Since the day I got my 96 TL, the transmission has been shifting quite rough. The 1-2 shift was not smooth but what really bothered me was the way it shuddered when it down-shifted from 4-3 on the freeway. Soon after getting the car, I got the trans fluid changed at the dealership. This only helped the 1-2 shift like Honda's are known to do, but it didn't do a thing for the shudder. I took the car to a few places and they said one of the tranny mounts needed replacing. It's an expensive part to replace, I think $300 CDN for the part alone, not to mention the labour to change it. I had one of those extended Global warranties so they replaced it under warranty. Anyways, I don't think the new mount did a thing. I just picked up a can of Wynn's Ultra Smooth Anti-Shudder additive for $13 from Canadian Tire and added it to the tranmission fluid. So far, the shudder is completely gone and the shifting is noticeably smoother.

 

While I wouldn't say to get your car repaired at a dealership, I have found that they are the best at diagnosing problems. Spend the money and have the dealer identify the specific problem, then take it somewhere else to be repaired. That being said, if they claim they need to take the tranny apart to take a look, you will be better off going to a transmission repair specialist. I had a similar shuttering problem, took it to a transmission place and for $100, they found nothing wrong with the transmission. Spending a $100 for the peace of mind that it isn't the most expensive part(s) to replace is well worth it.

 

Actually, the dealer did have a look at it, after I got the trans fluid changed. The said one of the tranny mounts needed to be replaced, and it was. Still didn't do anything noticeable though.

 

Its funny you say something because my car shudders really bad. Anyway, I am sitting in D4 waiting to pull out into traffic. I noticed that when I turn the steering wheel it shudders worse...i can hear it in my exhaust. I think mine either has something to do with the power steering or electrrical.

 

Hi All,
My car is doing the same thing! (when stopped at a stop light or whatever, it shudders or vibrates like a mucka-futher. I swear it'll put your legs to sleep sometimes. Here's what I have tried to no avail...

Changed fuel filter

Changed PCV valve

Tranny fluid flush

Asked the dealer about having them do a sytem flush where they clean out the whole engine (with some sort of special cleaner) from the exhaust intake forward. They said that I didn't need it. ???

Asked the dealer about having them adjust the cams (they tap a little like all Hondas and Acuras) They said that I didn't need it. ???

I don't know what to do, but would really like to fix it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks---Mike

 

Are you sure its a transmission shudder and not a bad engine mount? The Legends have this same "bad mount" problem on the higher mileage group. Our 90 degree V6's are naturally imbalanced, so balancing shafts and engine mounts are designed to hide it. If those arent working 100%, you will feel it.

 

Well, I'm not sure exactly what it is but the problem only occurs on in fourth gear or when I'm on the freeway. If I accelerate super slowly the shudder isn't there, otherwise it shudders when it downshifts.

 

The sad reality of these issues is that they are likely to be solve by either rebuilding or replacing the transmission. Once, tranmissions problems start, they become a black hole into which all your money goes. Mine is problematic here and there, but I am already saving to just pull the tranny and replace it.