I just bought a 2014 RDX tech AWD with 79K.

Initially the shifting was really weird. After I did a transmission reset, the shifting is smoother and acceleration is more linear.

Ideally, I'd like the transmission to stay at lower gear a little bit longer before shifting to higher gear, that would be like the behavior of my Honda Pilot with V6 and 5 speed A/T.

OBD2 scanner says my transmission software is 37806-R8A-A52, I know there is newer versions such as 37806-R8A-A54 mentioned in bulletin 17-017/17-018.

If someone has ever updated the transmission software, do you feel the shifting points are delayed a little as I have hoped for? Just so that I know what to expect if I pay dealer to do the update.

Thanks for your input, and wish you a nice weekend.

ZG

 

You can just put it into Sport mode if you need more pep.

 

Thanks, Samiam.

I am not familiar with the S mode. Tried it once, after reaching 40mph or so, the engine rpm reached 3000 and car seemed not accelerating any more, so I stopped and switched back to D.

Scheduled to do transmission flush and software update after thanksgiving. (One hour labor for software update, labor rate $189 at local dealer).

Thanks.

ZG

 

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When you're driving in S mode, you manually shift up and down using the paddles on the back of the steering wheel. I think the shift from 1st to 2nd gear is still automatic (seems to be on mine anyway) but the rest of the up-shifts will wait for your input. That's probably why you maxed out at 40mph without shifting. On the way down the gears, the transmission will still shift for you if you don't use the paddles - to prevent stalling. That's been my experience anyway.

I didn't realize you could check your transmission software version using and OBDII scanner. I'm going to try it but if I can't figure it out, maybe you could provide some guidance.

I'm also interested to hear how your transmission behavior changes after your upcoming service.

 

Thanks for your input, John.

I know how S mode works (using the paddles), but just not good at finding the best shifting points.

With OBD2 scanner, selecting transmission control module, one option is for software (other than fault code, live data), there you can see some info such as version of the software. If you need any extra info on this, just let me know.

I will update after I am done with transmission flush and software update.

Happy Thanksgiving!

ZG

 

Hi John,

I did have the transmission flush (one time, not 3 times) and software update done on Monday, at a Honda dealership.

I verified with OBD2 scanner the software is now the one called for by bulletin 17-017. The acceleration is slightly better, seems transmission stay in 2nd gear 2 or 3 seconds longer after the update.

Before the update, I would fall behind the car in front of me when stop and go, now I can almost keep up with the car in front of me.

Not perfect, but probably that is the best the RDX can do.

Thanks.

ZG

 

Thanks for posting the update, ZG. It sounds like you got at least some improvement.

I've had my RDX for a couple of months now and still think the transmission is weird sometimes. It's like it has multiple personalities and I never know which one I'm going to get. It sucks because I love everything else about the RDX but it just seems like the transmission is confused half of the time.

I haven't done the drain and fill (1x or 3x) or the software update yet but they're on my to-do list.

If I find anything that noticeably change the transmission behavior, I will be sure to post it.

Thanks!

John

 

Yes it is supposed to be a very capable car by its 270 hp V6, 6AT for its 3800 lbs weight.

If you haven't tried, I'd strongly suggest you to try resetting the transmission (push power button twice without stepping on brake to power on, and push gas paddle to the floor and hold for 30 seconds, push power button one more time to turn it off, transmission reset is then completed). The procedure resets transmission shifting parameters to factory setting and removes anything it learned from the driving habit of the previous owners.

For me, the shifting feeling is 5 out of scale 10 when I first got the car. After resetting, it improves to 7. After flush and software update, it is now at 8.

If you find any way to improve the shifting, I'd be happy for you and I'd be curious to know how you did it.

ZG

 

I never had a problem with 2nd gear going away too quickly. First gear is a joke, drive 20 feet and it's gone to second and then on to the other gears. These cars are not slouches , they will move when called to do so.
If it's not fast enough for you to keep up with traffic, apply more gas peddle after you have rest the transmission and report back. Maybe you have another problem.

 

I did record the gear switch signal for a couple of times, it went through all gears, so at least I am not missing any gear.

But I cannot watch the OBD2 screen closely while driving to monitor the real-time shifting. If you say 1st gear is for 20 feet, I might be taking 3rd gear as 2nd gear by mistake.

After the software update, I'd say it drives like a normal car now, almost inline with my 19 years old 05 Pilot. RDX is 270hp v6, 6AT and 3800 lbs, while Pilot is 250hp v6, 5AT and 4400 lbs, I had though RDX would be much faster acceleration, just like my V6 Mercury Mariner accelerates faster than Pilot from stop to go.

Appreciate your input, and have a nice weekend, Poolman.

ZG