Harsh shifting 2nd to 3rd
#41
Hello,
Thanks to the user that listed the information about the fix for this issue. I dropped my RDX advance FWD off at the dealer this morning to have the clutch break in performed. The dealer called back at the end of the day to say they were still working on the issue and waiting for a call back from the tech line. They are keeping it overnight. I’ll report back to everyone when I get my RDX back. Aside from this issue I absolutely love my RDX. I’m coming from a 17 TLX DCT which had several transmission issues the first 6 months until Acura released a software update for the DCT. I was really hoping not to have any transmission issues with the RDX and felt confident knowing it’s the same engine/transmission that’s in the Accords. Hopefully this issue is resolved.
Thanks to the user that listed the information about the fix for this issue. I dropped my RDX advance FWD off at the dealer this morning to have the clutch break in performed. The dealer called back at the end of the day to say they were still working on the issue and waiting for a call back from the tech line. They are keeping it overnight. I’ll report back to everyone when I get my RDX back. Aside from this issue I absolutely love my RDX. I’m coming from a 17 TLX DCT which had several transmission issues the first 6 months until Acura released a software update for the DCT. I was really hoping not to have any transmission issues with the RDX and felt confident knowing it’s the same engine/transmission that’s in the Accords. Hopefully this issue is resolved.
#42
Unfortunately it did not work out well for me at all. I left the car at the dealership for 4 days. The tech drove the car while it was hooked up to the computer in order to send the snap shots to tech line however tech line stated everything appeared normal. They suggested I come and drive the car with the tech with the car hooked up to the computer so that I could try and replicate the issue. I declined to do that. I went through this with the tlx before and the issue didn’t get resolved until a TSB was issued along with a firmware update. I’m dissapointed but at the same time hopeful Acura will address the issue in the future. I was just surprised because the One Pack video made it sound like the clutch re learn procedure was a simple fix. I guess the tech line is only recommending the clutch relearn for a specific type of rough shift. Not sure why this issue doesn’t call for the clutch re learn. Would love to hear from anyone who has success getting this issue resolved. Only happens to me when approaching a stop but not fully stopping and the accelerating again.. any thoughts? Thanks for your time
#43
Unfortunately it did not work out well for me at all. I left the car at the dealership for 4 days. The tech drove the car while it was hooked up to the computer in order to send the snap shots to tech line however tech line stated everything appeared normal. They suggested I come and drive the car with the tech with the car hooked up to the computer so that I could try and replicate the issue. I declined to do that. I went through this with the tlx before and the issue didn’t get resolved until a TSB was issued along with a firmware update. I’m dissapointed but at the same time hopeful Acura will address the issue in the future. I was just surprised because the One Pack video made it sound like the clutch re learn procedure was a simple fix. I guess the tech line is only recommending the clutch relearn for a specific type of rough shift. Not sure why this issue doesn’t call for the clutch re learn. Would love to hear from anyone who has success getting this issue resolved. Only happens to me when approaching a stop but not fully stopping and the accelerating again.. any thoughts? Thanks for your time
Given the fact that shifting is smooth in Sport+ mode and when using the paddles, it could make sense that a software update could fix the problem. Would I be correct in assuming that the differences in the three modes are computer settings? If so, there is still hope.
My harshness happens everytime I move from a dead stop in Comfort and Sport modes. It’s more frequent at lower acceleration rates.
#44
Just circling back around to see if anyone has had the "clutch break-in" procedure done yet, and if it addressed the issue. I'm thinking of scheduling service next week.
As a reference, I have just under 1000 miles on the car. One would think the clutch would be broken in at that point. I'm more than a little worried...
As a reference, I have just under 1000 miles on the car. One would think the clutch would be broken in at that point. I'm more than a little worried...
#47
2013 RDX tech Amber
I am only noticing it when I am slowly accelerating in traffic and between 2nd and 3rd gear. When I am able to accelerate at a faster clip it is not there. I only have 200 miles so far. Should I wait or take it in for this clutch brake in procedure???
