e-gear problem in 1st gear when the engine is cold

I love every aspect of my Gallardo. Guys, this is a really an awesome car and I owned quite a few exotics to compare.

The only issue I have is that the e-gear goes weird when the engine is a little cold. The problem is a bit erratic but Symbolic confirmed they have the same problem on other cars too. I usually always wait a few minutes before I drive a car after I start it.

The e-gear seems to need more time to warm up because as soon as I accelerate in first gear the engine dies, goes, dies and goes again. The problem disapears after a few minutes or as soon as the car is launched in a higher gear.

I also feel the normal e-gear mode very slow compared to the same on a Ferrari. I only drive my G car in sport mode, and the accelerations are symply fantastic.

I'd love to hear what other owners have to say about these.

why can't Lambo get it right? They had plenty of time to develop the car! Seems that first year cars are always somewhat problematic. Let us know if you find the answer.

That sucks man. Definately not something you'd want to go wrong. Do you have any pics of your car?

I think that's what F1 system is.... Always troublesome!! I also had many problems with my Modena with F1 system but they did very good upgrade in their software in 2002. I think Lambo does the same thing in near future. I get my eGear one next week. I will try if it does the same thing as yours!

does the e-gear problem still occurs?
is this because of the first year production cars?

TIA,
EM

I also own an e-gear and it seems fine on cold start. The software will temporarily disengage the drive on if you blip to higher revs when cold - which is just as well, as you would be down your driveway at high speed without this feature - but this is a necessary thing. I'm not sure if you are describing the same thing - when you say the engine "dies", do you mean it nearly stalls, or do you mean it revs high, then back to normal idle?

Whether I drive off cold or stay and warm up seems to make no difference - it works just fine. Also Reverse picks up as soon as I select the dash button whether hot or cold.

I'm happy with cold start and with e-gear generally.

BTW, this forum has a problem with a lack of owners! Is there a busier site with more owners?

On another topic, I drove the car down my favourite switchback today for the first time with no traffic - not a single car going my way for ages - being midweek helps, I guess. The car is incredible - suddenly comes alive with the most amazing chassis, gearbox and engine all coming together. I just wanted to turn around and do it again. It is autumn (Fall) in Australia and the weather is perfect for motoring. Oh happy days!

mhh

you will freak out if you do cold start and climb slope up....... just try it.....

I don't think it's just a cold start issue, here's my story -

I took delivery of a 2004 Gallardo with e-gear last week. I live in the Hollywood Hills and was driving from the dealership (Platinum - Lamborghini Beverly Hills) to my home. As soon as I started up Mt. Olympus the car started jerking forward badly - this was in Automatic!! I then changed to 1st gear and the same jerkiness continued. This also happened going down the other side of the hill. However the real problems started when I took the Gallardo up my steep driveway - it barely made it up and by the time I reached the top the e-gear had given up completely!! This was less than an hour after picking up the car!! I have seen similar problems reported about e-gear on this forum. Is there a thread somewhere where I can read more information about this problem and what Lamborghini is doing about it? Btw, I had driven the Lambo on the flat for 10 miles before reaching the hills, so the car was definitely not "cold".

At the moment the dealer is attempting to fix the e-gear system but told me Lamborghini knows about these problems which have been reported by other drivers!

For $200K+ (fully loaded) I expect this 500hp "sports" car to be able to do what my Honda van, BMW, Lexus 430 and Lotus Espirit can do easily.

Any info, including a thread link, would be most appreciated.

Btw, I was in love with this car until this happened.

Doug Rogers

Did you have enough gas more than half of the tank?? It seems their balancer causes some problems when you have less gas than the half.

Did you have enough gas more than half of the tank?? It seems their balancer causes some problems when you have less gas than the half.

Yes, it was over half-full.

- Doug

That happened to my both Gallardos several times when I was going up slope at some parking lot. I haven't experienced that recently though. Mmmm.

That happened to my both Gallardos several times when I was going up slope at some parking lot. I haven't experienced that recently though. Mmmm.

It happened to your stick as well???

