Slow throttle response?

svntam

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Hi, owner of a 18' hatch (cvt) and just recently hit 3k miles and I've noticed slower throttle response when driving in D mode. I do use Eco quite often but before I remember the throttle response on D mode was much better. I also do use S mode every now and then but does anyone know why I get a slower throttle response now? I would switch to S mode but does anyone use S mode quite often and if so on highways for long distances (maybe 5+ miles)? - not sure if it's bad to use S mode for long distances on highways I'm just getting a little iffy on this recent throttle response slowing down.
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latole

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IMO Eco mode slow down throttel response
For D or S , I don't know I have MT on my LX, that is great.
 

davidgostbo

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Think what you’re referring to is turbo lag. Happens on all cars who have turbos. And turbo lag is largely affected with weather condition, is it cold or hot? Usually turbo lag is more prevalent in cold weather. Also you have to take in consideration winter gas too.
 

AegeanKing

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You need to be more specific. In what conditions are you experiencing this slow throttle response?
 

NotSerious

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The transmission and fueling are purposely programmed by Honda for mileage.
Add in turbo lag and you will experience poor initial acceleration while in "D" and "ecco".

If you prefer better acceleration, take off "ecco" and put your car in "S".
Your fuel mileage will suffer and there may be some long term wear issues on your engine and transmission however.

Expect more of this on newer models because of Government environmental regulations.
 
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gtman

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Eco definitely will feel sluggish. D overall is a good combo of response and MPG. S is great for accelerating but at the expense of MPG.

As far as lag, this is the one area were the CVT drags the car down. It's not the turbo lag really. Our turbo is tiny and spools fairly fast. It's mostly low speed CVT lag. From a stop it doesn't like it when you mash the throttle... the CVT logic seems to take a second to get into the right "gear". I've noticed that turning off traction control and feathering the throttle a bit off the line helps.

As far as throttle response comparing D to S...

I don't think the throttle response is any different. The difference is in S you are in the meat of the torque so when you put your foot into it, it accelerates quicker compared to D.
 

djasonw

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The reason S feels more responsive is because it keep the RPMs a bit higher while driving. This allows for better acceleration and response when pressing the accelerator. From a standstill, S really does not offer any benefits over D from as far as I can tell.
 

CivicXI

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Try using L. It's not NA Ferrari V8 quick but it's much quicker than D.
 

charleswrivers

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Anything that causes you to have higher revs at the same car speed will do 2 things for you...

1) Make your engine operate at an RPM where it can be closer to peak power... even if it's at minimal load and boost. It will be able to reach peak power sooner, as it's already spinning at a higher speed and has that momentum built.

2) By the engine spinning faster at the same given speed by running it in something other than D... your pulley is configured to allow more torque to go to the wheel, so when you do floor it, there is more instant torque and therefore horsepower available due to the lower effective gearing you're maintaining. You oughta be able to tell this just by blipping the throttle. While the blip isn't enough to build boost... you oughta feel the car do stronger 'jerks' due to the lower effective gearing. Just because it's a CVT and it doesn't have 'gears' but an wide ratio set across the pulleys running across a belt doesnt mean it doesn't still work similarly.
 

motoguy128

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I actually think it's a little too jumpy sometimes. The slight turbo lag and the lag of changing ratios in the CVT does take some getting used to. I think emissions controls also has a lot to do with this. I think they have to operate the car in a range that keeps from fouling the catalytic converter and keeping emissions in a certain range to meet the test requirement. Lots of compromises.

But in general, seems like it's takes right off when I need it to, but you can;t expect the instant surge sensation you get with a locked torque converter on a conventional automatic on a naturally aspriated engine. There's always a slight rubber bandy sensation. I actually like it.

Similarly, when you lift, there's a lag as the blowoff responds, throttle body closes and drops mass air flow.

remember, the car is drive by waire as are all new cars now, so you are "requesting" a change in engine output, rather than moving the actual throttle and the system reacts. You get a better emissions and fuel economy and can customize response curves in various conditions. I wish there was a "snow mode" that change the throttle response curve for more fine control. Also if it held a taller gear or you could "lock in" a ratio to stay below 1500RPM.
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