Nissan Pulsar Gearbox & Transmission Problems

Actually, it’s none of those things. This model Pulsar came with the option of a six-speed manual. But if it was an automatic Pulsar, it was fitted not with a conventional automatic, but with a CVT or Constantly Variable Transmission. Instead of a series of gears inside it, the CVT uses cones of different diameters linked by a flexible belt. By altering where on the cones the belt rides, the gearbox can produce different 'gears'.

The idea is that by providing an infinite number of ratios, the engine can always run closer to its most efficient speed, therefore improving fuel efficiency. It’s a great theory, but not all drivers like the sound and feel of a CVT which can feel pretty alien, especially at first. Some manufacturers, in an attempt to make the CVT feel more familiar, electronically engineer in fixed `ratios’ but, in reality, this removes some of the CVT’s efficiency-boosting potential.

Unless your B17 Pulsar has the optional manual transmission fitted, then it definitely has a CVT. The reason Nissan (and many other carmakers) still use the old PRND symbols for the gearshift are because that’s what people understand, so there’s no confusion.

In any case, even though it’s a CVT and not a conventional automatic, the CVT still has a Park position, a Neutral and both a Drive and Reverse position, so the symbols are entirely consistent with that anyway.

A modern engine like the one in your Nissan uses electronics to control the ratio of fuel and air, rather than a physical choke like older engines use. However, in order to control this ratio, the modern engine relies on a range of sensors dotted around the car to tell it what’s going on. Examples include a throttle-position sensor, ambient temperature sensor, coolant temperature sensor and many more. If just one of these sensors fails or starts relaying false information, all aspects of the car’s running (including its throttle action) can be compromised.

But before you start scanning the car and spending money to fix the engine flaring during gear changes, take a hard, critical look at what you’re doing with the pedals when shifting gears. If you don’t completely release the accelerator pedal during a gear change, or get your hand-foot co-ordination wrong, the engine will naturally flare during the shift. And because modern cars have a throttle-by-wire system, there’s not the same degree of feel and feedback through the accelerator pedal as some of us are used to. It sounds a bit obvious, but checking your driving style is the first step.

The best source of that info would be an automatic transmission mechanic or a wrecking yard specializing in Japanese cars.

Try gently releasing the clutch while you’re holding the lever in the reverse position. It’s probably an adjustment issue, it could be a clip that’s broken, and nothing serious. I would take it to a mechanic who should be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with it.

If we were in the USA your car would be called a ‘lemon’ and you would be getting a refund or a replacement car. Unfortunately this isn’t America and we have pathetically weak consumer laws and an even weaker body (ACCC) overseeing them. You could try to negotiate a deal with Nissan, who I don’t think have a leg to stand on, or get a lawyer involved.

The transmission in your car is a CVT and changing the oil is definitely recommended. If you doubt that the full service hasn't been done go back to the dealer and ask for an explanation.

You would like to think that it shouldn't happen, but the reality is that sometimes it does. As it's out of warranty it's up to you to try and negotiate a deal with Nissan to cover at least part of the cost of the repairs. Do that by going directly to Nissan's customer service (1800 035 035) and requesting them to help out. If that fails you could seek help from the Victorian Government's consumer affairs department.

Nissan spokesman Chris Jordan can clear up the misunderstanding: "We do not instruct Nissan dealers to do any specified oil change on Xtronic (CVT) transmission in the 2013 Pulsar. Dealers are able to monitor any potential CVT deterioration via computer when analysing data at service. We do, however, recommend dealers inspect (and if necessary replace) CVT fluid every 100,000km in cases of high loading on the transmission, such as towing or off-road use."

We aren't getting reports of problems with the latest model, the reports we have had relate to 2010 models or so. That said, I would be wary of buying the Cruze, the best thing about them is the cabin size. I would go for the Lancer first and Pulsar second, the Cruze a long last.