I have an Automatic 2004 TL with 36,xxx miles that i bought used in march. Every now and again, while stopping, it'll downshift very hard from im guessing 2nd to 1st or maybe 3rd to 2nd. Usually im under 15 mph when it happens.


What makes it worse is that its not consistent and can go days before happening again. Ive checked the transmission fluid and taken it to the dealer twice and both times even after 15 minutes of driving, we couldnt duplicate the problem. Ive also not been able to find any common conditions (hot or cold engine, electrical surges, etc...).

Has anyone experienced this? My gut tells me that im the only one since i havent found any postings about it in any forums yet.

 

Try flushing/replacing the transmission fluid.

My TL-S auto doesn't do that, but the brakes "groan" when they're cold and I come to a complete stop...So I guess it's going to something one way or the other...

 

Thanks harddrivin1le, I think they did that once during the visit to the dealer but its worth trying somewhere else or at a different dealer.
Hopefully, its as easy as that...

 

Sounds like grade logic/engine breaking to me but of course I could be wrong. Do a search for these items. There are many threads on it. If that is indeed what it is then it is normal.

 

Wow!!!! So easy!! Grade Logic Control... Ill never forget that!!! Everyones description sounds exactly like my situation. I wonder why those guys at the dealership couldnt just tell me that!!

Anyway... Feel much better.
Thanks everyone!!

 

I just bought a 2008 TL Type S and it does the same thing! I took it to the dealer and a service technician test drove it and he said that he's felt it on other TL-S before. He said there's nothing they could do about it, but that I could call the customer relations number and file a complaint, which I just did. If enough people complain about this, they may look into a recall. My friend has a 2005 TL and it does the same thing, however, I have driven his car many times, and I don't feel it as much as in my car. Here's the number for customer relations so that you can file a complaint if you want: 1-800-382-2238. Hope this helps =)