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OK - wanted to see if others have noted this periodic strange behavior. 2018 Sport Hybrid, 18k miles. When moving from ICE to Hybrid mode, and slowing down like to take a corner, sometimes you get this odd "shudder" feeling that I'm pretty sure is coming from the rear motors while they're in regen mode. It's not in the brakes. And it's not the "shudder" that's described in the TSB for the transmission. But periodically, you can feel a pulse/shudder as you're slowing down and the car moves into hybrid mode. And it's most times when the car is moving downhill. Otherwise this thing is running like a top. Anyone else feel this in their RLX hybrid?
I haven't noticed this issue with the wife's RLX Sport Hybrid (+37,900 miles) or my 19 MDX Sport Hybrid (+53,700 miles). I only drive the wife's RLX occasionally; but, haven't felt anything out the ordinary compared to my MDX driving/braking characteristics. We are putting more hwy miles on the RLX for less sh-awd/regen braking at 75-80 mph. My last RLX TMU service was in 2020 at 15,000 miles (probably do a TMU fluid change at next engine oil service after summer). I'm trying to stick with a 4 years max or 25,000-30,000 mileage range for 7DCT and TMU fliud.
I have a 2020 RLX Sport Hybrid. I at one time had the "shudder", "shiver", and "shimmy" sensation that you are describing when my sport hybrid is in regeneration mode. There are two things that I noted that affected my car in regen mode. Age of fluids in the clutch actuator reservoirs, transmission, twin motor clutch system. After drain/extract and fills were done on those items, I noted that the shimmy greatly decreased but occasionally I would notice it under certain decelerations/coast downs. Soon after this became a situation I was concerned about, Acura/Honda released the ECU/TCU update for the "odd gear" shifting so called emissions programming update. After that update was performed by the dealership, I don't notice the "shudder" any more. I also noticed that the battery/hybrid system assistance increased a fair amount. I suspect as the fluid ages that it will still cause the shudder near the end of life of the fluids though. Only time will tell. I have 41K miles on it and it is not driven as a daily. It only gets driven on leisure trips or when I've been beaten up at work and I just need to reward myself LOL.
There is alot going on in the DCT transmission and twin motor unit when this car is in motion. If you delve into the weeds with this cars design and operating parameters you really gain an appreciation for why this one single vehicle from Honda/Acura is truly something special in a sea of hohum vehicles. I personally installed a custom installation of the VLine2 unit to add wireless phone connectivity and other benefits to the telematics. This pushed the driving experience of the RLX to a completely new level. If Honda/Acura had installed the magnetorheological damping system with IDS, this would have been a truly amazing sport sedan. I really do enjoy this car and have no intention of letting it go any time in the next 10 years.
I don't have definitive info. What I can say is that I've had the TSB on the tranny "shudder" done (fluid changed, firmware upgrade), the TMU fluid changed as a matter of normal maintenance, and with only 19k miles on the clock, the rear brakes are still like new. Been doing it since we first got it only periodically. No change with any of the above maint efforts. I think it's the nature of the beast, so to speak, but getting others' thoughts certainly is helpful.
I don't have definitive info. What I can say is that I've had the TSB on the tranny "shudder" done (fluid changed, firmware upgrade), the TMU fluid changed as a matter of normal maintenance, and with only 19k miles on the clock, the rear brakes are still like new. Been doing it since we first got it only periodically. No change with any of the above maint efforts. I think it's the nature of the beast, so to speak, but getting others' thoughts certainly is helpful.
Yeah OK. I'd prefer to have factual, technical information rather than speculation. Buehler? Buehler?
Yep, I've noticed it several times in my 2018 RLX-SH....45K miles. Felt like the brakes vibrating to me but may be this anomaly.
Had to TCB update long ago and still there occasionally. Also there recently since a TMU fluid change.
Have you tried to replicate the shudder by switching to "sport" mode and driving like that for a bit? If its truly regen causing it, then shudder should not happen while in sport mode...
Have you tried to replicate the shudder by switching to "sport" mode and driving like that for a bit? If its truly regen causing it, then shudder should not happen while in sport mode...
In my particular case, the shudder is so infrequent that doing that would be somewhat impactable.....but it's a good idea. I may try it off and on for a bit. Thanks.
The only time I feel a shutter is occasionally when in Reverse at very low parking speed there is a very noticeable shutter. I think it occurs when the steering wheel is turned at angle (as in parallel street parking). Otherwise the powertrain is very smooth.
I just had the 105k mile service performed and new Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 all seasons installed. 2020 RLX advance. The longer I own this RLX the more I admire and respect it. It is a shame Acura never promoted the 2005 and up RL and RLX. IMO one of the best and most competent sedans, especially when acquisition and running costs are considered.
First time I received praise from a Porsche owner. Fellow gym member complimented me on the finish of my RLX. I do my ceramic coating/detailing
If Acura thinks any shudder-ing can be fixed by changing the fluid, they are delusional lol
Luckily nothing yet on my '18 RLX...
my 18 has the shudder of death, most noticeable in reverse. The stealership stole $500 from me to perform the TSB for the shudder, claimed it was fixed and it’s not. Today, they mentioned that it might be normal behavior to violently jerk and shudder in reverse.
[QUOTE=CadiGTi;16937525]The only time I feel a shutter is occasionally when in Reverse at very low parking speed there is a very noticeable shutter. I think it occurs when the steering wheel is turned at angle (as in parallel street parking). Otherwise the powertrain is very smooth.
I have this exact problem, duplicated exactly the same. Mine seems rather violent when it does it. I’ve got 36k on the odo.
I've noticed the RLX hybrid programming is a bit more aggressive compared to my MDX hybrid. The RLX EV programming kicks in earlier, longer, more tq vectoring/reg braking, and can engage at higher speeds. Might explain the 3-5 mpg advantage for the RLX in low speed city driving (RLX only about 100lbs lighter compared to the MDX hybrid). Another difference is the RLX has the option to use EV mode only to reverse and the MDX hybrid always starts the 3.0L in reverse. I'm assuming the TMUs for both the MDX/RLX are 99% identical and the RLX reverse shutter might be felt more in EV mode. I image the TMU for the RLX is under more stress reversing +4400lbs compared to the +4500lbs MDX hybrid using the 3.0L and all 3 electric motors in reverse.
So, I took my care back in to the stealership and surprise!!! they reprogrammed the transmission and the shudder still happens. They then told me that its normal behavior for the car. I've had the car for 1 year and for the first 6 months it was fine, but I'm supposed to believe its just supposed to shudder always. riiiight.