Yesterday, I purchased a pre-owned 2012 Acura TL Base. 123k miles.

Still "getting used to" the newer TL (previously owned 2000 TL). Transmission shifting seems "different" to me. I do not think anything is wrong. No reason to get it looked at professionally. Just "different". Hard to describe but it feels like when I go slow off the start, it somewhat "hangs". It's like - if I go harder on the gas, it shifts better. Sorry, really hard to explain. I do not want to say its slipping or banging. Often, I get a sensation like a "shuddering". Or like the RPMs rev up, but when off the gas it revs down and then up again quickly, then down again. Anyway, I checked the Service Bulletin but I do not believe it applies to my VIN number. So, I will not be taking it to Acura for the Software Update.

However, I am going to do a flush and fill (3 times, 3.3 quarts each time) before the end of the week. The CarFax shows the vehicle had a transmission flush 12k miles ago, but in August 2023 (previous owned did not drive the car much). The fluid is full and actually looks pretty good. Maybe I will be wasting my money by doing this flush, but I think I am going to do it and "baby" the fluid and see if it helps. Your thoughts?

Thank you very much. Appreciated.

 

change the ATF filter (external to the trans) and also change your fluid. The trans learns your driving style so you might need to drive it a bit more for it to learn your driving habits. Mine used to have a slight hang when shifting and doing the 3x3 helped a lot. My dealer did the 3x3 a while ago and I've been doing a trans fluid drain and refill every oil other oil change to make sure it stays fresh.

I also added a little bit of Lubegard Platinum on the last 3x3 and it made shifting a lot smoother and less noticeable. I didn't put the recommended dose but 1/2 the recommended dose.

I ended up buying cases of DW1 ATF from Bernardi Honda/Acura and its cheaper than ebay, amazon and my local dealer, less than $10/quart. Shop around and you can save a LOT.

Also dont' forget to get a new crush washer for the trans drain plug, use it on your last fluid change when doing the 3x3.

 

Thank you, friend! Sounds like you and I both love some fresh tranny fluid!! Thanks for the tip about the crush washer.

Also, I read (and also heard the same from Acura dealer) that the flush is done twice. So, first flush. Then drive around up to 50MPH with TCS off, go through reverse and neutral multiple times. Then flush and fill again. Then, in between oil changes. Having this done next week. Oh yeah, already have the OEM Trans Filter.

 

Crush washer = 200mm? I have 18mm but I think that was for my 2000 Acura TL. Either way, I just purchased 20mm on Amazon.

 

Did you also do a PC reset? Disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes then reconnecting it in opposite order (negative - positive off, then positive negative on)? I heard this could help, too? But I have to make sure I have my navigation code. I have radio code.

Lubeguard - hmmmm. Many folks say NEVER to add anything to your fluid. But sounds like you had good success?!?

 

You do the drain and refill 3 times with about 3.5 quarts of fluid hence the 3x3 name for the flush! The trans holds more than 50% of the fluid so you'll never change it on the first go around, pan holds around 3.5 qts, trans holds the rest around 5.5 qts if I remember correctly.

 

I was just going by what the Service Bulletin said. I think I will do 2 flushes on Tuesday and then when next oil change is due, do another flush. I also have a new OEM filter too.
Then, want to "reset" PC and do idle relearn. Think car needs to learn ME versus previous owner. (but, have to find out what to do about navigation code....I have radio code).

 

You can go to this website and get the code with some info from your car:
https://mygarage.honda.com/s/radio-nav-code?brand=Acura

I'm not sure if the battery reset might do it, but def perform an idle relearn before you start off after undoing the battery:

1. Make sure all electrical items (a/c, audio, lights, etc) are off.

2. Reset the ECM/PCM (pulling the power by unplugging the battery works well).

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and wait 2 seconds.

4. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, or until the engine coolant temperature reaches 194 F (90 C).

5. Let the engine idle for about 5 minutes with the throttle closed. (NOTE: if the fan comes on, do not include its running time in the 5 minutes.

 

The keyboard on my tablet makes me typo! 20mm for sure. Received via Amazon.

