First/second gear behaving like CVT - traction or slipping clutch?

[24blueS]

I've had my ITS for about two months now, and I noticed something that I initially thought was a traction issue, but now I'm not so sure. I've driven manual cars for over 30 years. I have an Evo and an STI, and I know the ITS setup is much more advanced, so maybe it's normal behavior to prevent the clutch from slipping?

Situation - In second gear, if I get on it more than 50% throttle, it acts like a CVT auto transmission downshifting (similar to slipping a clutch), except the car still accelerates. It doesn't pull as hard as it should. There is no smell like a normal slipping clutch, and the traction light isn't blinking like that is the issue. It also always grabs unlike a slipping clutch which may not ever grab until you let off.

Is this just how these transmissions are? It only happens in first and second gear.

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[elh0102]

It's just the front tires breaking traction. At least in this car the LSD and front suspension design minimize the torque steer. You will notice this considerably more with cold tires.

 

[optronix]

^ what was the ambient temperature, and I'm assuming you're on the OEM Michelins?

 

[24blueS]

It's just the front tires breaking traction. At least in this car the LSD and front suspension design minimize the torque steer. You will notice this considerably more with cold tires.

I've had FWD cars with bad torque steer (08 Mazdaspeed). That thing had wheel hop and torque steer pretty badly. This car has no torque steer, which is nice.

I've had it happen at all temps from 95+ outside to 65. Warm or cold tires don't seem to matter. Yes to factory Michelin's. I've read posts about the traction and causes, but nothing specific to this feeling, like a CVT in only first/second when getting on it.

 

[boosted_canoe]

you sure it's not just building boost?

 

[elh0102]

The torque multiplication in first and second gears can make traction challenging under boost. Stickier tires of course would help. Have it checked out, but I suspect you will find nothing wrong.

 

[NoelPR]

Is just spinning the wheels. Normal.

 

[Waitforit]

Try turning traction control completely off with the pedal dance.

 

[elh0102]

If you suspect a clutch issue, do this. Start at a low speed and rpm, say 2,000, in third gear, then give it full throttle. That should generate enough torque at the flywheel to test the clutch, but not enough wheel hp to break traction.

 

[FredS2000]

The Michelins turn to rocks at anything around 60 or under, especially if you only drive a few miles before needing to accelerate. In 55-65 temps, it takes at least 10 miles to get these tires to a working temp. Cornering isn't too bad, but acceleration traction is poor.

I've experienced the ridiculous wheelspin driving home from work, about 4 miles of slow-ish speed, minimal turns, to a merge/acceleration point. Just before I switched to my winter set about 2 weeks ago, the temps were only in the middle 40s. 1st through 3rd it would just light up both front tires on anything more than half throttle acceleration. Thankfully no wheel hop. That was only reserved for damp pavement, and my right foot is faster than the TC to stop that crap.

 

[elh0102]

The Michelins turn to rocks at anything around 60 or under, especially if you only drive a few miles before needing to accelerate. In 55-65 temps, it takes at least 10 miles to get these tires to a working temp. Cornering isn't too bad, but acceleration traction is poor.

I've experienced the ridiculous wheelspin driving home from work, about 4 miles of slow-ish speed, minimal turns, to a merge/acceleration point. Just before I switched to my winter set about 2 weeks ago, the temps were only in the middle 40s. 1st through 3rd it would just light up both front tires on anything more than half throttle acceleration. Thankfully no wheel hop. That was only reserved for damp pavement, and my right foot is faster than the TC to stop that crap.

Yes, I've found that TC in this car allows quite a lot of straight line wheel spin before activating.

 

[24blueS]

If you suspect a clutch issue, do this. Start at a low speed and rpm, say 2,000, in third gear, then give it full throttle. That should generate enough torque at the flywheel to test the clutch, but not enough wheel hp to break traction.

I have never been able to get 3rd to break traction on a pull, so I'll attribute it to wheel spin. Thanks for all the help!

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