- Doug

yeap.

this is the same phenomena that happened during my test drive an e-gear gallardo with the salesperson beside me. I was going very slow and on an angle going up the slope; back to the dealer. It was in 1st gear, going up really slowly, like Im just barely tapping the gas pedal, then the car stalled (died) and I had to turn off and on the ignition again to get the car running and on the control monitor in the dash, has a little picture of transmision thing... (if i could remember it) and also the gas was 1/4 left...

is this what we're talking about?

this is the same phenomena that happened during my test drive an e-gear gallardo with the salesperson beside me. I was going very slow and on an angle going up the slope; back to the dealer. It was in 1st gear, going up really slowly, like Im just barely tapping the gas pedal, then the car stalled (died) and I had to turn off and on the ignition again to get the car running and on the control monitor in the dash, has a little picture of transmision thing... (if i could remember it) and also the gas was 1/4 left...

is this what we're talking about?

Yes, but it has nothing to do with the engine being cold - the vehicle had been driven from the dealer 10 miles away before we conducted these tests (which took out the e-gear system last week).

The dealer and I took it up and down my driveway three times in different configurations. It jerked up in 1st gear (stalled a couple of times), wouldn't make it up in Auto!! The most success we had was taking it up with the "slip" control on - trouble is, the engine nearly caught on fire!!

You might find it amusing that while we were doing these tests, FEDEX drove up my drive with their big truck, dropped off a package and went down again - no problem at all. In the 10 years I've owned my home, I've never seen any car have a problem getting up and down the driveway.

One of the owners suggested the high 1st gear was the problem, and the same would happen with the manual version. I think he's right - it needs a low gear for steep slopes.

Btw, don't think I'm happy about this - I have no idea what to buy now. I love the look of the Gallardo and it felt really good before we got to the hills. It just isn't built for steep hills - who would have thought it??

It's been 500 miles with my eGear one so far and that phenomena stopped happenning these days somehow.... I wlll watch mine carefully and report here regularly.

It seems this is endemic problem with EGear-but as mileage reached about 700-800 the problem went away for the most part-probably due to wear of clutch- But 6 speed drives much faster and smoother.

Welcome to the board, Driva550. You are an owner, right? Good to have another one to talk to!

Yeap, mine went away completely recently, too.

It is still about 3 weeks before my E-Gear Gallardo arrives, and I have obviously been concerned by the reports about the problems discussed in this thread, so I asked Lamborghini myself for an explanation.

This is the feedback that I have received :-

Yes, they acknowledge that there have been complaints regarding stalling going uphill. They say that these complaints have all been from new owners and first time Gallardo drivers. They say that "new/first time" Gallardo drivers are often understandably quite hesitant and indecisive in their driving of the E-Gear Gallardo, and as a result the E-Gear system cannot correctly decide what the driver wants, and it may stall, especially when driven slowly up steep gradients.

I was told about one local owner here, that had trouble getting up his driveway, and they flew a Lambo tech 600miles to check out the problem, and when the owner was shown how to drive it "decisively", he had no more problems. (Not sure if this means attacking your driveway at 100mph???)

They say that once you become familiar with it, these problems quickly disappear.

Any comments?

Cheers,

JD

JD, I don't have a steep driveway,(although I have had to tackle a couple of steep hills in first gear) - and I have had no problems with e-gear. The story you got from Lamborghini is consistent with an unsolicited remark from my dealer that I should be "decisive" when accelerating from rest and not to feather the throttle.

I've done 5000 km in my e-gear which would make me one of the more experienced owners on the boards, I suspect. My e-gear works exactly as I expected it to. I would rate it as one of the car's best features. Certainly the handful of friends I've let have a drive loved the e-gear - along with the power, handling....

If low speed ease of driving is your main criterion, I wouldn't get any Gallardo, manual or e-gear. The car has poor front clearance and hates spoon drains, it doesn't like full lock applied (LSD etc), and it is hard to judge the extremities due to low seat and blind spots. If these things matter, an SL55 would be a better bet. On the other hand, the car is brilliant on winding roads, tours well enough, goes like mad and looks amazing. I like fast driving and the e-gear enables a both-hands-on-wheel style of driving into corners which I like best.

In my mind, some drivers will love the e-gear, others won't adapt as easily and some (like those who must navigate a tight radius, steep driveway) should stay away - or at least try the car before they buy. I've never had my car stall, but the e-gear will sense when you are almost stopped and throw out the clutch - as it must for stopping at traffic lights, for example.

JD, it will be good to welcome you to the board with your new car. You are in for some fun!

