Throttle lag / delay?

[Geed]

I'm not sure if this is something that is a problem only with my '06 NB, isolated to the '06 NB in general, or something shared between all VW models. Since this is my first VW and it is a 2.5L, I guess I'll ask here...

I am finding an unusual amount of delay from the time I step on the accelerator until the engine responds. There's like a 1 to 2 second lag time there which is more of a nuisance than a problem I guess but it is something I want to try and correct. I notice it more so as I am coming to a stop and then step on the accelerator before coming to a complete stop. There's just enough delay that I instinctively press harder on the accelerator and when the engine finally responds I am spinning the tires :lol: - granted, the streets are all sandy now.

Anyone else experiencing this or is it just me? Should I bring this to the dealer's attention or is it something I just have to get use to? With every other car I have ever driven, as quick as I pressed down on the gas, the engine would rev just as quickly - not so with my NB.

[kcfoxie]

My love has a Jetta V, same engine and same transmission. Are you in D or S? You likely will want S, because S or Sport Mode, is designed to run longer RPMs and shift more like a 5-speeder would. The D is grandma mode. I drive in D, and if you stomp the pedal, you'll feel it's got 3 levels: gas, ok we gotta move and PUNCH IT MARGARET! You can feel the three levels as you keep applying pressure.. it's almost like the pedal pops down. This is, of course, from our Jetta.. which is, from what I can tell, identicaly mechanically to the 06 NB shy electronics on the interior.

If it's still sluggish in Sport mode, well... I guess try driving a 5-speed? :)

Good luck! OH the tranny is a learner, too, so it'll learn your driving habbits. S mode in the Jetta gets you to 80 in what seems like under 10 seconds, where D takes a good 20.

[Oyveychris]

Maybe you're not used to "drive by wire" throttle? There is no conventional throttle cable in our cars, so it feels a little weird at first.

[Geed]

kcfoxie - Yes, I have been driving in D "Granny Mode" since I picked it up last Saturday. I just found out last night about the Sport mode but I haven't tried it yet.

Oyveychris - aaahhhh.... that may be it. The salesman did tell me that the steering was "drive by wire" but I didn't know that the gas pedal was too. That's most likely it. Thanks for the insight!

[Geed]

Hey kcfoxy... You are right! I drove in Sport mode today and it just about eliminated the throttle lag. Seems to shift like I am use to as well. Thanks for the help!

[bill marquardt]

Throttle lag is a problem, especially with the 5 speed. There is a 1 second lag from idle and as much as a 2 second leg when you get off the gas. I have had my car at the dealership twice and they said it is normal.

[bagman]

What is the difference in mpg between granny & sport

Bagman

[marksblaster]

Hey, I have noticed the same things. My wife drives our beetle in sport mode all the time . I havent checked mileage but I wonder about the difference between the too also. Do you really have to stop to change from d to s? Wonder why?? Mark

[shellbug]

Sport mode is much better. I feel that in D, the gearing is just not right, luggs too much, especially when I am going like 25-30 in my neighborhood.

[Celeste]

Do you really have to stop to change from d to s? Wonder why?? Mark

When I was riding with the salesman, he pulled it down into S mode while driving. He said not to even take your foot off the gas. I have been doing it this way with no problems.

[dunno513]

my TDI has the same lag... I suspect it's from the DBW systems and nothing else. It probably has something to do with safety too since I notice it much more when I stomp on the pedal from a stop, or going slow, vs accelerating from say 40 mph. I've just accepted that if you are going to pull out quickly infront of an oncomming semi, you best plan ahead, or prepare for that... OH CRAPPPP feeling of a stalled engine, or slipping on snowy roads..

[fohveh]

This was mentioned in the past by VW themselves, the lag in throttle response is from the software telling the tranny to wait a second before accelerating heavily, its theorized that it will result in longer life for the trannies since they won't be exposed to sudden heavy throttle responses. It was mentioned to be a one second delay; VW's have had this "feature in their software since 1998 introductions. Along with this lag is the other famous whine " Why does my car keep rolling backwards when I reverse instead of going into forward gear immediately", again the same reason, to protect the tranny from undue heavy torque stresses and prolonging the life of the transmission. I have a 2002 1.8t NB and it has the identical lags that you mention except the turbo will sometimes boost you through the lag so you don't notice it. Get used to the VW its not your average car.

[JuggBug]

Sport mode is much better. I feel that in D, the gearing is just not right, luggs too much, especially when I am going like 25-30 in my neighborhood.

Amen to that sister! I only drive in 'Sport'....:devil: