I have a 2010 ZDX Tech with 19K miles. Just within the past month, I have noticed a problem. When I am trying to maintain constant speed, say 55-60 mph, but accelerating (usually when climbing a moderate hill) I can feel the car surging rhythmically. It doesn't ping or knock, but you can hear the engine working harder as it surges, then it doesn't, then it does, then it doesn't, etc.

The tach moves up about 100 rpm with each surge, then back down. A surge lasts only a second or two.

I wasn't able to find anything similar to this on the board, but I may not be naming it correctly.

I haven't taken it to the dealer yet; from where I live that's an all-day process.

Thanks for any help!

 

it could be some harsh torque redistribution when the front wheels slip
and you accelerate intensively

 

I do remember awhile back there was a guy with a MDX that was having the same issue. Don’t recall if it was on this forum or not. I would start searching the internet and see if anything comes up. The only thing I have been hearing from a lot of MDX/ZDX drivers is the engine ping, which I have on occasion.

 

He had a video too, so check you tube also!

 

Mine surges exactly like you are describing. I have 19000 miles also. I took it to the dealer and showed my tech a video i recorded of it on my phone. He said he does not know of a recall or a fix and that it is prob best left alone till the car breaks or a fix has been released. I agree because I do not want them taking my car engine apart for trial and error repairs. When the surges occur I just pull the down shift and it goes away. Its almost like the gear mapping is off and the car needs to down shift but tries not to.