Hey guys! I just got a new to me TL last month and have put about 2 thousand miles on it with the long trip home. Something I'm noticing is there's a significant clunk when I shift from P-R, or D-R, or R-D on any incline that's gotten worse in the last 500 miles or so, I didn't notice it at all when I bought it and did have a pre purchase inspection done. The bigger the incline the worse it gets, and I notice it every time I have to 3 point turn or park in a tight space.

I started using the parking brake every time I stop, but I'm still hearing the clunk. Clunk is worst going into reverse. I'm due for an oil change and going to take it to the dealer for the first one. How should I describe the problem and what should I ask them to check. Motor and tranny mounts?

This is the type of sound that makes me cringe, because you just feel something bad will follow sooner or later.

 

Ok, here is the well known thing with Honda/Acuras: That is going to happen every time you are on an incline. Every time, period. I had a 1989 Honda CRX for 20 years, a Honda Accord for 5 years, a 2002 Acura TL-S for 11 years, and now my '12 TL.

Every single one of these cars made that horrible thunk when on an incline. Here is what you do:
1) Come to a stop on the incline. Do not stop pushing the foot brake.
2) Pull the parking brake up.
3) Put the car in park.
4) Let your foot off the foot brake.

When ready to go from Park to R or D:
1) Depress the foot brake
2) Shift the car into R or D
3) Release the parking brake
4) Release the foot brake

If you hear the thunk or feel a lurch on level ground, then you definitely have a motor mount issue.

 

+1 on this.
If you have an auto transmission and park incline, you will hear a clunk when shifting from P to reverse.
Try the method Optimus Prime described will reduce that clunk noise significantly. Good luck and keep us update.

 

I edited your quote with what I do to prevent the clunk. It's a normal sign of the Parking Paw on automatics having a lot of pressure/tension on it when you are on an incline/parked. When the parking paw retracts it cause the clunking sound.