Hi... I've searched through forums and haven't found this specific issue documented, so here goes...

Just bought a 2013 RDX Base AWD. The transmission is very sloppy. Particularly when downshifting under acceleration. For instance, on a freeway, going 65 and then flooring it to pass another vehicle, the transmission drops a gear or two but it hesitates to downshift. It has a "rubber band" feeling almost as if it's bouncing between gears before it picks the right one.

I've already installed the "S-VCM" module and I just did a transmission flush, followed by a reset. None of these things have solved the problem. S-VCM did improve it slightly but still definitely there.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any remedies?

 

Out of curiousity, how many miles does it have? It should be downshifting when flooring it, which is at least a positive sign.

 

It has 111k miles on it. It does downshift but it seems hesitant at times.

 

I wonder if it's something to do with the VCM kicking all the cylinders in from 3 or 4 running at once to all 6 when flooring it on the highway...

 

I had some minor performance issues with slow shifting of the transmission. I took the car to the dealership and they upgraded the software which totally fixed the issues. With your mileage you have already passed the power train warranty. But it's worth asking the dealership how much it cost to update the software.

 

I had the software updated recently at a Honda dealer, and it made a big difference in shifting smoothness and performance. The charge was not too high, maybe around $120.

 

I have the S-VCM module installed which completely disables VCM. I thought it might be that and had hoped the module would fix the issue. It did improve sightly but still not 100%.

 

Do you not have an Acura dealer near by? I ask because my Honda dealer service manager told me he could not do it, their computer would not let them. I speculate that they have to get permission, based on where they are to do it. That or he lied to me (a dealer lie? who would think that) Actually the dealer I take my Honda to is really good and that service manager said he had an Acura himself and could not do it.

 

The software update is worth it. According to the service bulletin, it should cost .5 hours labor to do it. I have only got it done on my Odyssey so far. I'm going to try a different Acura dealer for the
RDX, my local one blew me off.