#48
Just got my RDX back from service. Surprise, surprise...they did not find anything out of the ordinary with my harsh up-shifting. Said everything "spec'd out" fine.
The hits just keep on coming with this thing...
The hits just keep on coming with this thing...
#49
I think the harsh shifting people are experiencing is the fact that this car has a lot of low end torque and when coasting or slow rolling stop signed between the low gears, what you’re feeling is the low end kicking in. I can get mine to act this way if I want but when I drive like a normal person and don’t have a jumpy “go foot” then it’s smooth as butter.
#50
I think the harsh shifting people are experiencing is the fact that this car has a lot of low end torque and when coasting or slow rolling stop signed between the low gears, what you’re feeling is the low end kicking in. I can get mine to act this way if I want but when I drive like a normal person and don’t have a jumpy “go foot” then it’s smooth as butter.
#51
Instructor
We drive just in the Sport mode now. Every aspect of the driving experience is better than Comfort. My wife noticed the difference and likes it. The shifting issue is not noticeable in Sport for us.
#53
I have had mine in the dealer for about 9 days now for the harsh shifting. The techs test drove the car with me and experienced the harsh shifting. Showed them the AcuraOne video pertaining to the harsh shift and after a couple days they said they did what Acura wanted and are waiting back from the tech line for a solution. After a couple more days went by, our advisor said they are being gentle with it because it is new and none of the techs have worked on a new RDX. So we continue to wait....
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dukeh62 (08-31-2018)
#54
I found this site through a google search for the harsh shifting issue with my new 2019 RDX. I am a long time Acura owner but first time forum member. I just got back from the dealer this morning and immediately googled for info on my harsh shifting issue. The dealer has always been very responsive to any concerns I have had over the decade+ with my other Acura's. Today's visit left me quite uneasy with the situation.First the service advisor was immediately dismissive of the issue stating that they all shift harshly. His level of indifference to my issue and defensiveness was quite unsettling. This immediately gave me pause and raised my suspicions that this may be a known issue/ongoing problem.Second he tells me that the dealer can do nothing without sending "snapshots to Acura" and since it is a holiday weekend, Acura will be closed until Tuesday. They could provide a loaner but they couldn't do anything else until next week.I have never owned a car with only 325 miles that has shifted so poorly. I have an uneasy feeling after reading this forum that it will be my last new Acura. I kept my 2011 RDX in lieu of trading it in on the 2019 since it has had very few issues. Please note that we did take a 20 minute test drive (not the same vehicle purchased) prior to buying the new RDX and it did not exhibit ANY of the issues we are having with the car purchased.I will be monitoring this site to see if others find a solution to their problem. Likewise, I will report back any fix that they hopefully come up with on my car if it solves the issue.Regards
#55
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
I found this site through a google search for the harsh shifting issue with my new 2019 RDX. I am a long time Acura owner but first time forum member. I just got back from the dealer this morning and immediately googled for info on my harsh shifting issue. The dealer has always been very responsive to any concerns I have had over the decade+ with my other Acura's. Today's visit left me quite uneasy with the situation.First the service advisor was immediately dismissive of the issue stating that they all shift harshly. His level of indifference to my issue and defensiveness was quite unsettling. This immediately gave me pause and raised my suspicions that this may be a known issue/ongoing problem.Second he tells me that the dealer can do nothing without sending "snapshots to Acura" and since it is a holiday weekend, Acura will be closed until Tuesday. They could provide a loaner but they couldn't do anything else until next week.I have never owned a car with only 325 miles that has shifted so poorly. I have an uneasy feeling after reading this forum that it will be my last new Acura. I kept my 2011 RDX in lieu of trading it in on the 2019 since it has had very few issues. Please note that we did take a 20 minute test drive (not the same vehicle purchased) prior to buying the new RDX and it did not exhibit ANY of the issues we are having with the car purchased.I will be monitoring this site to see if others find a solution to their problem. Likewise, I will report back any fix that they hopefully come up with on my car if it solves the issue.Regards
I have either gotten used to it or adjusted my driving style to where it doesn't do it. If you can accelerate a bit faster, it shifts fairly smooth.
