I recently bought a 2001 CL and I was aware of the transmission problem. I bought this one because the owner had the transmission replaced about 5,000 miles ago and figured I was safe (rebuilt).


It seems to shift rough to begin with, but there is a real noticeable shift from second to third. The shift is quick and does not lag at all just very noticeable.

My fluid is crystal clear but i do have a leak from the axl seal and i think this was caused from the previous owner hitting a pothole (I had to replace the rims due to the front driverside being bent so bad my new tires would not hold air).

I've done research and it seems that this a sign the transmission is going to flop soon, but I have also read that the AT's just plain suck and are all hard shifters anyway.

any advice for a new owner?

 

Oh, basically 1-3 shifts rough, with 2-3 being the most noticeable. 3-5 are pretty smooth.

i drive like a grandma, i have yet to floor it or even punch it really.


so, everything shifts without lag and it seems very responsive just on the rough side.

thanks guys.

 

When it goes (because it will) pickup the auto tranny from a 3rd gen TL.

 

So, it's def going to go soon?

 

I had similar problems and after the 3rd transmission replacement the service tech at the dealer told me about a solution another customer presented that I then acted upon. I replaced the transmission fluid with AMSOil transmission fluid rather than the factory fluid. It totally fixed the slipping problem and I haven't had any issues since. I drive the car pretty hard on occasion and everything has held together strong.
I would recommend changing out your transmission fluid with the AMSOil product.
Best of Luck!