2011 Camry V6 : Hesitation accelerating at low speeds

[DennisK]

I just purchased a 2011 Camry v6 and I'm having a rough time getting used to the hesitation when accelerating at low speeds.

Example1: In traffic moving slowly and I need to speed up to change lanes. Here comes an opening...I hit the gas pedal and the engine hesitates before the v6 kicks in.

Example 2: Stopping at a stop sign and then accelerating, the car hesitates and lurches forward.

I'm wondering if there's some type of throttling issue or I just needs to give myself time to get used to this engine. Once the car is in 3rd gear + it has plenty of power.

Would greatly appreciate some feedback on this, especially from current 2011 camry v6 owners.


Thanks,

-Dennis

11 Camry v6
07 Rav4 v4

[MJZ]

Power is in first gear ...

Trans to S mode and downshift to first and see how that feels hehe

Seriously, the camry is setup for low input delay in my experience. That means you got to hit the accelerator with conviction or the car won't go. Probably to prevent most old people from fender benders.

Also e@u must learn your style.

[gdanaher]

What you have described is sort of a function of the dive by wire system. There is no cable and it takes milliseconds for the car to respond. I have found that from a very slow speed or stopped you don't want to punch it hard or the tires will slip out from under you. Accelerate slowly and get into it as speed increases. I have a freeway onramp I must use frequently with a signal at the base of the ramp. I have hit 90 before getting to the actual highway and need to slow to merge. The car has plenty of power. It's a matter getting used to how to throttle it.

[DennisK]

Thanks for the feedback.

After 2,000 miles of driving I'm getting a little more accustomed to the throttling.

I still plan to at least ask the dealer service department about this delay.

If there was a mod or adjustedment to help with this issue I would do it for sure.

This V6 is a pleasure to drive on the highway, but the first couple gears feel unresponsive.

-Dennis

2011 Camry V6 Super White

[MJZ]

It isn't really "hesitation".

On a pressure scale of 1-10, with 10 being your foot hitting the throttle to the ground as fast as possible, the computer simply does not want to go on a scale of 1 or 2.

This method of controlling throttle "uncertainty" is most certainly because of the demographics of Camry drivers.

If you want to get optimal response out of it, you have to drive it differently. Shift down into first gear, and you will NOT be able to go like you wanted without your tires spinning out.

You also can't expect it to respond to a "1" like a BMW would.

[workerant]

Originally Posted by gdanaher

What you have described is sort of a function of the dive by wire system. There is no cable and it takes milliseconds for the car to respond.

I used to think that too. But my current car is also drive by wire and in normal mode it does the same but when put in pwd mode the respond is much faster.

I'm guessing it's the ECU and made to save gas. The Camry V6 does have this fast respond, but it won't kick in until you doing above 80mph.