Hello - first day on the forum and 2nd day owning my first Acura. With that said i'm not too familiar with common problems they have. I bought an automatic 2012 TL 2 days ago. 45k miles. I was wondering if anyone could help me out.

Whenever i start speeding up (from 1st to 2nd or 3rd to 4th) the car seems to jerk or "jolt" when shifting, a pretty hard shift. It does the exact same thing when i release the accelerator and it down shifts to first gear, gives me another annoying jolt when its slowing down. Higher gears are a less noticeable.

Any ideas on this one as far as what it could be, or the severity of the issue?

 

Search torque converter issues. A lot of people are having them replaced under warranty. Also you may need a software update. I have a 2012 and it is getting more and more jerky so Ill be taking mine in soon to have it looked at.

 

Thanks for the notice, ill definitely get those two things checked. Just for reference, when performing correctly, does the tl normally have a little more jerk when shifting than other models, or is it supposed to always shift as smooth as butter? Just trying to guage what is "correct performance" since i have not driven a tl before.

 

I have the exact same issue as you do. All the same symptoms for the same car. I kinda just learned to live with it. Usually happens from 1 to 2 shift. But if you accelerate a little harder, it'll eliminate the issue. I'm not sure if there is any software updates for the 2012.

 

same thing is starting to happen with me. But I have an 09 FWD. A friend of mine has a '10 Awd with the same issue as well.

 

The 09-11 AWD have software updates available! It seems to eliminate the issue somewhat in those models. 2012 and up does not have any software update yet..

 

Are the software updates available for free for cars out of warranty?

 

Yes, Acura extended the warranty On torque converters for these 09-11 models. Check with your dealer.

 

TC issue not only makes the shifting jerky and untimely but also at low speeds between 30-65Kmh in stop and go traffic you will notice it shifting too early and causing a shudder (vibration). I changed mine once and now the symptoms are back. Acura tested it again and said there's no problem this time. I call bullshit. Acura Client services were completely useless so far as well.

 

Alright, going to take my 2012 in while its still under warranty to see if theres anything they can do. Everything about the car is perfect except for that 1/2 gear shift, quite a shame. Will reply with update.