ZOXTL

New member here, so first off hello to everyone.


Having an issue with my 2012 TL (AWD) in that under normal acceleration and cruising the car sort of starts to buck with the RPM needle going up and down until it decides what it wants to do. Sometimes it will chug along bucking until it changes gears (auto tranny) and sometimes it will just continue to chug to the point where you find yourself rocking in the seat as if you are giving it gas and letting off continuously. Anyone else have this problem? I bought the car new, so it has been very well maintained and not beat on.

SirCarroll

Search torque converter issues.

wreak

100% torque converter.

ZOXTL

Based on a lot of reading I have done on here, it would seem to be the TC. I am going to call the dealer to see what can be done.
Thanks for the replies.

SirCarroll

Any luck on that? I just took my '12 in yesterday and sure enough they are replacing the torque converter. It is on back order expected on Friday. I'll post back after the work has been completed with results. I'm kind of excited as a lot of folks have said it drives like a new car after it has been replaced. I suspect I haven't even got to enjoy the car the way it was meant to be at this point. Fingers crossed on getting better mileage after it has been replaced as well.

nkme2000

My torque converter is being replaced today.

Does anyone know if Acura is doing anything different with the replacement TC? or are they simply putting in a the same OEM part?

If so, am I going to see the same issues again???

SirCarroll

I have seen a couple threads about the TC and folks are saying that after about 30k it is coming back. This concerns me so I have the same question as you. Can anyone confirm a updated part #?

potmilkz

damn this happens only to AWD models?

nkme2000

nope. happened to my non-AWD 2012 TL

real_mckoy

does anyone know or can explain he reason the torque converters fail eventhough we know they are man made and parts dont last forever but why in mostly AWD? are the TC's for AWD and FWD different? are the TC's in AWD more heavy duty. Anyone out there can answer this for me i'm curious. Thanks in advance.

csmeance

Automatic transmission die a lot of the time due to heat problems. When the "torque converter" is working and there is an RPM difference the fluid heats up. Honda/Acura is notorious for making our cars drop into sub 1500RPM range when driving causing the bucking, transmission roughness, etc. Also almost every acura I've driven as more engine braking than I'm used to and I feel that also causes the transmission to heat up and cause failures down the road.

I feel that the J37 doesn't have enough power down low (sub 1500 rpm range) to power the AWD system and that is causing the car to lug at the RPM range causing the transmissions to heat up and fail over time. I've heard that adding the J-pipe to AWD models has improved MPG and removed the roughness but that may be false. Only way to find out is if someone else does it and reports back.

I would add in some lubeguard red and change the transmission fluid. That helps a lot of folks out. Also replacing the gear change pressure sensors "apparently" help on the 3G side but I haven't seen a single thing on the 4G side.