Michaelvg1

I noticed a few times that when I am braking to slow down, I can actually feel the car downshift. Does anyone else have this? I actually like it. It usually happens from 4th to 3rd or 3rd to 2nd.

adam209

ummmm...yea. that's the point i thought

Michaelvg1

I guess. It's like downshifting with a standard and taking your foot off the clutch to slow down. I just never though you would be able to feel the gear so much.

Thanks for your help... I think...

Norse396

Every AT downshifts automatically...

adam209

is the problem that you don't like to feel it? or that you like the fact that it does it? or is there no problem at all just simply commenting on it?

ravi

i think hes tryin toosay that since its a 35k "luxary car" you shouldnt be able to feel it as much...

BrandHdriver

You'll notice it more as your slowing while going downhill. It's the grade-logic feature in the auto tranny.

My '00 Odyssey had the same feature, although it would downshift abruptly at times, with noticable deceleration. The TL is much more subtle (preferred by me).

Michaelvg1

I like it actually.
It more noticable when going down hill.
Just wanted to know if anyone else noticed it.
Thanks

dcarlinf1

Yep, I've noticed it. I was wondering if it was learning my driving style and adapting, but the grade-logic info above makes more sense.

rets

I'm not pretty sure if this thread's topic is related to them, but I just post what Acura says below. These two systems are supposed not to give you any sudden downshift in normal driving.

In 04TL 5AT, there are two advanced systems in helping control the trasmission/shifting.

When in automatic mode, the transmission incorporates an advanced Grade Logic Control System and Shift Hold control, which work to reduce gear "hunting" and unnecessary shifting.

To cut down on unnecessary shifting when negotiating winding roads, the Sequential SportShift automatic incorporates improved logic called Shift-Hold Control. When the throttle is suddenly released and the brakes are applied, as is the case when decelerating at the entrance of a corner, Shift-Hold Control keeps the transmission in its current (lower) ratio as it negotiates the corner and accelerates out. This feature leaves the chassis undisturbed by excess shifting, and ensures that abundant power is available without a downshift at the exit of the corner.

Sorry, I cannot find English pciture. This is Shift Hold Control system.




The 5-speed automatic alters its shift schedule when traveling uphill or downhill to reduce shift frequency, and improve speed control. Throttle position, vehicle speed and acceleration/deceleration are continuously measured, then compared with a map stored in the transmission computer. The Grade Logic Control System then determines when the car is on a hill and automatically adjusts the shift schedule to hold the engine in a lower gear for better climbing power or increased downhill engine braking.

paulokui

Thanks for the info. rets. I think this is correct since I have the 2002 TLS and have the same sensation when decellerating down hill without applying the brakes. Sometimes when the transmission is quirky it will downshift so harshly that I slide out of my seat a little.

digital_b

isnt this called 'engine braking'? luxury has nothing to do with physics.

Tread

Yes, but this abrupt downshift cause the car to loose balance at that point, I was on snow a month back and it caused the car to break loose, which I recovered, but that should not happen. Same could be said on rain soaked roads.

I agree, it is too abrupt and not when you expect it sometimes.

I don't consider it doing anything to improve safety, that is for sure.

Salden

I've been driving a stick for 10+ years exclusively and I noticed this downshift right away the night I brought it home. It seems that the 5-4 downshift occurs right when slowing down past 40mph. Very noticeable especially going downhill. I've learned to compensate my braking and ease up a bit when hitting that mark.

Michaelvg1

So... Is it a good or bad thing? Should we be requesting an overall fix or recall?

teamtl

It is a very good thing and will save your brakes in the long run. I just finished a trip from Denver to Steamboat and the transmission would downshift, under braking, to hold down my speed without the need for additional braking. You can do the same thing or eliminate the "problem" if you wish by going to SS if you like, but for an automatic trany to be this adaptive is great and something that if you drive in the mountains alot, you will enjoy.