Firs off I have an 08 TL Type-S 5AT.
I was on the highway tonight and I noticed light colored smoke coming from the front end and smelt something burning. I then noticed that my car didn't want to shift gears manually and when I hit the exit ramp, even downshifting, the RPMs just sat at around 1500-2000.
Once I caught the first light and took off I noticed the trans was struggling to catch 2nd but eventually did and seemed like it just jumped to 3rd. Then about a half mile down I caught another light and the shit hit the fan.
I gave the car gas but the trans did not want to leave neutral. I kept giving it a little bit of gas and it would catch gear and drop almost instantaneously.
I was lucky enough to be right in front of the STS down the block from my apartment so I pretty much kept feathering the pedal until I managed to roll into the lot.
When I popped the hood to get a better look there was tranny fluid all over the splash guard and I also heard a random knock sound off a few times probably about 15 secs or so apart, almost like a rod knock, but it went away once I turned the engine off and back on.
Pretty sure I'm looking at a blown transmission but if anyone can help provide some clarity I'd appreciate it.

 

Blown transmission. Get it towed to a reputable place and have it diagnosed for sure. Be prepared to pay $2K-$4K to replace the tranny.

 

The TLS has an oil cooler so need to check all hoses. There also been reports of a failed radiator where the cooling lines attach.
Check hoses and fitting and if nothing found, clean the area, add fluid, start the car and see where the leak might be located.

 

Mine did the samething. Leaking from the radiator. Replace radiator, drain and fill Trans fluid and all is well again.

 

Uhh sounds like a hole got blown in the Tranny? or it's the lines. Hopefully just the lines or the tranny oil cooler and replace that. Hope it all goes way. Take it to a reputable shop that knows what they are doing.

 

Our Trans works by Hydraulic pressure. No fluid = no pressure.
I suspect a broken hose either on the trans or cooler line.

Let us know the outcome either way.
Good Luck

 

If the 08 TLS has an external trans cooler, does it bypass the radiator or does it still run thru the radiator?

 

You hit the nail right on the head. The radiator blew right at the trans cooler fitting and dumped out all the trans fluid and almost all the antifreeze too. Replaced the rad, hoses, cap, flushed the cooling system, and did a drain and fill on the trans and all is good as new

Gave me a pretty good scare tho

 

Great TO HEAR! These trannys are pretty stout and glad to hear it was Rad blowing,nothing internally.