Does your RL emit a clunk in the center console when the shift lever unlocks after the brakes are pressed? Mine does, and I can't remember if it used to.

The problem is that I've started to notice a similar clunk when I accelerate from a stop with the lever in Drive. Now I can't remember if the car made the same sound when the brake is pressed in Park. Its making me wonder if the shift release mechanism is faulty.

Rob144

 

No clunk here. Have you checked the level of the transmission fluid?

 

I'm pretty sure there's a solenoid in the console that keeps you from moving the transmission out of park unless your foot is on the brake. The soleniod activating is probably what you hear. I can defintely hear mine but it's more of a click than a clunk.

LL

 

Yes, this is solenoid. I have same "click" and I check with dealer and few more RL's. In some of the RL's You can hear this "click" but in some You not. This is normal. You can replace solenoid with new, but new one can be same way "click, click"

 

I'm guessing there's something wrong with my solenoid, then. I'm further guessing that whatever is in the solenoid is held in place via a current, but in my car something isn't holding right which is why I hear a the click/clunk under acceleration or braking. The mechanism in the solenoid is rattling around on its own in there after the lever leaves Park.

 

i have a small click in park with the brake not the accelerator though

 

Well, the shop said this is a "normal characteristic", which seems just a bit flaky. Seems out of character to have a clunk every time you take off from a stop, and then stop.....

 

Yes, it is like a metal bearing rolling around. I have the same symptoms and the same diagnosis from my dealer. They seem to have an excuse for everything until warranty expires and then "...we can fix that for your for $$$$$$." I have been buying Hondas/Acuras since 1991 - this will most likely be my last one, mainly due to dealer support of fixing issues just like this one.

 

While I'm a bit disappointed with the outcome on this particular issue, my service rep and the service team has been excellent throughout the years I've owned Acuras. They've been accommodating, flexible, and fair with the pricing.

In fact, it's part of the reason I went with an RL in 2006 to replace my '95 Legend -- happiness with the dealer service department.

I'll probably continue to mention it and see if there's been a TSB for it over time.

Rob144

 

Check the official TSB thread at the top of the forum. I don't recall a TSB on this issue, though.

 

Try this push the foot brake(hand brake) as soon as you get into the car then turn the car on and hit brake pedal and then shift to your gear. See if it makes the noise.