Keep in touch.

mhh

yeah, Ferrari was having problems with their F1 paddle shifter on the Modena a couple years back......it could be the software conflicting with something, or an improper command being given

It is still about 3 weeks before my E-Gear Gallardo arrives, and I have obviously been concerned by the reports about the problems discussed in this thread, so I asked Lamborghini myself for an explanation.

This is the feedback that I have received :-

Yes, they acknowledge that there have been complaints regarding stalling going uphill. They say that these complaints have all been from new owners and first time Gallardo drivers. They say that "new/first time" Gallardo drivers are often understandably quite hesitant and indecisive in their driving of the E-Gear Gallardo, and as a result the E-Gear system cannot correctly decide what the driver wants, and it may stall, especially when driven slowly up steep gradients.

I was told about one local owner here, that had trouble getting up his driveway, and they flew a Lambo tech 600miles to check out the problem, and when the owner was shown how to drive it "decisively", he had no more problems. (Not sure if this means attacking your driveway at 100mph???)

They say that once you become familiar with it, these problems quickly disappear.

Any comments?

Cheers,

JD

This is total crap if you don't mind me saying so. They tried to pull this "inexperienced driver" excuse on me also until I invited them to bring their own "experienced drivers" to achieve what I couldn't. The result, a vehicle almost on fire when they reached the top of my driveway! It has nothing to do with inexperience, it's a fault in the vehicle.

For the record I've been driving for 35 years and have had other high performance vehicles, both stick and automatic. I've lived in the same home for 10 years and even a large FEDEX truck has no problem with my driveway.

If you look on this and other Lambo forums you will see many complaints about the e-gear system, especially if you have hills to climb to get home. Mine wouldn't make it up my driveway without almost catching on fire, I have returned the Gallardo and are now in a lawsuit with Lamborghini and the dealer Platinum Motors (Lamborghini Beverly Hills) under California's lemon law. I only mention this to stop others ending up in this situation.

This is total crap if you don't mind me saying so. They tried to pull this "inexperienced driver" excuse on me also until I invited them to bring their own "experienced drivers" to achieve what I couldn't. The result, a vehicle almost on fire when they reached the top of my driveway! It has nothing to do with inexperience, it's a fault in the vehicle.

For the record I've been driving for 35 years and have had other high performance vehicles, both stick and automatic. I've lived in the same home for 10 years and even a large FEDEX truck has no problem with my driveway.

If you look on this and other Lambo forums you will see many complaints about the e-gear system, especially if you have hills to climb to get home. Mine wouldn't make it up my driveway without almost catching on fire, I have returned the Gallardo and are now in a lawsuit with Lamborghini and the dealer Platinum Motors (Lamborghini Beverly Hills) under California's lemon law. I only mention this to stop others ending up in this situation.

Lamborghini the company, and its associated dealers continue to have a questionable reputation. Over the years there have been many horror stories of cars that were poorly put together and poor support from the dealers and Lambo the company. Its obvious that the lure or draw of the car is its looks, its promise of acelleration and speed, exclusivity, etc, is what caused many a car buff to part with his money knowing the risks with the purchase. Every buyer HOPES that his experiance will be different, better. A fair number of new LAmbo's wind up on the used car market within 6 months of being new. Many are just 1 year old. Has to be a reason for this. Buyer unhappy, over his financial ability to pay for car, buyers remorse? Of course usually a big financial loss occurs when they try to get rid of the car early in its life. A 50K loss on the Murcielago is not uncommon. I must admit that I too was smitten by the LAmborghini mystique. Especially with the Diablo. However, being a litle older and supposedly wiser, I refuse to become a victim. I have little patience for these kind of things. I can think of better things to do than spend countless hours at the LAmbo dealer for problems, having the car dissapoint me time and time again and wishing I had bought something else. SO the closest that a Lamborghini will get to my garage is the picture of a beautiful Countach hanging on my wall. However, they say that the new Murcielago is a much better car! Hmmmmm

Sorry gweb, I don't get it. Are you saying you have never owned a Lambo and don't intend to (being too wise)? So, why are you here, exactly?

