Can someone help me understand this? My transmission literally jolts into reverse sometimes. Especially when it's freshly started, has moved in a forward gear and then is switched into reverse. I know in my Legend this was symptomatic of a transmission mount failure. Is it safe to guess the same is true of the CL? I know I've had at least one or two engine mounts replaced. Thanks guys...

PS - auto tranny, 70k miles.

 

Mine does this too. It helps when the car is warmed up and the idle is lower. If you need to start it and go in a hurry, I shift it into reverse right when the car cranks over, that also works.

 

It could be indicative of your mounts going out. Check the front and rear mounts. When it's cold the revs are higher, so some movement is expected when put into gear.

 

When was the last time you changed your trans fluid? Did you use Honda ATF?
A fresh fluid install has resolved the clunking for a lot of people.
Obviously check the mounts as well.

 

Sounds to me like excessive play in the axles at the CV joints. First thing I'd check is the rubber boots to see if one is torn.

 

i would check engine mounts first then axles but i doubt that

 

normal in autos when cold

 

Well it's not the fluid for me because I always do a 3x3 with Z1-ATF every 30k. Haven't checked any of the mounts yet but the axles look good. It only does this when it's cold. Once it's warmed up, shifting to reverse is pretty smooth.

 

I'm thinking its the mounts. Mine does this too on a cold start. I will check them out next oil change.

 

Thanks for the replies guys! Fluid was replaced almost 27,500 miles ago by Acura. Gonna have the mounts checked at the next oil change. It's kinda embarrassing when the car bangs into reverse sometimes...

 

Had 3 engine mounts replaced today. All clunking and weird movement has stopped. Problem solved.