Hello, everyone. Just picked up a 2007 RDX with 160,000 miles. Car was well maintained and in great shape. I am loving the car. They are really under-appreciated for what they bring to the table.

I do have some questions about the transmission. After, driving the car for a couple weeks a notice some weird transmission shifts. I am not sure if it's just the inherent performance of the transmission, or age. I know the 5 speed transmission wasn't held in the highest regard.

I get great shifts with high throttle. Paddle downshifts, and upshifts are great, no problems. I do notice weird downshifts when I am barely on the gas, lightly cruising around town. I think the combination of: off throttle, off boost, and downshifting make it stand out a little. I notice downshifts when coming to a stop.

Is this normal performance? The previous owner had the fluid changed at 150k, the fluid was nice and clean. I just put in some lube guard red. Not sure if it's helping yet. Just added it 30 miles ago.

I am thinking of changing the fluid because I don't know what they put in the transmission. What is the most recommended fluid these days?

Thanks!

 

I would recommend OEM fluid. The transmission is not nearly as smooth as today's cars, but it is very robust and you will have to look very long and hard to find a story of one failing outright (the pressure switches are another story). It's normal to feel the shifts at times, especially when the fluid is cold, low load, and especially the 1-2 shift. Also normal to sometimes feel downshifting, especially when coasting down vs braking. However, if you're concerned you may look into replacing the pressure switches - and also the mounts are not going to absorb movement like they did when new, so that may also play into it a bit.

 

@Tomtwtwtw Good call on the mounts. That might be the cause of the weird movement I feel.