0pemnic

Any other TL owners think their auto transmission drives like a manual?

I have an 08 and notice it especially when slowing down and can feel the downshift. My car pulls back a bit when braking. The RPMs fall then jump back up slightly.

I've read it's all normal. Is this due to grade logic, VSA, or just the nature of the sporty TL -- to allow for an abundance of power on re-acceleration? Do auto Hondas also do this?

coyTL

yep, i have an 08 too and i noticed the same things as well...not as smooth as my old camry, but plenty of power! however, as a driver most of the time, i got used to it. as a passenger, it does jerk my head back and forth annoyingly.

can't help you with the reasons, but you aren't the only one with these annoyances.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

its supposed to do that....grade logic

Majofo

csmeance

Its a combo of the grade logic system and rev matching.

Bearcat94

Especially noticable on the 2 --> 1 downshift. Enough that a number of users have commented that it should be less noticable/smoother.

wall e

a lot of cars do that, like the Mini Cooper Type S, so its normal. and yes, my '08 TL does that jerk thing too, esp when im approaching a red light and my foot is covering the break pedal

mglax13

iTrader: (3)

You eventually get used to it though tot he point of knowing when to give it a little less brake and when to put some more brake on, etc...

As a passenger in my car (which happenes extremely rarely) the driver isn't used to it like I am, so it can get a bit jerky.

TLTrance

The strange thing is that my 2005 5AT does this too, but I only started noticing this AFTER I did an ATF change. I know about the "auto-brake" around 40-45mph, but what I have now is different. There definitely is a noticeable "slowdown" or "pullback" when it downshifts from 2 to 1.

jdmitr22

mine never did it before and just started...i dont think its normal lol

Cecilt

I noticed in my Type S auto immediately after purchasing it. I think it is very annoying and was almost thinking my tranny had a problem. Guess it is the way it is.

pregame

i experience this with mine as well, caught me by suprise the first few times, then called the dealer to make sure it was normal, no i just anticipate it

0pemnic

I also contacted the dealer to make sure it was normal!!
I wish some Acura expert could explain WHY the car does this. I have heard several different explanations.

ESHBG

I noticed it in an 08 TL loaner we had right away. I found it quite easy to get used to and liked it.

TL|GTX

Lol, i hate how acura dealers don't know anything and say it's normal. Like, when my steering wheel would shake rapidly, and they said its like that.

Nasty188

I love it when it down shifts, especialy if you have a cai and ATLP EX. you can hear a nice growl to it.

rksokol

I notice it more when I'm braking and going downhill.

bmwproboi05

My sisters 08 X5 does that too.

0pemnic

I drove an 02 Camry today and it's much smoother. :/ Love the TL except for this downshift behavior -- and it doesn't do it all the time. Can a moderator explain WHY?

jumbosizeme79

in my tl-s auto shifting period is always jerky, not so much, but still not as smooth as other cars surprisingly, i guess really aggressively or sports tuned?

Majofo

..I vote we close this thread already..

Grade Logic is a shifting algorithm for A/T. The main purpose is during uphill and downhill grades, it tells the car to remain in gear or drop a gear so the car doesn't burn up it's brakes when going downhill and has enough power to go uphill. When cornering it also controls whether to allow the Tranny to upshift or remain in gear allowing steady power to the wheels.

I'm guessing you drive a lot of traffic.. my .. get a M/T.. or use SS and keep it in a low gear if it bothers you. The TL transmission is very smooth. If you feel it is lagging when you throttle or if it feels rough / slipping between gears you probably have mechanical issues with your transmission.

I think most people appreciate the grade logic control as it helps maintain vehicle speed in non-linear driving conditions. The ultimate purpose of it is for safety.

YeuEmMaiMai

having driven both a 06 and 08 TL loaner, both cars did the same thing but on the 08 it was much more noticable. since my 02 trans was replaced, it also does the same thing with the new ECU......

ck123

my tsx does this too. its downshifting from 3rd to 1st gear. honda transmission arent as smooth as they use to be, my 88 civic shifted insanely smooth even with worn motor mounts. Is it true honda builds their own trannies and other companies buy theirs from a transmission company?

o4Komodo

iTrader: (2)

The transmissions may not be as "smooth" as they used to be because I, personally, believe, that this might be due to the "sequential-A/T" that most cars, including the TL, are now equipped with.
When you use SS-mode, you should generally feel the same type of movement from shifting.
I assume the 'full A/T' learns your driving habits and shifts for you, just like you would shift when using SS-mode.

Side note: YeuEmMaiMai... I love you long time as well. ;]