I just bought a 2013 base tl. It shifts hard in all gears. The previous owner said he just changed the trans fluid. I seen Valvoline atf in the trunk of the car. So I ordered amsoil trans fluid for it which I plan on changing this weekend. Is there a filter I should change or shift solenoid I should change too? I'm new to gen 4 but I've owned a few gen 3 and Gen 2. Do they all shift hard? Is it normal? Any help would be great as to what to change to fix the issue short of the whole trans? I tried to search but came up with a lot of irrelevant stuff.

 

The shifts are certainly noticeable, but should not be harsh. Similar to a properly running 07-08 TL transmission. There is a replaceable filter, but it usually makes a noise you can hear from the car interior on a cold start when it needs replacing. No harm in replacing it. How many miles on the car?

 

185,000. I know nothing of its maintenance history other than the trans fluid was recently changed. I had an 08 base tl. This one shifts a great deal harder than my 08 did.

 

The 13 6spd trans is a bit harsher but crisp on shifts than the buttery ones of the 3G TL. I have about the same mileage and have found doing an ATF drain and refill every other oil change keeps the trans very happy. If you want to soften the shifts slightly, you can add a few oz of lubeguard red but that will make the shifts feel not as crisp/firm.