Hey everyone. First post here but I've gotten a lot of good info off of this site. Here's the situation:

05 TL with 5AT, about 49000 miles.

I bought this car in August and absolutely love the car. An issue that I've noticed that started a few weeks ago (I think), usually when the car has just warmed up after leaving home. Always driving between 45-50 MPH and the car has shifted into 5th with very little accelerator applied. I'm experiencing a fluctuation of RPM's around 200-300 while trying to maintain a constant speed. Periodically accompanied by what I could best describe as a "farting" noise. (The check engine light is not on, will it throw codes without the check engine light?) This only happens in 5th gear around 1500 RPM's.

On longer trips, the problem seems to resolve itself after being driven at higher speeds for extended periods. The closest Acura dealer is about 45 minutes away so I don't know if the car would still be doing it by the time I drove it there.

Am I being overly sensetive to something that is normal with these cars?

 

I have the same problem and I believe its "normal". I change to manual mode and downshift to 4th for portions of my drive where I know I will be in this flutter zone. The engine seems to shift too early into 5th. I don't experience any noises with the car.

 

Thanks for the reply. I've used sport mode a few times as well to hold the car in 4th at that speed. I have noticed that the more I warm up the car before driving the less it occurs.

 

It's not normal. Check your vacuum lines, EGR & PCV valve, clean your fuel injectors.. if all that checks out then take it into the stealership while it's still warrantied.

 

What is happening is the car is shifting into 5th gear before 50 MPH and under 1500 RPM, thus lugging the engine. If you put your car into 5th at 45-50, you'll get the same thing. I suggest you clean out the injectors with some seafoam, check your filters (replace if necessary) and check the condition of the transmission fluid.

 

Definitely check your ATF. At 49k you better jump on that one especially if you've never performed a 3x3 on it.

 

Let me clarify somewhat. The shift into 5th is taking place at or near 50mph. For example, 45 mph speedlimit where you get up to 50 at some point for the shift to happen, then slow somewhat to the 45-50 range. Should the car down shift with a 5 mph change in speed?

Is seafoam a gas additive?

 

I'll do that asap. thanks.

 

Yeah.. fill up the tank and put the fuel system cleaner in your tank. It'll clean out your injectors.

 

I had the ATF changed and it seems to have corrected the problem. It definetly got rid of the slight torque shudder I had between 2nd and 3rd.

Also had the PS hose/wiper recall, pollen filter and brake fluid flush while I had it in the shop. Runs like a champ again now. (not that it was running like a POS in the first place) They gave me an 09 TL as a loner. Still not sure what I make of the new model.