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What is causing our Yaris automatic to lurch on gear changes?
We have a 2008 Toyota Yaris SR VVT Auto (1296cc). We soon noticed there was always a sudden power loss immediately after a gear change, causing a momentary "lurch" until the power returned. I was interested to see your response in this week's DT column comparing Volkswagen and Mercedes automatics:
"The Volkswagen cars have an interlock that forces you to press the brake pedal before you can move the lever from N to D. This is not only irritating, but sends a signal to the ECU that the brakes are applied and the ECU consequently cuts power. This signal can be delayed, so you might emerge from a side road on the fuel in the combustion chamber, then power is cut and you can be stranded for a second or two before the system self-corrects."
Do you think this is the same thing as we are having with our Yaris? Or do you think we have a fault?
"The Volkswagen cars have an interlock that forces you to press the brake pedal before you can move the lever from N to D. This is not only irritating, but sends a signal to the ECU that the brakes are applied and the ECU consequently cuts power. This signal can be delayed, so you might emerge from a side road on the fuel in the combustion chamber, then power is cut and you can be stranded for a second or two before the system self-corrects."
Do you think this is the same thing as we are having with our Yaris? Or do you think we have a fault?
Asked on 29 June 2013 by DSJ, Redhill
Answered by
Honest John
The reason is that this Yaris is not actually an automatic. It's an automated manual. It has an electrically operate clutch and actuator mechanism that mimics a driver changing the gears of a conventional manual gearbox. You need to lift the accelerator slightly on upward changes. If you press harder, the lurching will be worse.
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