Auto-stick transmission question

Hi, I posted this question over in the Nissan forum, but I thought maybe if any of you were transmission gurus, you might know the answer.

I have a 2004 Nissan 350z. I shifts extremely smoothly, except that when I have it in the Auto-stick mode, about half of the time going from 2 to 3 it kind of hits hard. It's not terrible or loud, but it makes me wonder whether I should have it looked at. Or is this not a big deal? It doesn't do this with the automatic at all. Anyone know the reason.

Maybe I should ask it in a general way so I don't get kicked out of this forum. I have had other automatic cars that hit hard in certain shifts. Its like a slight jerk, you know it doesn't feel right. What is the cause of this? And is it a big problem, or just an annoyance? Thanks for your help.

Some of us spend big bucks trying to get our transmissions to shift firmly :)

I don't think its of concern. The autostick mode on most electronic transmissions will increase line pressures and alter shift firmness in addition to giving you more control. In general its not an issue, but if yours changes or gets worse it might be a sign of an error.

try out some other 350z's and see if it's the same with those, if it is, there's nothing to worry about.

it might be that they know drivers are going to use the auto-stick mode when they're driving more aggressively, firmer and quicker shifts are faster so you would expect them to try to make the car fast for agressive driving and comfortable for smooth driving.

also, you generally won't get kicked out unless you show alot of disrespect and ask annoying questions over and over. one such question that comes to mind is "can you get a car to 1000hp" or "is it possible to get a mustang to 1000hp" or "what would win, a 1000hp corvetter or a 1000hp 350z". so as long as you're civil you should get all the info you need.

Thanks for the help guys. I won't worry about it unless it gets really bad.