when i slow down to brake, at around 40 or so mph the car kind off "jerks". i think its downshifting from 4th to 3rd, but i think i feel a little too much jerking. am i jus paranoid or has anyone else noticed this too. i guess it does slow u down faster cuz of the downshift, but it jus doesnt seem normal. ive only had ma car for 3 days now, so maybe im jus not used to it yet.

 

I only get that when going downhill and when I apply certain pressure to my break. I think its normal because if you do the same thing in SS the results will be the same. It happens because you go from lower RPM to higher RPM (4th to 3rd) and you feel that jerk.

3rd gear is what you might call it a power gear while 4th and 5th are more overdrive gears. If you are on a highway doing about 50-60 and you want to be gone fast you would usually downshift into 3rd and you will feel the jerk/thrust pushing you forward especially when you press the gas.

I say its normal and like I said in the first paragraph, that's when it happens to me.

 

also dont forget that our cars downshift to slow us down.

 

Grade Logic...

 

DING DING DING ..... ScotTLTypeS wins .... grade logic it all that is!!!

 

I am also a new TL owner, and I've noticed the same rough downshifting as you have. I have also noticed it at other mph's lower than 40, I believe it is NOT normal. Additionally, I find the acceleration from a stop to be rough and jerky. One seems to be a shifting problem and the other seems to be an accelerator issue. I'd like to get other 2003 TL owners' opinions.
Thanks

 

ist like that for the break-in period...after that its all good.

 

The braking I agree...someone was asleep when they programmed the car

However, the accelerating....mine jerks when I go because I'm an impatient little kid and I don't come to a complete stop. If you drive normal (as in, stop at a stop sign), it'll work fine. Put it into SS and watch it downshift...it'll give you a better idea of what's going on.

 

I've noticed the same issues.