09 CX9 GT - Cruise won't use OD in 6th???

[Blujett2.0]

Hi Guys! I really appreciate this forum and the work put into it. I'm having an issue with my 09 CX9 that I can't figure out. When I set the cruise between 55-65mph in 6th gear it will on purpose kick out of OD and just run 6th. As soon as I disengage cruise or start lightly accelerating it re-engages OD. If I set the cruise at interstate speeds (65-75mph) it'll hold OD no problem even on longer grades...I can't figure this out. Any ideas? Pull battery and reset? Thanks!

 

[Odrapnew]

You’re feeling the difference between a locked torque converter and an unlocked one, not OD vs. non-OD. Both are in 6th gear, but at cruising speeds, the torque converter locks for a direct drive to the transmission for better power transfer and fuel economy.

As for your issue, my wife’s 09 CX9 does exactly the same thing. If using the cruise control between about 50 and 60mph, the torque converter doesn’t lock. Once you turn off the cruise, it’ll lock up and drives fine. I’m not sure the reasoning. I haven’t seen a need(if there is one) to “correct” it, so I can’t help if this is an issue or normal.

 

[Blujett2.0]

Thanks for the clarification Odrapnew. The reason I'm not happy about it is it eats fuel like it's going out of style when it's not locking up the torque converter. We're talking 3-4mpg difference which is significant on a vehicle that is already hard on gas. I HATE that I can't use cruise in that range. Might as well run 70mph everywhere if that's the case. :S

Youre feeling the difference between a locked torque converter and an unlocked one, not OD vs. non-OD. Both are in 6th gear, but at cruising speeds, the torque converter locks for a direct drive to the transmission for better power transfer and fuel economy.

As for your issue, my wifes 09 CX9 does exactly the same thing. If using the cruise control between about 50 and 60mph, the torque converter doesnt lock. Once you turn off the cruise, itll lock up and drives fine. Im not sure the reasoning. I havent seen a need(if there is one) to correct it, so I cant help if this is an issue or normal.

 

[Odrapnew]

No problem and I completely agree on the mgp hit. From the freeway to our house is about 8 miles of 55mph road. Would be nice to hit the cruise, but the mpg suffers. Sure it’s only 8 miles, but it’s more of the principal.

 

[sjg]

While I notice the torque converter locking/unlocking all the time, I never noticed that using cruise control has any impact. I would think that if you were traveling at constant speeds on a highway with no hills, the transmission would lock up the torque converter whether cruise control is on or not. I'll have to play around with this.