ReplicaR

I’ve got an interesting issue with my TSX. It’s a 2005 with the automatic transmission. Ever since I’ve owned the car for the past 3 years, it’s been having a rough downshift from 3rd gear into either 2nd or 1st. At first I thought this was a blown motor mount, but after I replaced it, it’s still acting the same. It feels like a hard hit when it downshifts. I was able to nurse the transmission issue this whole time by making sure that I make full stops, and therefore transmission will downshift into 1st without any pressure and will do so smoothly.

The issue is that sometimes when I’m climbing the hill at slow speed (living in LA, driving 405, imagine that lol), I can’t really make a full stop, so the downshift is going to be a bit rough. I’ve done some reading, and some people are suggesting to replace the pressure solenoids for the transmission, but I have no idea which ones they are (part numbers), or if this will be helpful. Could someone please help with this?

TexasHonda

Does D4 light ever blink or Check Engine Light illuminate? If yes, check for codes. Most solenoid faults are electrical and set specific codes if electrical fault is present.

A drain/replace of ATF w/ Honda DW1 ATF is sometimes helpful. Perhaps even 3 sequential drain/replace/drive repeats to replace most of ATF. Only about 1/2 gets replaced w/ single drain/replace.

good luck

ReplicaR

TexasHonda,

There are no lights blinking currently, but a while back one of my friends deleted some codes that were very deep in the ECU, and some of them were transmission related. That could have been it, but I don't know for sure.

Transmission fluid has been thoroughly flushed. No changes to the way the car drove after the transmission fluid flush.

TexasHonda

Electrical faults present immediately, while hydraulic faults may take some time to present. Suggest checking for pending codes w/ a scanner.

good luck

ReplicaR

Last I've scanned the car with the small handheld scanner, I didn't have any codes. Should I be checking something specific?

TexasHonda

The fact of no codes or pending codes indicates the problem is likely hydraulic and not electrical. Probably only fixable w/ trans overhaul or replacement.

Occasionally problems will spontaneously resolve themselves and if problem is tolerable, just waiting may be indicated.

Some try fluid additives, but I've never had much faith in any of them.

good luck

thoiboi

What kind of fluid did you use? Did you "flush" at a line shop or did you do a 3x3 drain and refill.