question.

Is it normal for a 2.2L FWD (5spd) to be a bit jerky/rough when in 1st gear?
(or I guess I could say it's power fluctuates alot)

For example, when I'm driving around a parking lot at the mall or something, I actually have to ride the clutch with the gas to maintain a smooth ride at 5-10km/h. If I leave it in 1st and don't use the gas, it barely moves at all, and almost seems like it's going to stall. If I add a bit of gas it almost launches forward... so the only way to get a 'smooth' ride is to ride the clutch with the gas.

My only other previouse experience is coming from my SL1, where if I put it into 1st gear, it would drive on it's own at 5-10km/h, and sometimes I would use the clutch to slow it down (no Gas needed) or even just the brake.

Maybe I should be using 2nd gear for speeds 5-10km/h?
(But I think even that would require alot of clutch/gas combo)

I guess I'll bring it to the service departments attention, but just figure they might say it's normal behaviour... so I figured I'd throw it up on this board. I'm not sure what terminology I should be using for this or anything.

thanks,

jg

[john11v35]

James,
I also have the 2003 5spd 4 cyl Vue. Second gear should be fine for parking lot speeds. Yes, 1st gear is quite "jerky" at low speeds due to the transmission's apparrent hunger for higher RPM's. If you run 1st gear closer to 3000-4000 RPM the "jerky" part will go away.

Basically, I use 1st gear to launch the vehicle from a stop. If I'm rolling, I don't use anything lower than 2nd.

-John

[James Gerber]

After replacing the airfilter (which was extremely dirty), I think my engine seems to almost be running smoother now than it was.
(decided to go with a plain OEM styled airfilter than a high-flowing one)

Would this make sense? Or perhaps it's just psycological.

Also, engine seems to have a bit more power.

jg

[Russ Bellinis]

After replacing the airfilter (which was extremely dirty), I think my engine seems to almost be running smoother now than it was.
(decided to go with a plain OEM styled airfilter than a high-flowing one)

Would this make sense? Or perhaps it's just psycological.

Also, engine seems to have a bit more power.

jg

If an air filter is extremely dirty, replacing it would make a big difference. An internal combustion engine needs air as much as it needs fuel.

[James Gerber]

Well.. things seem to be keeping the same.

But I've noticed one thing, and it's been a while since I've drove my SL1 5spd. so I'm not sure if it's common for standards, but....

When I do a 'cold' start up, my Vue will launch from me simply releasing the clutch. (infact I'll have to use the brake a bit) Even if I'm on an incline. But after driving a little, I will have to resume to using the gas to get it going.

Almost as though the engine is 'racing' from a cold startup, but then settles down after a bit of driving.

is this common?

[bassplayrr]

Well.. things seem to be keeping the same.

But I've noticed one thing, and it's been a while since I've drove my SL1 5spd. so I'm not sure if it's common for standards, but....

When I do a 'cold' start up, my Vue will launch from me simply releasing the clutch. (infact I'll have to use the brake a bit) Even if I'm on an incline. But after driving a little, I will have to resume to using the gas to get it going.

Almost as though the engine is 'racing' from a cold startup, but then settles down after a bit of driving.

is this common?

That is likely just due to the increased idle rpm of the cold engine. A higher idle rpm will equal more percieved power when releasing the clutch. Since driving the car a bit warms the motor and lowers the idle rpm, you won't have that same feeling.

-Chris