Just saw another thread, so I thought I'd start a focused one.


When shifting the panamera using manual mode...it starts in gear one; but the uptake is soooo sloppy; when I hit the gas pedal, there is a huge jerk as the clutch disengages ...its simply not smooth.

I know PDK isn't an autobox, and won't be smooth...but this is ridiculous. Any technique to get the car to shift smooth in manual mode...or even automatic for that matter?

Ie. give less gas, give more gas? Anything at all?

 

Timely thread, I was going to post this thread so thanks. Same problem occurs once in a while with my '09 C4S and happens only in first gear, more so on the first start of the day. Would love to know if others have this issue too. I am hoping that this issue is not exlcusive to the earlier PDK equipped cars so if the first year (2010)and second year owners chime in it would be great. I know what the dealership would say: The common mantra seems to be "Yes, this is normal".

 

I have the same experience with "sloppy" starts on automatic until it engages past 3rd gear. Sometimes I get a bit of a jerk when it downshifs as you slow down and then you try to accelerate. Not as noticeable on sport mode, if at all. I did have it checked out by the dealer and they assured me that there is nothing wrong with the transmission at all, no error messages anywhere, and based on their diagnostics it is all mapped correctly.

As other have noted elsewhere the jerky start is more pronounced when engaging reverse.

 

No jerkiness here ('10 PTT); car is actually smoother in all respects than the automatic in my '02 S6 - not even close. Initial take up is better, and shifts up and down are smoother. Only hiccups when it is in "hill hold" mode and I am weak on the pedal. First gear starts are only interesting as (my opinion) it is geared too low; but take up is fine and still better than the auto in the Audi.

 

I understand the principle behind PDK...its a manual shifted by the computer with two clutches


Then why can't they program for smooth uptake??? at least in non-sport mode...I don't mind jerk in sport...but come on man, non sport should be butter smooth.

Porsche is supposed to be smooth...the first gear is quite short...I just thought that was in the V6's...didn't know it was the case throughout the lineup.


The other thing I've noticed is that downshifts are instantaneous...but upshifts are not...I thought PDK could preselect EITHER the lower gear ot he higher gear...why does it always select the lower gear in manual mode?????

In auto mode, there doesn't seem to be any delay in upshifting...but there is in manual mode

 

I don't have my Panny yet, but I'm coming out of an M5 with SMG so my perspective is definitely different. I found the Panny's shifts to be completely seamless, a huge uptick in technology from the SMG. Reality is this is a manual car. True there's not clutch, but it's still a manual. It took me some time to figure out how to engage first gear smoothly based on how I operated the gas pedal - it may be the case of just getting used to the Panny. I'd say keep working with it.

 

I spoke with a Porsche tech about the PDK... I will try to explain what I got from this, but I am not really an expert, so bear with me.....He explained that the PDK not really an automatic tranny.. It really is two computer controlled clutches, each of which controls four gears (incl. reverse). The computer and sensors handle the shifting management, which alternates between these two clutches and gear groups, but it does depend on pedal pressure and other input. It is an automated twin-clutch manual transmission. It is not going to glide through gears like an old school automatic transmission which is largely based on fluids and hydraulics.

I feel some resistance and humps when going into reverse, but this is due to the nature of the PDK system at low throttle in reverse.. I find that it is not an issue once you get used to it

 

use non-sport auto

 

Just got 11 P4 - same issue. Not enough miles to find a smooth way, but have tried all settings = nonsport. sport. sport plus.
all have jerky downshifts while coming to a stoplight.