I just bought a 2008 TL with ~16k miles. Love the car so far but am curious of if it is "normal" that the car seems to downshift when slowing down. When I begin to slow down for a stop light the car downshifts automatically (the RPMs jump up and then go back down quickly). Probably a stupid question but is this normal?? No previous car I have owned did this so I want to make sure it is not an issue. Thanks.

 

Check the FAQ:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/car-slows-down-itself-569598/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/difficulty-coasting-548549/

No issue.

 

Thank you!!

 

Glad I could help.

 

yeah, it's normal been that way for Acura since at least 2000 TL

 

GOOD to know as i was wondering this too!

 

Don't all auto transmissions downshift when slowing down?

 

My last two previous cars (Altima, Grand Prix) didn't like my TL does. Eventually they would coast to a stop but my new ride downshifts which is what concerned me. Getting used to it now and have modifyed my braking style.

Thanks for the replies!!

 

Yes but these some of these TL's will downshift too soon as you slow down. When it downshifts too soon, it causes a slight increase in engine RPM and a slight jerking sensation.
My car does it sometimes, but not always. It just depends on driving conditions and if the electronics are "tricked". so much of these cars are electronics controlled, that sometimes all the tolerances add up to a glitch. So it just depends on driving/operating conditions as to if the tranny wants to downshift early.

again, my car does that sometimes.

My tranny though, when I put it in drive, I get 2 sudden impulses to go forward. like the 1st didnt get it all the way in drive. Not sure why

 

wow, am I glad I found this forum, I was almost ready to take my TL into the Acura dealer, especially after all the UA and braking stuff going on with Toyota right now I thought my TL might be doing something similar but I see that it isn't; my 08 is doing what you all have been describing but it doesn't happen all the time; its seems pretty random, sometimes on flat surfaces or going down a slight hill, etc I feel these downshifts as the car slows down at around 10-30mph! I thought the big rubber winter mats were up aganist the pedal or it was the ABS causing the jerking sensations because at times they have been so severe that I thought I was losing control of the car but as time has gone on, I have gotten used to it!

its weird though, I had a 06 TL before my 08 and I don't ever remember that one doing this! how very odd! anyway, thanks for all the info guys and I'm glad to finally figure out what that jerking sensation was because I really thought something was wrong with my TL!

 

If you guys feel the downshifts are too abrupt you can slap it into SS and it should shift down linearly. I usually drive in SS 90% of the time. The reason it downshifts as you slow isn't related to any electrical issues. It's programmed to downshift to use the engine to slow the vehicle coupled with the brakes. The brakes also use a vacuum booster so the relation between vacuum range & speed is taken into consideration ensuring stopping / braking force is optimum. Next time it downshifts, take a note of the RPM.

 

So, these downshifts are not bad for our transmissions? My TL does this almost every day going to school at the same location. On one of the roads I travel, there is a downward hill then there is a sharp right turn at the bottom. So when I am traveling at 40-45 MPH, I have to brake to about 30 MPH at the bottom of the hill to make the turn and this is when my transmission downshifts. It kinda jerks like others have been noting. I always quiver when it happens thinking it is bad.

 

nope, don't worry about it.. in fact, going downhill into a turn, it should downshift so a) your speed is reduced without excessively heating up your brakes & b) you have power through the turn. Now if you start noticing flares / very harsh downshifts & upshifts, you'll definitely want to consider the miles you have on your ATF & AT. It could be time for a 3x3 / pressure switch replacement.

 

Ok, good. I am probably a little too cautious about these things. I did do a 1x drain and fill at the dealer about 2500 miles ago when I bought the car. The only times I notice slightly hard shifts is when it is cold out and the engine is cold. I am thinking this is normal as well.