Hi guys, first time poster. I have a new to me, 2012 TL Base AT with 23,000 miles. I was experiencing "clunky" and "hesitant" transmission behavior at slow speeds. I had read about a software update for the 2009-2011 TL's but never seen anything for the 2012 and newer cars with the 6-speed auto. On a recent trip to the dealer (Acura of Columbus) to I mentioned the transmission behavior to my service adviser and to my surprise he said that there was a software update for my car. He said that Honda developed updated software for the 2012 + transmissions but never released an official TSB. They only found out about it when a rep from Honda's Marysville facility (about 20 minutes away) visited. I've just gotten my car back this afternoon and the update has made a night and day difference. The shifts are much smoother and no longer "clunk" or "grab". I'll post my paperwork from the service as soon as I get home.

 

Mods, can you please move this thread to the Problem/Fixes section.

 

Interesting, I also have a 2012 and was going to ask about this on my next trip to the dealer. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Nice to hear I will also asks for this is there a way to check if the new software is already installed?

 

Here is a copy of the service report.

https://i.imgur.com/MeyqfAx.jpg

 

I bet they just unplugged your battery and the transmission is just re-learning!

 

Anyone know if this update would apply to the 2013 FWD with Advance pkg?

 

I had it done 4 days ago and the jumping feeling at low rpms switching from first to second gear is gone. But now my car feels sluggish when trying to pass cars on the highway.

 

I've been experiencing the same thing since my update. It seems that the car is not as willing to downshift once it gets into 5/6 gear at highway speeds. I'll have to bring it up with the SA during my next service.

 

Yeah, but it's so hesitant to downshift, which you know since you're also experiencing it, that it feels like I'm driving an old lincoln or something. That "pep" it had before the update is gone. So, to fix this, I mostly drive in sport mode now. If you're doing 75, and downshift to 4th, it'll put you at about 4500rpm which provides PLENTY of passing power, then I just paddle shift back into 6th and pop my shifter into "D"rive. It's a pretty good excuse to use sport mode too if your wife is in the car with you

 

Dealer can check VIN numbers to see if the update is available or if it has been done or not. It is to fix/prevent torque converter shudder. It will not cause any other problems, but can help prevent torque converter problems in the future

 

I am experiencing similar issues with my 2012. Is there any more info on what update I should ask my dealer to perform? Can I call them and ask about my VIN for them to look up the status over the phone?

 

I recently traded in my 09' Si for a 12' TL. Long story short, it seems to have similar issues; laggy shifts and overall poor performance. I really hope this software update can correct the issue. I'd hate to get rid of this car, it's fun to drive and I love the Awd system, but I'm not buying a transmission for it.

 

Actually there should be a update for the Torque converter also. These cars come with auto locking torque converter which causes the car to lock between shifts at low rpm and there's been issues. Just take the car to the dealer and ask them to perform any updates on the transmission or torque converter.

I had problems with my 09' I switched out all the transmission fluid for d4 redline atf and did the torque converter update and seemed fine after.

 

Yes after driving it for a while, I can definitely testify to the torque converter being the issue. It seems to want to lock up as early as possible. It seems to lock up almost immediately after shifting into 2nd gear.
I went to the Acura dealership and they have it a software update but it only helped a little. The converter still locks up way too early.
Here is the service record. Is there another update for just the converter?

 

Don't think there is another update. If the torque converter is locking up harshly still I could be that the torque converter is now damaged and they would need to replace it if the issue continues even with the update.

Have you replaced your ATF yet?

How long was the car doing this for? I use to get a shutter also when I bought my car at 60,000k and at 40 km/h not mph. I did the update then fully flushed my transmission 3 different times. I put Redline D4 ATF because I was out of the transmission warranty period at the time.

 

I just bought it a few weeks ago. It isn't terrible but it's also not designed properly. Not cool for a late model car from a company with such a reputation for quality.
I put in Redline D6 fluid a week ago and it helped a little. I don't get the shutter but the early TC lockup causes it to bounce after the early shifts and any time I get on and off the gas it is a rough transition. Feels like I'm driving a standard without a clutch.

 

Yeah. They have had multiple complaints about the Prop Shafts and Torque Converters on this car. Other then that, that's about it and the oil consumption on the 6 speeds.

How many times have you flushed your transmission?

 

I pumped out a gallon by disconnecting a hose, then refilled, pumped another gallon, and refilled again. I like doing this to get almost a full exchange.
I'm tempted to try a Lubegard product next but can't decide if there is really any more room for improvement or if I need to learn to live with the crappy design.

 

Had this done about two weeks ago at the dealership after nagging the service rep and having multiple techs bring it out. Finally one of the techs that was working felt the shudder and slow shift from 1st to 2nd gear. Applied the update and it does lag still from 1st to 2nd but not nearly as bad. It seems to have made the shifts with the paddles faster as well

 

I've contacted several Acura dealers here in the valley and none have an update for my TL. Guess I cross my fingers and don't leave town?

 

This is not an issue with the actual transmission its the TORQUE CONVERTER. Ask them to perform an update on it if it already hasn't been updated.

 

I had my 2012 transmission software updated a few days ago. It is cleared it up except for when the engine is cold. I still need to do the 3x flush and replace the filer. We'll see if that clears the rest up.