One does not have to be a Lamborghini owner to use this site. In fact, before purchasing, this site like other sites for cars, planes, boats, etc, can be a storehouse of knowledge to help a potential buyer to learn about the product before purchase. Like many before me, I come to this sight for this very information that I speak off. Having owned other exotic cars I have been interested in a possible Lamborghini purchase for about two years now. I have joined the Lamborghini Owners Club, gone to a few LAmborghini car shows, talked with owners, etc. In other words, did my homework. After all of this I have reached the conclusion that I wrote about in a previous posting. I am stating my opinion based upon my reserch. Others, I am sure, would not agree as evidenced by the many Lamborghini's being purchased. Again, this is my opinion.
My comments about the Murcielago were said somewhat in jest but to clarify a bit, the Murcielago, from everything I have been able to find out including owners opinions, is a much improved car over the Diablo. With Audi's money and techincal resources the car is much improved. I have been considering the Murci but still am concerned about the dealer service. Also, I personally feel that the Diablo, especially the 6.0 is much more beautiful than the Murcielago. Then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have driven the car but not enough to really know if I like it. Most dealers will not let you drive before you buy so it is difficult to get a feel of the car before hand. Of cours the Dealer hopes you will buy the car first. Then if you are dissapointed sell it back to him for about $40K less then you paid and he will resell it and make more money the second time around than he did the first. I would like to avoid that pitfall if possible. Hope this answered your question as to, "why I am here".

I agree you don't need to be an owner to post on this site - being an enthusiast is all you need. My point is if you are neither ("I refuse to be a victim"), why bother coming here? Is it just a selfless crusade to save others from their own foolishness?

From your last post, it sounds like you have some interesting points to make. The earlier post looked like a flame, don't you think?.

Your perception may be different from mine. Just curious if you are an owner of a Lamborghini and, if so, what model?

Your perception may be different from mine. Just curious if you are an owner of a Lamborghini and, if so, what model?

Please check my profile

Hey guys, I drove in the Motor Trend test Gallardo (issue coming soon). My good friend is a Road Test editor there. I spent all weekend in the car, and the e-gear was flawless. Even during the test and Streets of Willow it was rock solid. We went up countless driveways and it never stalled. Sometimes it would have trouble going over speed bumps though because its so low. One of the worst sounds i've ever hear is bottom out a lamboghini. LOL.

Hopefully you guys get the problems squared away!!

[QUOTE=coolguy949] One of the worst sounds i've ever hear is bottom out a lamboghini. LOL.QUOTE]

Coolguy, you aren't kidding about that noise. It sounds worse than it is - there is a flange made for just this purpose on the Gallardo - but it sure stops you in your tracks!

mhh

Hey guys, I drove in the Motor Trend test Gallardo (issue coming soon). My good friend is a Road Test editor there. I spent all weekend in the car, and the e-gear was flawless. Even during the test and Streets of Willow it was rock solid. We went up countless driveways and it never stalled. Sometimes it would have trouble going over speed bumps though because its so low. One of the worst sounds i've ever hear is bottom out a lamboghini. LOL.

Hopefully you guys get the problems squared away!!

Are you in the Los Angeles area? I would like to see you do this on my driveway - I bet the same result would happen, in fact I'll put money on it.

I read all the reviews of the Gallardo before purchasing one, and I just don't think they are comprehensive enough, largely driving on racetracks or highways. I think the reviewers wouldn't get a first look at an upcoming model (which sells magazines) if they told the truth about some of the problems.

If this was an isolated problem with my Gallardo, (a) they would have fixed it and returned it to me - they have had it for the last two months; and (b) others wouldn't be coming forward with the same complaint (which many are).

Btw, I invited Lamborghini to bring their 'test' car and come up my driveway to see if there was any difference, as it had been completely run in - they declined, even though the car was in the L.A. area.

Just so you know, in the 10 years I have owned my home I've never seen any vehicle have a problem like the Gallardo getting up and down the driveway. FedEx drives up and down in their large vans no problem.

Did your reviewer friend take it up a steep driveway that required reversing due to the tight turns (another problem because of the 4WD) - I bet not? If your reviewer friend doesn't alert readers to this problem, or investigate it further, it will do future potential purchasers a disservice and Lamborghini will never fix it (which will do a disservice to current owners that have the problem). On other Lambo forums owners are reporting 'jerkiness' in low gears on the 'flat' also, but it becomes a real problem the steeper the incline.