#56
2013 RDX tech Amber
For me I notice it with slow acceleration between 2nd and 3rd gears. The reason for the slow acceleration is not by choice but because I live in urban Dallas and traffic won't allow to move very fast. I am starting to learn how to adjust the pedal use to prevent the hard shift but other people in the car with me have mentioned noticing as well. I love the car and I think I will adapt to this issue so I guess I am over it.
#57
I only notice the slightly harder shift from 2nd to 3rd when the car is cold, but by all means do I think it is a hard shift. As many have said, in sport or sport+ it is much smoother. So far no complaints with the car but i only have 350 miles.
#58
Do you find the shifting issue only under light-mild acceleration in the 20-30 mile an hour range? The '16 TLX I had was really bad to the point of me getting rid of it. Acura Customer Relations kept telling me that the car is working as intended.
I have either gotten used to it or adjusted my driving style to where it doesn't do it. If you can accelerate a bit faster, it shifts fairly smooth.
I have either gotten used to it or adjusted my driving style to where it doesn't do it. If you can accelerate a bit faster, it shifts fairly smooth.
As others have reported, it happens regardless of mode (sport or comfort). I have not tested to see if hard shifting occurs under heavy acceleration (waiting for brake-in miles). I shouldn't have to settle for just getting used to harsh shifting. My 2011 RDX with SH-AWD still shifts buttery smooth after years of use. I should not have purchased a first year model. I expected better than this from Acura. Even more troubling is the response from the dealer this morning. They obviously know about this issue from my further reading (and video) on the subject. Acura must be providing a prepared script to dealers to deny an issue exists. It is a shame this flaw exists on an otherwise very nice vehicle.Oh well, lesson learned.
#59
I’m curious how many miles people have on theirs that are experiencing this. I have 2900 on mine in 7-8 weeks of driving and while I felt this initially in the first couple hundred miles I don’t feel it at all now. I don’t know if it’s broken in or I have adjusted to it. I just know that I can get it to act this way on occasion if I am decelerating at a stop sign or in traffic and it kicks to first gear and then I accelerate without coming to a complete stop. My personal opinion is that the gears are just so low end torque especially 1-3 that it’s the equivalent of driving a manual and dropping a gear too early or while at too high of rpm. or like redlining it in second and then taking your foot off the gas. Yeah that’ll jerk you around a bit. Similar feeling to that. But I don’t know, like I said that’s my opinion and the car is otherwise running like a champ, smooth shifting, etc. only time will tell. I hope that everyone gets their issues acknowledged and addressed!
#60
I have 1,200+ on mine and experience it every time I'm in the car...in all three modes. I initially stated it was just Comfort and Sport, but I am feeling it in Sport+ as well.
#61
what kind of traffic do you drive in? I will say I’m mostly highway and suburbs, not really City or stop and go unless it’s rush hour but I avoid as much of that as humanly possible. So maybe it’s felt more easily with certain driving conditions that I’m not really in
#64
Some of you might have seen the thread on the interview video but I thought I share it here since it’s a problem thread on rough shifting.
The Acura engineering chief admitted the rough shift problem on the new RDX
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...toline-972981/
The Acura engineering chief admitted the rough shift problem on the new RDX
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...toline-972981/
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dklanecky (10-07-2018)
#65
Finally!
Finally received a call from the service manager and they have had my new RDX for 3 weeks now. They went thru the procedure of taking the snap shots 3 separate times then talked to the tech line. No go! He said they had to drive so many miles at certain speeds and then take the snap shots. So again they did it 3 more times and nothing! My car is not taking the fix that the tech line is suggesting. So after 3 weeks, they have given up and have approved a new transmission for my brand new RDX. A part of me is happy it is being fixed but the other part of me is sad they will be tearing apart my brand new car.
