<p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7EMGnjEhmE</p><p>Alex Dykes explains in depth the workings of the ZF 9 speed, including the two unusual shift points that TLX V6 drivers have been talking about ever since the model was released.</p>

 

The way Alex describes this 9 speed transmission is nothing like how my TLX 9 speed transmission feels. I would be fine if there was a slight delay from 4-5 and then 7-8. He states that the 1-4 shifts "feel like normal: shift like every other transmission out there". This is not the case with our transmissions, where 2-3 is the main concern. Acura has the programming very off, even with the new TSB 15-040 release. Still a terrible transmission.

 

I drove a Chrysler 300 last weekend while up in IL for a wedding. I drove 850 miles over the 5 days. The ZF9 in the 300 did not feel like the one in our TLX. It shifted smoothly and without noticeable jerks.

 

I think the 300 has an 8 speed, whereas the 200 has the ZF 9 speed unit.

 

I drove a 200 rental for the day a few weeks ago. It had several "jarring" shifts.

 

So what you're saying is the TLX is comparable in quality to it's MUCH cheaper rival. Got it.

 

You are right - I stand corrected.

 

i "feel" the shifts from time to time in my lady's TLX, its maybe not completely smooth but i know its far from jarring. shes pretty picky so ive told her to keep me updated on it and no complaints so far. i would love to ride in someone's "jarring" ride just to see if its something ive just accepted as normal so i dont even pay attention it or if its something thats so bad that it isnt livable.

 

Wow. Thanks for sharing.. I just got a call from my dealer to pick up the car as they did the update for the 3rd time, and when i asked about what update number, its the same

 

I am disappointed to hear these comments.

The two TLX 3.5 that I drove shifted the way Alex describes, but I really only noticed the first dog tooth shift enough to find it something worthy of remark.

 

The hard shifts have smoothed out a tad after a few months of driving the car, still there under light acceleration but nothing that bothers me much at this point.
Under heavy acceleration they are non existent...

What bothers me is they 1-2 second delay when I floor it to pass and the acceleration during downshifts, at times it can be dangerous if you don't anticipate for this while driving.

You would think Acura could have solved this completely with a proper software update, doesn't sound like they have...

Do you guys who have had the update still have the throttle response issue when passing and the downshift acceleration?

 

Can't you force the downshift with the paddles to get a faster response?

 

The perception of "delays" are here to stay, I'm afraid. :-(

Unless you're in Sport Mode before you have to floor it, it just takes a short moment for the car to see that you really mean business. It's not that long in real time...in my case about ¼ s. But it is within the scope of human perception and therefore somewhat disturbing.

With my car, in some situations, you can push the throttle pedal and the car pushes your foot back (!!) as if to ask, Are you sure?

If you are facing another car or an obstacle and you push the throttle hard, the radar warns the car that there is something in the way, and the throttle pedal becomes harder to push, and it will even flutter the pedal to be sure you are really awake and behaving with attention.

I understand. I get it. But at the same time, it can be maddening.

And you can't really drive around in Sport Mode.

 

Why do you say that ? I have always driven in Sport mode cause Normal is simply to unreal for this car. Hell I don't even know why they put Econ mode hahahah But I think u meant Sport Plus mode

 

I don't have a V6 but no way in hell you'll catch me driving in Econ or Normal. I drive around in Sport mode but starting to use Sport+ with the paddles lately.

 

I have a 5G Legend, and I'm speaking from that experience.

I only have a Sport Mode, not two levels of modes.

In my Sport Mode, you can't get into 7th gear below 90, and the car stays on the torque band, even conducting aggressive, rev-matching double downshifts.

And in Sport Mode, all four motors stay on all the time.

That's hell on gas mileage, and the car makes enough noise outside the car that people will turn and look.

So...I apologize if I got it wrong. I was speaking from my personal experience in my personal car, and in my personal experience having a TLX V6 for short periods on two different occasions.

:-)

 

You know what?

Now that you've made me think about it...both times I was in a TLX V6, I did end up leaving them in Sport Mode (not Sport Plus) for the entire driving time.

You've caught me. I just got it wrong.

Sorry!!

My personal car just behaves very aggressively in Sport Mode.

 

Nice! and yes even though ur dp says its all I mistook ur comment for the TLX. Im glad your RLX is that good in Sports mode... Make people turn their heads is something we desperately need lol and thats for sound i say ...

 

In case you want to swap:

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