I really would like to see your friend conduct this test on my driveway - I would film the result and post it here!

-DR

I'm in Orange County, but Motor Trends HQ is on Whilshire right by Rodeo Dr. I believe Lambo takes their loaner back today.

Even though my friend is not writing the actual article...I will have him notify the editor and i'll give him a link to this board too.

From what I can observe, a few people on this board have the same problem. It doesnt look isolated at all.

I'm in Orange County, but Motor Trends HQ is on Whilshire right by Rodeo Dr. I believe Lambo takes their loaner back today.

Even though my friend is not writing the actual article...I will have him notify the editor and i'll give him a link to this board too.

From what I can observe, a few people on this board have the same problem. It doesnt look isolated at all.

Thanks!

Please have him check other Lambo forums also such as lamborghini-talk.com. I can also put him in touch with other owners that are having "lurching" problems with e-gear even on slight inclines. Some owners suggest the steep hill problem is related to the long 1st gear (0-63mph) and really the Gallardo needs a lower gear for these conditions, others say it's just a computer program still in development controlling e-gear since this is year 1 for Lamborghini e-gear (Ferrari are into year 4 and the problems are only now improving), others say it's a combination of hardware and software and it won't be resolved until at least the 2005 model is released. I don't know what the truth is, what I do know is, it prevented me from bringing my Gallardo home each night without risking it catching on fire!

Motor Trends is an influential magazine, I hope they do a thorough job!

- DR

Doug, while we are waiting, can you post a pic or two of your driveway? I'm curious enough (in the interests of science) to try my car on something similar if I can find it here.

Doug, while we are waiting, can you post a pic or two of your driveway? I'm curious enough (in the interests of science) to try my car on something similar if I can find it here.

I can't photograph the whole driveway because there are trees between the turns. I would compare the conditions to those found in the hills of Monte Carlo if you've been there.

- DR

Sorry Doug, I haven't been to Monte Carlo - wish I had though!

Sorry Doug, I haven't been to Monte Carlo - wish I had though!

What area do you live in?

- DR

Did you by cahnce stry to start in second gear to see what happens?

I love every aspect of my Gallardo. Guys, this is a really an awesome car and I owned quite a few exotics to compare.

The only issue I have is that the e-gear goes weird when the engine is a little cold. The problem is a bit erratic but Symbolic confirmed they have the same problem on other cars too. I usually always wait a few minutes before I drive a car after I start it.

The e-gear seems to need more time to warm up because as soon as I accelerate in first gear the engine dies, goes, dies and goes again. The problem disapears after a few minutes or as soon as the car is launched in a higher gear.

I also feel the normal e-gear mode very slow compared to the same on a Ferrari. I only drive my G car in sport mode, and the accelerations are symply fantastic.

I'd love to hear what other owners have to say about these.

What area do you live in?

- DR

I'm in Adelaide, Australia.

Ok, everyone. Got in contact with my friend at MT. He says he will definately pass this along. I also encourage everyone to email the guys at Motor Trend since the article is still being written to let them know of your experiences.

I have a new EGear with new Sport Suspension- Drives much better than the first EGear I got in December right out of the box. Also had Prestige Imports Miami change exhaust. It not only sounds much better but the car "breathes " better and hesitation problem not like with intro car. I also have Ferrari 360 spider and can not drive it the same way. Must be more aggressive with the Gallardo for optimum performance. Its the nature of this beast right now- I am not saying that its right but its a beast if you want it to be. If you want an everyday less excitement and less commitment to driving - take your SUV out instead. Drive the LAMBO and it will drive!

I have a Silver 04 Gallardo that I bought from Lamborghini Dallas in January 2004. I have driven it about 950 miles so far. I have had the same e-gear hesitation problems when the car is cold. After the car has warmed up, the problem seems to go away. Other than the e-gear issue and the fact that the car attracts so much attention (is it possible to fill it up without having someone strike up a conversation?), it is a great car.

The only other problem that I have had is that when I fill up the gas tank, if I try to fill it up quickly, the automatic shutoff on the gas nozzle engages and I have to start over again. Has anyone else had that problem? It can be very frustrating.

I don't doubt the issues with going up hill, but I have to admit that I have not experienced them. When I drive the Gallardo to work, I go up 13 floors in our parking deck and, due to numerous speed bumps, I have to go slowly. I generally go in 2nd gear because it is smoother than 1st and have not had any issues at all.

