I was driving my '97 Acura RL the other day and noticed how sharp and crisp the shifting was as compared to the '06 RL. The '06 seems like it has some lag between the gears, and there has been some lag going into 1st from reverse. A couple of times it has been a sharp jolt as I go from reverse to drive quickly to accelerate. The car shifts perfect with the paddle shifters in M but soft between the gears in Auto mode. Is this normal for the '06 to be this way? The dealer said to bring the car in for a diagnostic as they might have a couple of things to try before they consider a new transmission. I suggested a flush, but the service advisor was non committal.

 

I bet it's the fluild. If I recall accurately, the book says to change your trans fluild at 60k miles, then every 30k. I just had my trans serviced (05 RL with 38k) and it seems smooth and more "like new". It was about $105 at the Dealer.

 

Does this car take the Honda transfluid or is it something special? If this is the case, I can have it serviced at my local Honda dealer in town.

 

Yes, its definitely honda transmission fluid. You will save $$ on the fluid and labor going through a honda shop.