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DuBignon (09-20-2018)
#66
Finally received a call from the service manager and they have had my new RDX for 3 weeks now. They went thru the procedure of taking the snap shots 3 separate times then talked to the tech line. No go! He said they had to drive so many miles at certain speeds and then take the snap shots. So again they did it 3 more times and nothing! My car is not taking the fix that the tech line is suggesting. So after 3 weeks, they have given up and have approved a new transmission for my brand new RDX. A part of me is happy it is being fixed but the other part of me is sad they will be tearing apart my brand new car.
Also makes me wonder if they are going to offer new transmissions for all of us that are experiencing the harsh shifting issue.
Good luck, and please keep us posted!
#68
#69
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Sep 2018
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You may be right as I stated "may not be hardware but purely software". Folks "feel" things differently and mine has it too (as I think they all do) but it doesn't bother us as much as others based on how we drive. The 9-speed tranny in the Jeep Cherokee has been an issue for Jeep for several years. The tranny is fine...they are finding it difficult to dial in the software. May be a combo of both...we just don't know enough at this point. Maybe they'll replace all of our trannys under a TSB? Only time will tell but you can still drive the car and I would think most would consider this a minor annoyance at times when it does it.
#70
Jerky transmission
Has anyone else noticed uneven/harsh shifting at times in the lower gears in Comfort driving mode? I drive in a lot of traffic and when I have to slowly accelerate up to 30-40, the shift from 2nd to 3rd is not smooth at all. I have that feeling that the transmission is searching for the right gear
I am a bit sensitive to Acura transmission issues after the fiasco I had with the TLX 9 speed, so I might not have the best perspective on this.
If I am accelerating right up to highway speeds, the RDX shifts fine.. it's that low speed shift that doesn't feel quite "right" especially compared to the ultra smooth shifting of the MKX I just got out of.
I am a bit sensitive to Acura transmission issues after the fiasco I had with the TLX 9 speed, so I might not have the best perspective on this.
If I am accelerating right up to highway speeds, the RDX shifts fine.. it's that low speed shift that doesn't feel quite "right" especially compared to the ultra smooth shifting of the MKX I just got out of.
#71
Burning Brakes
...I drive in a lot of traffic and when I have to slowly accelerate up to 30-40, the shift from 2nd to 3rd is not smooth at all. I have that feeling that the transmission is searching for the right gear
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If I am accelerating right up to highway speeds, the RDX shifts fine.. it's that low speed shift that doesn't feel quite "right" especially compared to the ultra smooth shifting of the MKX I just got out of.
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If I am accelerating right up to highway speeds, the RDX shifts fine.. it's that low speed shift that doesn't feel quite "right" especially compared to the ultra smooth shifting of the MKX I just got out of.
My initial impression is it's noticeably better for this specific condition than any of the other three. Throttle response is 'deadened' so it's easier to do slow acceleration without running up the bumper of the car in front and transmission shifting/gear selection didn't seem to be as 'unsure' as the other modes. Heavy throttle acceleration was still adequate in those instances when traffic decided to 'git up and go' but did require more pedal input, as would be expected.
Keep in mind I only played with this for a few minutes so this is nowhere near a comprehensive comparison. Give it a try and see what you think.
#73
Burning Brakes
#75
Burning Brakes
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securityguy (09-19-2018)
#76
Cruisin'
OK,
I have not seen this posted before. I have a early RDX Advance with this problem. Last week, I had it in for a different issue and since they had to keep it overnight, they gave me a new RDX A-spec. This car did NOT have the problem. I noted this to the service manager who had a district Acura rep listening in. There opinion is there is enough of a difference in the programmed performance of the two cars to account for this difference.
So the question is - How many Aspec owners out there who have this problem?
Do any of the cars coming off the line NOW have this issue?
-Stan
I have not seen this posted before. I have a early RDX Advance with this problem. Last week, I had it in for a different issue and since they had to keep it overnight, they gave me a new RDX A-spec. This car did NOT have the problem. I noted this to the service manager who had a district Acura rep listening in. There opinion is there is enough of a difference in the programmed performance of the two cars to account for this difference.