I love every aspect of my Gallardo. Guys, this is a really an awesome car and I owned quite a few exotics to compare.

The only issue I have is that the e-gear goes weird when the engine is a little cold. The problem is a bit erratic but Symbolic confirmed they have the same problem on other cars too. I usually always wait a few minutes before I drive a car after I start it.

The e-gear seems to need more time to warm up because as soon as I accelerate in first gear the engine dies, goes, dies and goes again. The problem disapears after a few minutes or as soon as the car is launched in a higher gear.

I also feel the normal e-gear mode very slow compared to the same on a Ferrari. I only drive my G car in sport mode, and the accelerations are symply fantastic.

I'd love to hear what other owners have to say about these.

That sucks, I was planing on getting one soon :S guess it wont be able to hand -20dC weather outside. Plus I'm to lazy to drive standard, I hate cheap standard cars cant see which gear u change to.

I have a new EGear with new Sport Suspension- Drives much better than the first EGear I got in December. I also have Ferrari 360 spider and can not drive it the same way. Must be more aggressive with the Gallardo for optimum performance. Its the nature of this beast right now


So how does it compare to your 360? I mean...outside of the "newness" factor which goes away....can you elaborate? Like..as deep as you can spare time too?

I have a 360 spider now, and like it though I have had it in the shop for little bullcrap things a few times. I would like to have both, but that is kinda wasteful and nuts.

Is you new Gallardo really different than the first one you had? What is Sport Suspension?

so i guess this is a bad time to ask about driving a gallardo for a 50% daily driver. seems like you are all having similar problems and they all are problems that i could not aford to have in a car that i depended on for transportation. i am looking at a gallardo and the new mercedes with the v-12. seems like it is as fast as a murci but the price of the gallardo and might go up a hill. man i really love the look of the lambo what has the dealer suggested to do. are they tring to fix it?

Buy the MB V12. I considered both but did not want any aggravation added to my life. The MB Sl600 is a fast, luxurious automobile without any aggravation. Less money also. Life is short. Buy the MB V12 Win WIn!

so i guess this is a bad time to ask about driving a gallardo for a 50% daily driver. seems like you are all having similar problems and they all are problems that i could not aford to have in a car that i depended on for transportation. i am looking at a gallardo and the new mercedes with the v-12. seems like it is as fast as a murci but the price of the gallardo and might go up a hill. man i really love the look of the lambo what has the dealer suggested to do. are they tring to fix it?

They can't fix it, at least with the current model. My attorney is in the process of finalizing a full refund from Lamborghini.

You can not start eGeared Gallardo in 2nd gear unlike Modenas. FYI
Did you by cahnce stry to start in second gear to see what happens?

Doug, I am sorry what you went through.
I heard their software was slightly improved recently, but it seems it lost some agressiveness. Anyway, it is too late for ya.... Good luck with your case.

They can't fix it, at least with the current model. My attorney is in the process of finalizing a full refund from Lamborghini.

I have been driving my Gallardos almost every day since Dec. 2003 for total of 6,000 miles. That means Gallardo is my 100% daily driver. I haven't experienced any major troubles and pretty comfortable as a daily driver!!!

so i guess this is a bad time to ask about driving a gallardo for a 50% daily driver. seems like you are all having similar problems and they all are problems that i could not aford to have in a car that i depended on for transportation. i am looking at a gallardo and the new mercedes with the v-12. seems like it is as fast as a murci but the price of the gallardo and might go up a hill. man i really love the look of the lambo what has the dealer suggested to do. are they tring to fix it?

Hi Tako,

Do you find the seats uncomfortable?
The seats (or so it seems to me) have a very prominent 'bump' at the lower back area, and can get quite uncomfortable in longer drives?
Very different from a 360 seat?

Your thoughts?

So to conclude this e-gear problem saga, my Attorney William McGee (who you should make a note of in case you need some help in the future 858-485-9332) got a 100% refund from Lamborghini. I highly recommend this Attorney who works on contingency and is a specialist lemon law Attorney in California.

One thing is for sure, I will "never" buy another car from Platinum Motors (Lamborghini Beverly Hills) who abandoned me when things went wrong.

Good luck with your Lambo guys!

- Doug