 

Back from mechanic. Replaced tranny fluid 2x and filter. I am noticing improvement (also disconnected battery for half hour) thinking the car and I are getting used to each other!
mechanic said car looks solid. Said has small rear main seal leak, as most honda/acura do at 100k miles. Wonder why they can't find a better design or at least make a lifetime gasket. Jeeez......
he said don't worry about leak as it's small right now.
alos, mounts are good.
Next job is valve cover gaskets.
Thanks!

 

While the "shuddering" or "hesitation from stop" has improved, it is still there, or at least in my mind. Again, maybe I am just getting used to the newer car. Maybe it is just me. Just feels that off the start or off a stop, unless I give it a good punch of gas, the car wants to "hang". Its almost like...unless I get more aggressive and run the car through its gears, it gives me an attitude. ha!!!!
However, I do not want to take to dealer or transmission shop, but no matter what machine they put it on or no matter how they review the transmission performance, they will say it needs a rebuilt, of course.

My question is, if there was a transmission "issue", wouldn't I get a Check Engine Light? (Which I am not getting).

 

And forgot to mention, I hear a very faint WHINE (low volume noise, not as loud as my 2000) noise when accelerating. Noise comes from front left - transmission area.
I think I just have to keep driving the car and maybe do another transmission fluid and filter change (just did a 2x2 last week - fluid now looks brand new on stick).
or just keep driving and see what happens.......

 

Don't think check engine light comes on for shudder. Think acura used to recommend 3 full fluid changes, running trans thru gears between each change. Had to do that before replacing torque converter. Out of the business now but do remember problem. Don't remember my service bulletins

 

You can look at input speed sensor and output speed sensor values on scanner to see if there is torque converter judder, but you need a good scan tool to read this. If the values are really off, then you will get a check engine light. 1st gear is very short in our cars so that might be you getting used to it, esp if you have the 6spd in the 2012+ models. Did you recheck the fluid after the filter change? I was a little bit low after I did it and needed a 1/4 quart to get it to the right level.

This video is for Ford, but same diagnostic applies, data collection starts at 1:30:

 

Thank you so much. Will check fluid again.

 

Big Dom-New upper/lower (4G TL Motor Mounts post) transmission mounts have definitely improved perceived transmission judder as well. I had the software update done many years ago as well as the judder was prominent at approximately 25K miles.

 

The translator says that in English this is called self-hypnosis.

 

Thank you. I was thinking of doing tranny mounts.
to confirm, you ONLY did the two tranny mounts, and not motor mounts, correct?
I have been searching ON AcuraOEMparts - but also searching rockauto, too.

 

I did a 2x2 flush with new filter. At next oil change, I will do another flush with Aisin DW1 and new filter (again).

When looking at the service bulletin, I do not think the bulletin applies to my VIN. If I am reading correctly.....

 

Correct, I only replaced the two tranny mounts. The upper one is quite large and hydraulic, so I'm sure it has a big job. The lower one is simply a rubber disc enclosed in metal. Ordered from Curry Acura in Scarsdale, NY. Their pricing was a bit more than APW, but shipping was more reasonable due to my location. Motor mounts will be next.

 

Either that or I am losing more of my hearing and feeling. But seriously, changing those two mounts have made a world of difference! I know you recommended that front motor mount in a previous post, motor mounts will be my next project.

 

Flyinblyian - Bucks County? What part. Wife is from Bristol. I've worked in Lamghorne and Newtown. Cheers!

 

Big Dom-Yardley! Grew up here, but also lived in Newtown for 18 years. Very small world!

 

Yardley = Carlicci's Restaurant!
Newtown = worked on Rt 332 for a few years.

 

Mechanic gave me a quote for upper tranny mount replacement. Didn't include bottom. Said bottom rarely needs to be done. ???
next oil change will have mount changed, and another fluid swap. Thanks!!!!

 

Hopefully the quote was reasonable! Replacing the upper mount wasn't too difficult if you are don't mind a little DIY.

Agree on the bottom mount feedback, I read the very same thing. I just replaced it because of my OCD, the old one didn't look bad at all.

Good luck!

*Ordered from Carlucci's Express last night, just about a 5 minute drive from home!