I recently purchased a new ES w/5spd. When I let off the accelerator it feels almost like engine breaking is occuring. This happens when the engine is at 2500-3500 rpm's so I wouldn't expect to feel any engine breaking. When I get back on the accelerator it's difficult to bring the power on smooth. Is this normal? Does this car use the drive by wire technology I've been hearing about? And if so, could this be the difference I'm feeling regarding throttle response?

 

Nope. No drive by wire in the Protege. Still the good old mechanical stuff. I'm not real sure what you mean by "engine breaking". 1st gear is not really at its best between those RPM's though.

 

Anytime you let off the gas, the engine is going to brake the car - It's directly connected to the drive wheels, and it's not getting gas any longer, so you'll slow down.

Not sure what you expected - The car to just continue on as if you had the cruise control set??

Don

 

I expect a slow deceleration at this RPM range. I have been driving a 94 DX with high milage and this might be coloring my expectations. I'm not saying it's bad, it just seems quirkier than I'm used to. Thanks for your responses.

 

I know the feeling he is getting. I can't say I've ever noticed it as tight in other cars. I don't think theere is anything wrong though.

 

I know what he's talking about. Keep in mind that the final drive on the new proteges is 4:10 and as a result you'll get decent engine braking. Also, the DX you were driving had a smaller engine and thus not nearly as much compression braking. I have noticed that my car has a real 'on' and 'off' feel to the throttle though. Hard to transition from coasting to reapplying power as smoothly as our old 626. I attribute this to the leaner mixtures and retarded timing of the newer engines mainly. I've driven other makes that felt similar.

 

The "on/off, back on again" transition in my P5 isn't exactly smooth either - I think it has something to do with the way the engine/transaxle is mounted to the car - There sure is a "shift" or a bump of some kind there when you hold onto the gear shift lever. I specifically notice it more with the new short shifter in the car.

I like the "tall" gear ratio in this car - My Miata has a 4:30

Don

 

My guess is that the feeling comes from either overly soft engine mounts or that the clutch hub is sprung too soft... Either way it is ANNOYING! I noticed AWR has solid engine mounts available, anybody have them yet?

 

Of course, after a 100000 miles I doubt if this will be a problem anymore!!!

 

Thanks for all the responses less one. It's really not that bad once you know what to expect. I suspected it was a combination of increased compression and engineering. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't unique to my car, indicating the need for a check up.
I'm satisfied and no longer feel like the Lone Ranger. Happy Trails!

 

Traveler is right. It has something to do with the gearing of the vehicle mostly. I drove my Mom's Camry prior to driving the Protege 5 and it felt much smoother when you let of the gas and let the car coast, almost like neutral.

 

Yeah, try adding a lightweight Flywheel to the mix, and see if you slow down faster!