I have a 2 month old 03 TL-P anthracite metallic. Today as I was attempting to merge, I put it in sport shift like I always do, to get out of 5th and accelerate. The guage read 3, but I decided to downshift anways because I was going about 40mph. I then heard a loud GRIND as I went into second!! This is the first time its made this noise, and I thought the thing would die right there, because of all the tranny stories on this site! Anyways, to those of you who've had transmissions fail, my question is: is this the way it started out? whats next, slipping gears? or could this just be nothing at all? please advise, your imput is valued!

 

I don't knwo if it's a sign for the tranny to go.

But if it acts weird, take it back to the dealer.

In your case, I would abuse the tranny (not nutural slam it but drive it hard). See if anything goes wrong, and if it does, make sure it happens while you still got the warranty...

 

B.U.M.P!

anybody else?

 

For me. after the tranny grind because of downshifting, my tranny fluid start to leak. Not serious tho

 

y did u do that? u r hurting ur car....

i think it's fine...just don't do it next time or u may reallie need a new tranny

 

but I thought it won't let you downshift if you'll redline?

 

Your car is new, so I believe you can drive the tranny hard - dont abuse it, mind you. If there is a problem with it, it will surface soon, and dealer will not give you any bull if it dies - they know about tranny problems. And if everything is fine, mention it when you are in for service anyway - if your dealer is good, they will be happy to check it for you.

 

just it's not necessary in any circumstances....from 5th to 2nd...if u want to keep ur tranny running longer..

 

i dunno but ive heard that grinding sound a couple of times too and i have a feeling my tranny is about to give.. i already had it replaced once at around 35,000 and now its at 45,000, and my warranty is about to expire. i dont to have to pay for a new tranny every 10,000 miles and not have it covered by warranty.. thats why im considering getting a new car. torqueaholic i saw you test drove the G35 what do you think? i like the coupe any idea when its due out?

 

I was going 40mph and I was in 4th, so I downshifted to 2nd. I don't think 40mph isn't something 2nd shouldn't handle right?

 

were u on the gas while u were doing this or did u let up off the gas and then shift ??

 

The G35 was ok, though in my humble opinion you should say away from it!! Its new and has some issues. I heard a center console rattle, on my test drive, and My 3,000mile TL is completely rattle free. On the less nit picky side, The AC has a known problem, and people can start getting the defective stock parts fixed starting end of June at their dealers. Lastly, the transmission is also suspect in my opinion! 50 trannys replaced so far, including 2 guys at freshalloy.com who's broke down <200miles later!!! Get a late model near lux, like BMW 330I, or maybe IS300, if you leave the TL family!, or at least wait till 03 G35's with fixed bugs, or maybe AWD!!

 

thanks alot for the info, i love my TL just dont like the fact that the tranny might give out every year, thats why i stopped putting money into my TL

 

I always take my foot of the gas completely, go into sportshift, then downshift, and accelerate from there. So this is what I did on that occasion as usual.