[OSSMETALLICA]

I'm a bit disappointed in my Nitro SLT 3.7. Yea I know "what do you expect from a 3.7" but i was hopping that it would pick up some more speed when I step on the pedal.

So this morning I'm driving to work and I was trying to merge over to the right lane. I look over my shoulder and theres a car there. so i gun it and the Nitro started roaring like a beast, All bark and no goddamn bite. It didn't go any faster than what it was already doing.

what kinda crap is this. well anyone else experience this?

 

[SeattleJoe]

can't vote

Well, don't know what to say about your situation.

Maybe it's a problem with the programming that controls the engine and transmission! Perhaps it needs some Flash update to correct the behavior.

My 3.7L (with 4-speed auto) does okay if the system operates properly. If the engine is revving, I have power. My problem is when the computer fails to recognize I'M the driver, and I need power right now, yet it insists on keeping the torque converter locked in. Grr.

 

[fcsallan]

I don't know man. I have the 4.0 and I'm quite happy with the hitch in the giddeyup.

 

[xpoc454]

My nirto does the same thing. You floor it and it shifts and just revs. Sometimes causes a dangerous situation. Could this be related to the torque converter?

 

[gobl111n]

All I have done to my 2008 4.0 is a aftermarket intake, and a few little things to tweak top performance... and it pwns on the street and highway.

 

[COOKMASTAFLEX]

I'm a bit disappointed in my Nitro SLT 3.7. Yea I know "what do you expect from a 3.7" but i was hopping that it would pick up some more speed when I step on the pedal.

So this morning I'm driving to work and I was trying to merge over to the right lane. I look over my shoulder and theres a car there. so i gun it and the Nitro started roaring like a beast, All bark and no goddamn bite. It didn't go any faster than what it was already doing.

what kinda crap is this. well anyone else experience this?

i gotta r/t with a 4.0 and i DONT HAVE A PROBLEM!! sounds like u need to trade up!!

 

[jas_Oz]

try a stage 2 jet chip and a CAI, i found a nice increase with mine...still lacks power at 50-70mph

 

[2k7blacknitro]

I got a 3.7....no problems like this. Try getting your software upgraded. If I recall correctly there was some sort of TSB about this. Also this is an SUV so don't expect it to drive like an indy car.

 

[rickaren]

Weight of 2008 Nitro

SXT 4dr 4x2
Curb Weight: 3,932 lbs

SLT/RT 4dr 4x2
Curb Weight: 3,982 lbs

SXT 4dr 4x4
Curb Weight: 4,105 lbs.

SLT/RT 4dr 4x4
Curb Weight: 4,161 lbs.


For Comparison a 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO w/SOHC 3.7-Liter Power Tech(R), 90-Degree V6, 12-Valve, SOHC, SEFI Engine;

Curb Weight 4254lbs.s

Nitro is a heavy SUV!

 

[atmu5fear]

shoulda gotta stick instead of auto, obviously if your Nitro is revving up hard, but not picking up speed, the engine is producing power, its just not getting trasferred to the wheels, which means your getting a tonne of slippage. My 6spd picks up speed pretty decently for a 3.7l V6, and I don't get any hard revving unless I'm stepping on the gas in neutral. Have your tranny looked at.

 

[jhnhopkins]

Should have kept your Viper.

The U in SUV stands for utility.

 

[Retrospects]

i got my nitro December 31 07 its a 3.7L and it is a beast!!! i got it with 80 miles right off the show room floor! i do not have a led foot at all but when i need to go, no matter what speed, it ZOOMS!!! i love this thing all around!! i have yet to do ANY performance or visual mods.. all i have done is put my iphone dock so i can play my music from the AX port and charge at the same time. the first thing i want to do is get a intake! i am excited becuase this BEAST already has freaking GO!

 

[tartantyger]

Well, if there was a "It's a 3.7L with a 42RLE trans" I'd vote...

When the 4-speed auto kicks down, the torque converter unlocks, and engine speed can rise to new (and both unwanted and unnecessary) heights. No real solution, it's the "nature of the beast", has been since they mated the first 3.7L and 42RLE back in 2004 (I had a Dakota with that combination, upgraded to the 4.7L and HD 5-speed in 2006). Best I've been able to do is go a little more than half-throttle; the torque converter unlocks and it stays in 4th gear. The acceleration is "leisurely", but better than none at all, and engine speeds stay within reasonable bounds.

You can disconnect the battery ground for 10 minutes to clear the PCM, then "drive it like ya stole it" to teach it new shift behavior, but that's of limited effect, the 42RLE has a preprogrammed shift schedule you're not going to alter significantly.