"Drone" on the highway

[robert_h]

I'm not sure if this relates to Steve's situation, but I really think this drone in my vehicle is just a quirk of the 6th gear under mild to moderate pull (slight inclines) at about 50 MPH...since it was reproduced in a new FWD 09 (28 miles) and mine is an 08 AWD.

Steve, is this drone of yours easily noticeable with the radio on etc., or do you have to shut everything off and listen carefully?

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Anyone with the drone checked the ATF level?

 

[robert_h]

yes...when warm it is between the top two notches per the manual.

 

[The-9]

why are we focusing in the tranny? Most drones at low RPM ranges while cruising are exhaust noises.

 

[The-9]

And I have seen manufacturers come out with PCM updates to help the issue. While I have not heard any drone in my CX9 I do have one in any gear at a specific RPM range (1725-1800) while cruising. It is more noticeable when cruising in 6th gear because all the other gears (at least 1 through 4th) I go through pretty quickly

 

[badself]

You need spit to get into a spitting match.

Overdrive is 1:1 +X . The term itself refers to the output shaft turning faster than the input shaft, thus being overdriven. So ANY gearing resulting in 1:1 +X is overdrive.

Modern Aisin transmissions like ours do not have a separate overdrive unit. It is a 6 speed, with the two top gears being overdrive. Our CR-V was a 3 speed auto with a separate overdrive unit thus creating a '4th gear'.

FYI:

First gear.........4.15:1
Second gear is 2.37:1
Third gear is.....1.56:1
Fourth gear is...1.15:1
Fifth gear is......0.86:1
Sixth gear is.....0.69:1

So according to your definition, a CX9 has no overdrive.

Thanks for the information.

That tall first gear sure explains the terrible gas mileage in the city. I guess a Mazda is nothing if not zoom-zoom.

 

[The-9]

Did you know most people think overdrive is a performance gear?