So the question is - How many Aspec owners out there who have this problem?
Do any of the cars coming off the line NOW have this issue?
-Stan
#77
OK,
I have not seen this posted before. I have a early RDX Advance with this problem. Last week, I had it in for a different issue and since they had to keep it overnight, they gave me a new RDX A-spec. This car did NOT have the problem. I noted this to the service manager who had a district Acura rep listening in. There opinion is there is enough of a difference in the programmed performance of the two cars to account for this difference.
So the question is - How many Aspec owners out there who have this problem?
Do any of the cars coming off the line NOW have this issue?
-Stan
I have not seen this posted before. I have a early RDX Advance with this problem. Last week, I had it in for a different issue and since they had to keep it overnight, they gave me a new RDX A-spec. This car did NOT have the problem. I noted this to the service manager who had a district Acura rep listening in. There opinion is there is enough of a difference in the programmed performance of the two cars to account for this difference.
So the question is - How many Aspec owners out there who have this problem?
Do any of the cars coming off the line NOW have this issue?
-Stan
I also have an early production 2019 Advance FWD with the same issue. Left it with the dealer for 4 days while they took snap shots of the transmission while driving and worked with the tech line. They were not able to find anything wrong with the transmission and said everything was working properly. They offered to have me come back and drive the car with the tech but I really was ready to have my car back and was hoping a software update would be released but nothing yet. I’m thinking of going back to the dealer now though because to me the rough shifts are happening more frequently now with 4k miles on the car. What did your dealer suggest as the next steps? There’s another thread where they have a video of an interview with the chief engineer for the 2019 Acura RDX and he acknowledges their is a known issue with the harsh shifts and said he was hopeful there would be a fix in the future but nothing yet. It’s frustrating because previously I had a similar issue with my 17 TLX which was finally resolved with a software update after about 9 months of ownership. I love Acura but I really wish they did a better job getting the transmission right before the car is put up for sale versus waiting to get feedback from the consumer and then working on a fix. This RDX was close to 50k after taxes and fees so for me it’s a substantial expense and I wish it worked properly.
#78
What concerned me about the engineer's statement on the harsh shifting issue is that he did not clarify whether the "hopeful" future fix would be for CURRENT '19 RDXs already in the wild, or FUTURE RDXs as they come off the line.
#79
Yes and if you watch that video carefully, there is a slight twitch on his face. This is not an easy problem. I highly doubt it’s software because he would be more confident that the issue can be resolved which is something he seem to lack.
We all wish it’s software but past Acura transmission issue tells us it’s probably something more. Software is also consistent across all vehicles, atleast that would be the first and easiest thing to rule out. This is most likely assembly or parts quality which will be $$ for Acura to fix.
We all wish it’s software but past Acura transmission issue tells us it’s probably something more. Software is also consistent across all vehicles, atleast that would be the first and easiest thing to rule out. This is most likely assembly or parts quality which will be $$ for Acura to fix.
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kingturd (09-22-2018)
#80
New owner here (5 days and 277 miles) with rough 2-3 and sometimes 1-2 and 3-4 shifts. Mine was built in '07/18 with a VIN ending in around 5,800.
I had a 2018 Accord Sport 2.0T 10AT and it behaved similarly during its first several hundred miles. It improved over the 4,000 miles I owned it, but would still "buck" during shifts in lower gears at times.
This behavior was frustrating in a $31K Accord and even more so in a $47K RDX.
I also have a very pronounced vibration that can be felt and heard while stopped in reverse while the engine is cold. It doesn't occur in drive or after the engine warms up.
I had a 2018 Accord Sport 2.0T 10AT and it behaved similarly during its first several hundred miles. It improved over the 4,000 miles I owned it, but would still "buck" during shifts in lower gears at times.
This behavior was frustrating in a $31K Accord and even more so in a $47K RDX.
I also have a very pronounced vibration that can be felt and heard while stopped in reverse while the engine is cold. It doesn't occur in drive or after the engine warms up.