s2kstephen

We just purchased a 1 owner CPO 2012 MDX. Car is in beautiful shape and we love it.

Just recently we started to notice that the tranny surges 100-300rpms during the following parameters:
-Lightly feathering the gas
-5th or 6th gear
Rpm's under 2k

Anyone have any ideas before I take it to the dealership?

RDX10

When I seen this initially. I thought it was about how the transmission sort of automatically engine brakes the car after a couple seconds of coasting so it feels like the car gets pulled back. I don't know why the shift logic is like that.

Might it be engine related with the engine lugging, possibly injectors or fuel delivery related?

Skirmich

The MDX likes to Engine Brakes a lot but OP has a 6 speed auto which also can have its own problems compared to our 5 Speed.
I think that can also be a bad logic in the Torque Converter.

RDX10

Not to thread jack OP as it may be related.

Skirmich, I remember your thread about mpg in the mdx and you talked about how manual mode would prevent the engine braking. At the time I didn't understand it. Now that I have the MDX I know exactly what you are talking about, the engine braking is really pronounced. Sometimes throws me forward a little. So now I put it in neutral on long coasting and it obviously can't do that anymore.

Skirmich

I do not recommend getting the car into neutral to coast for safety reasons its even illegal on some states, As long as you keep SS on the highest gear you wont get Engine Brake and it wont consume as much fuel if you are completely off the gas.
Here is a good video about it: 5 Things You Should Never Do In An Automatic Transmission Vehicle - YouTube

RDX10

Thabks for the heads up and the neat video. I will be more careful from now on and avoid neutral.

3.2cls6speedmt

look up tsb 16-044. It is listed in the 3 g mdx section but covers 2012 to 2015. It fixed our 2013 mdx. It is aft flush.

s2kstephen

Great info, thanks!

s2kstephen

It doesn't happen during coasting. It's during light accelleration and only between 1-2krpms. I'm dropping it at the dealer.

RDX10

Oh ok let us know how it goes!

3.2cls6speedmt

any updates?

s2kstephen

No updates yet. The nearest dealership is 3yrs away, so going to have to schedule some time in the next couple of weeks.

sj993

More than likely it is a bad torque converter.

3.2cls6speedmt

tsb 16-044. states that the automatic transmission fluid is the issue/problem. A flush will fix the issue for now but we need a software update. We purchased a 2013 mdx with 11,000 miles and currently at 20,000. It had similar issues the flush has fixed it for now.

s2kstephen

I would assume replacement/repair of the converter would be covered under the CPO warranty?

s2kstephen

I will be sure to mention the TSB. Is Acura aware or working on a software update? We're not 4 models years later and no resolution from Acura?

3.2cls6speedmt

http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/B16-044.PDF

I have provided you the link to the pdf document for the tsb. TSB are provided by the Honda manufacturer to the dealer for a known issue so to answer your question, they are working on it. Yes, a torque convertor is covered.

sj993

Yes, 16-044 does state that the fluid may be the issue, hence the drain/fill 3x as a temporary solution followed by the software update. That S/B only applies to certain VIN's for the 12 model year. The software update is referenced in S/B 12-007, however it would appear Honda is working on another software update now. In the event these procedures do not fix the issue, then it would be the torque converter as I have seen this happen before. It would be covered under CPO as well.

Si_jeff

Can you guys explain more of this issue? I am not sure if I have this issue. '13 MDX CPO with 39k miles now bought 2 months ago. I actually feel something on slow speeds but I just attribute this to the characteristic of the car, not enough to warrant concern. How hard is the judder you guys experienced? Whats the best way to replicate this to the dealer guys?

3.2cls6speedmt

I didn't have to replicate since it is an intermittent issue. It happened once in a while but after the flush we have not noticed any of the judder and/or other issues similar to the other issue post on this thread. I am in a major city so the service manager who wrote up concerns it is an issue even in the tl. The tl have a new software update. I assume it is a transmission fluid failure and dealer were installing torque vectors instead of the flush. I think the flush will solve most of the tranny issues noted on this thread.

Si_jeff

Ok, after rereading this, I think I do not have this problem or has not come up yet. I bought my '13 2 months ago and the CPO sheet and Carfax states they did a tranny flush before being sold as CPO, but thanks anyway.

3.2cls6speedmt

Keep us posted on your dealers finding.

that is a good dealer since Acura recommends just a drain and fill typically at 30000.

s2kstephen

Great info, thanks. I'll be dropping mine off in the next couple of weeks.window.post_1473787469194_11 = function(win,msg){
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s2kstephen

Had the MDX serviced on Saturday and they did a full trans flush and refill, along with computer reflash. Noticeable improvement on the 2.5hr ride home and feels much better. Acura said to give it a little time as the fluid broken in for full resolution.

Did enjoy the '16 MDX loaner, but am not a fan of the Tech package. The constant beeping when Acura determines I'm too close to another vehicle when or behind. Also, the new touchscreen is cumbersome...I enjoy having the buttons on the dash in my '12. I did really enjoy the IDS, the front seats are even more plush, and the vehicle feels lighter.

3.2cls6speedmt

I also had a 2016 mdx tech. I am not fan of the 9 speed tranny. I felt car sick after driving.

The transmission flush is just a temporary fix till the software update becomes available.

s2kstephen

Agreed...9spd means constant shifting. Oh the days of just a simple 5/6spd.

I was told that the software update was completed...is that not possible?

RDX10

mrgold35 has been talking about a transmission update in his 2010-2012 (forgot what year exactly) MDX for like a year now. Said it improved mpg's and much smoother shifting.

s2kstephen

The flush and software update seemed to clearly improve shifting. Filled up yesterday so we'll about mpg's as well.

3.2cls6speedmt

TSB 16-044 - Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch was released on August 3, 2016. I don't think a software update has been released. I could be wrong but I have not seen the a new tsb for the updated software.

s2kstephen

A dealership wouldn't lie to me about doing a software update if it hadn't been released, now would they? *sarcasm*

RDX10

Then he must have had a different software update or possibly for a different year? Because he was for sure talking about it long before august 3.

SykVSyx

Our '08 MDX is having the same issues, but I just hit 233k+ km's, so, doubtful that issue will be covered by the dealer.

My question, is it only the dealer that would be able to provide that update, or can a mechanic do so?

Anyone have any idea as to how much a dealer would charge for the update?