I know that the transmission is by far the most complicated part of my 05, 115k, mine-since-new RL. Some say only a fool would begin to think about DIY with this transmission, I proceed. Here is the problem, if there is one. When going up a hill my tranny will sometimes (depending upon the incline) seem to shift down from 5th to 4th but if I check the tranny gear (using the manual indicator light) "5" shows. And when it next shifts down when the gear is checked used the manual shift status, the indicator indeed shows "4." The tranny has received 3x3's with Acura AT fluid every 20k since new. With each service shifting indeed does improve. I may have alway had this weird shifting, but I just recently noticed it. Does your tranny do this? If not, any serious tranny folks or just good thinkers have any ideas? If you have any questions about my feeble attempts to explain my situation pleased ask. I'm braced for the worst. Thanks so much in advance for any help.

 

No worries! That is NORMAL! What you are feeling is the unlocking of the torque converter. To some, the locking/unlocking of the torque converter feels like an extra gear (it isn't of course!). You will see and feel the rpm go up when it unlocks but you are still in fifth gear... conversely when it locks, you will see and feel the rpm go down some when it's already in fifth.

Totally normal... in this case be happy you are wrong! There is no problem.

 

Megatron, you just made my day. Thank you so very much for the information.

 

I have asked the exacts same question. First gear can do it too. The instructions for a 3x3 explain to engage each gear AND the torque converter in 1st and 5th after each fill.

 

I never noticed the torque converter (TC) unlocking in 1st. But, I didn,t even understand until Megatron's post that was happening in 5th gear. And, oo7SPY, the reminder of needed "fluid change process" lockup of the TC in 1st and 5th is indeed appreciated. I did not know about that requirement. Thanks.

 

this thread delivers.