t600

Hey guys, I have a 2006 RL non-tech with 91k miles. Within the last week or so I've been having an issue with the transmission downshifting at 35 mph while braking. When your stopping at a light or braking in general when you get to app. 35 mph the transmission will downshift and its seriously noticeable when it does it. If I am just coasting then its not bad but if I am on the brakes its a serious thunk that you and everyone in the car feels. I haven't experienced any other problems with the transmission except for once in a blue moon it has a harsh upshift and that's usually when it shifts into 5th but other than that I haven't found any other problems. Anyone have this problem or have any ideas of what to check?

ichi d

first time I've heard of this. Have you done a tranny flush lately? If so, try taking a look at the tranny and engine mounts.

037

can't hurt to check the engine filter as well as a clean one shifted a bit smoother for me.

VietGuy03

iTrader: (4)

I would check with Honda about the Tranny flush procedures.

My 2nd Gen TL was a drain and fill procedure 3x3 method. I would be cautious of the flush and fill methods because some of the chemical cleaners they use could be heavy in solvents and cause damage to the metal components in the transmission.

danmm7

iTrader: (1)

Do a 3x3 or 3x4 transmission "flush" and use Acura ATZ-Z1 fluid. If you haven't done ATF fluid change or flush recently, at 90k miles - it is highly recommended.

Check all your engine/transmission mounts visually or take the car to a reputable Honda shop to check them. At 90k miles, i will not be shocked if you have a bad mount.

Chas2

Transmission fluid drain and fill. Only use Honda fluid. Do not use flush machines. At 40K miles a single drain and fill made a big difference, much smoother.

When you drain and fill, most of the fluid does not drain out, being stuck inside the torque converter, so that is why people recommend you drain, fill, drive through all gears, drain, fill, drive through all gears, drain and fill again. That way you will get out the majority of the old fluid. that force fluid throughout the transmission to achieve a complete fluid change without driving have apparently caused more harm than good.

By the way, someone did a great DIY on how to do this.

There are also indications that Honda ATF Z1 has recently been replaced by a new fluid, though ATF Z1 is still quite usable until stocks are depleted.

Bjafari93

Will the dealer do a 3x3 drain/refill or do I have to ask for it specifically?

VietGuy03

iTrader: (4)

The dealer will perform this 3x3 service if you are willing to pay them for 3 drains....

Honestly, I don't know if they drain transmissions in this method but I asked my friend who was a tech from Acura and he reaffirmed that the stated 3x3 method was the correct one recommended by Acura/Honda.

Chas2

there was actually an Acura ServiceNews that tells the tech how to do this while the car is on the rack, and the procedure to get the car to shift through all gears and lock up the torque converter, so you get a full exchange of fluid. Must be a 2-3 years old at least.

t600

I hate to bring up this dead post but wanted to reply with my findings in case someone else has this problem. It looks to be simple...whoever changed the transmission fluid in the car put WAY to much in it. I've checked it both cold and hot and the fluid level on the dipstick is a good 1/2 inch higher than the high mark. My bet is that whatever genius at the dealership changed it, didn't know that all of the fluid doesn't come out when it's drained and he added the full amount of fluid back to it. Now I got to go out and drain it out, sure hope he was smart enough to at least put the right kind of fluid in it.