Car moving forward and backward?

2018 NISSAN ROGUE
49,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JEANMARC89
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
When I'm driving in traffic and removing my leg from throttle at low speed it feels like my car is moving forward and backward a bit. Even when i set it to a fixed gear it feels the same. It feels like catching up several times.
Jan 26, 2023 at 10:51 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,193 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

When this happens, does the tachometer indicate a variation in engine speed? If you are stopped and place the transmission in neutral, does the idle speed change?

Let me know. Also, let me know if the check engine light has come on while the engine is running or anything you feel may help. I have felt this in vehicles and believe I recognize what you are experiencing. However, it could be an idle speed issue, the transmission not down shifting properly, and so on.

Take care,

Joe
Jan 26, 2023 at 3:01 PM
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JEANMARC89
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hello, the Tachometer is working properly and the idle speed also. No check engine light and nothing on the obd scanning log.
Jan 26, 2023 at 3:06 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,193 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

At this point, the only thing I can think of is if the transmission isn't downshifting at the right time and the engine continues to try pulling the car with your foot off the accelerator. Or I guess something could be loose as far as a CV joint, but the vehicle is not old and has few miles, so that is unlikely.

Do me a favor. Pay attention to see if the transmission is placed in neutral when stopping if it still does the same thing.

Let me know.

Joe
Jan 26, 2023 at 4:44 PM
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JEANMARC89
  • MEMBER
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Hi Joe, thank you. Do you think it is a normal engine braking behavior because of the CVT?
Jan 26, 2023 at 10:40 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,193 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

Absolutely that can cause it. I just finished working on a Jeep with a CVT and they drive me crazy. LOL

Keep an eye on it and if it changes or the check engine light turns on, let me know.

Take care,

Joe
Jan 27, 2023 at 6:34 PM
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