9AT Hard Shift 1-2 and 2-3
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 116
From: NJ
I’m also noticing annoying behavior of the transmission (in my case, TLX V6-Tech; 4 months; ~2200 miles). Transmission problems (9AT) seem to be cropping up in disparate comments spread throughout Acurazine.
My TLX is on the “parking brake recall” list, but it appears the issues aren’t confined to just the parking brake! (I’ve never experienced a problem with “P” because I alway engage the emergency brake when parked!)
Here are just 2 of the annoyances I’m noticing that can be easily described and are reproducible:
(1) When proceeding slowly from parking garage, foot lightly on brake, I frequently experience a sudden acceleration when mildly letting up just a tad on the brake pedal! No foot on accelerator pedal.
(2) When coming to a stop (no matter how gently), I often experience momentary surges. When full stop is achieved, it is frequently associated by a last-minute attempt to lunge forward (slap on my back)!
There are other disconcerting lunges at various times while on the road, but the two (above) are the events that can be readily duplicated.
My TLX is on the “parking brake recall” list, but it appears the issues aren’t confined to just the parking brake! (I’ve never experienced a problem with “P” because I alway engage the emergency brake when parked!)
Here are just 2 of the annoyances I’m noticing that can be easily described and are reproducible:
(1) When proceeding slowly from parking garage, foot lightly on brake, I frequently experience a sudden acceleration when mildly letting up just a tad on the brake pedal! No foot on accelerator pedal.
(2) When coming to a stop (no matter how gently), I often experience momentary surges. When full stop is achieved, it is frequently associated by a last-minute attempt to lunge forward (slap on my back)!
There are other disconcerting lunges at various times while on the road, but the two (above) are the events that can be readily duplicated.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: Tampa Bay, FL
I had the software update done for the 9AT over at john eagle in houston while getting the transmission recall looked at. It seems to have resolved the hard shifting between 2-3. I never really had an issue with 1-2. Seems to have really smoothed out the shifting from a dead stop.
Cruisin'
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 17
I don't recall if Consumer Reports had commented on the transmission issue in the 9AT yet, but they have now. This is from the April 2015 Consumer Reports magazine, TLX profile: "The six cylinder engine is a gem, with plenty of refined power, but its nine-speed automatic transmission shifts roughly."
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 116
From: NJ
Dealer was unable to get the car to duplicate the awful behavior described above (only did it on the coldest mornings). They applied a TCM software update and the 1-2 and esp 2-3 upshifts are much smoother now. I still find myself bracing for the hard 2-3 but it isn't there anymore. Now fix my VCM vibrations and I'll be a happy man.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,204
Likes: 1,267
^^ I hope the fix will last as well. It seems that some people have had some updates temporarly fix the problem only to resurface. I was SO HOPING that by this time, all transmission software related glitches would be solved but I guess not there yet....
Cruisin'
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
FWIW, I had the same problem on my 2015 TLX SH-AWD. I described the problem to the dealer and they test drove it and felt the same problem. When I picked the car up they said they did some sort of "TCM Update" and then an "Idle Relearn". Now the car shifts 100 times better between 1st/2nd and 2nd/3rd. Granted, I've only driven it a few miles since the service call, so I'm hoping I don't run into the same issues described above with the fix only being temporary.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 116
From: NJ
Yes they also did an idle relearn to my car (in case I didn't mention it). This update makes the car much nicer to drive as you don't need to worry about those tough shifts even though I still expect to feel them after living with them for 5k miles.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,204
Likes: 1,267
** Interesting rumor **
While watching one of my favorite car show in Canada (in French), one of the host for which I have lots of respect, was talking about the ZF unit and the Acura TLX. He said that Acura Canada has acknowledged to him that they are having issues with the 9 speed BUT and this is what is interesting, he says that Acura has indicated that this tranny is a temporary unit while they are developing their own unit - That should be interesting and curious if they are developing a DCT unit that could handle the power of the V6?!
I could post the link once the show becomes available online for those that speak french....
While watching one of my favorite car show in Canada (in French), one of the host for which I have lots of respect, was talking about the ZF unit and the Acura TLX. He said that Acura Canada has acknowledged to him that they are having issues with the 9 speed BUT and this is what is interesting, he says that Acura has indicated that this tranny is a temporary unit while they are developing their own unit - That should be interesting and curious if they are developing a DCT unit that could handle the power of the V6?!
I could post the link once the show becomes available online for those that speak french....
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 1,405
From: Ohio
** Interesting rumor **
While watching one of my favorite car show in Canada (in French), one of the host for which I have lots of respect, was talking about the ZF unit and the Acura TLX. He said that Acura Canada has acknowledged to him that they are having issues with the 9 speed BUT and this is what is interesting, he says that Acura has indicated that this tranny is a temporary unit while they are developing their own unit - That should be interesting and curious if they are developing a DCT unit that could handle the power of the V6?!
I could post the link once the show becomes available online for those that speak french....
While watching one of my favorite car show in Canada (in French), one of the host for which I have lots of respect, was talking about the ZF unit and the Acura TLX. He said that Acura Canada has acknowledged to him that they are having issues with the 9 speed BUT and this is what is interesting, he says that Acura has indicated that this tranny is a temporary unit while they are developing their own unit - That should be interesting and curious if they are developing a DCT unit that could handle the power of the V6?!
I could post the link once the show becomes available online for those that speak french....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 767
Likes: 891
From: Ohio
Interesting! I'm taking mine in tomorrow to have the driver's side puddle light replaced since it went out already... while I'm there they're going to check and see if the TCM update is available for mine... I hope that it is and that it works.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,204
Likes: 1,267
I could be wrong but imagine if I got this FORECAST right though?!? *lol*
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 13
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 116
From: NJ
The folks on TOV are smarter than that. Maybe you're thinking of the S2000 replacement which they said is rumored to have a detuned version of the engine originally developed for the NSX (before they switched to a longitudinal layout halfway through the development) and the 7DCT from the RLX.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 536
Ron, can you describe what you felt is different? I'm hoping whatever they do to my car helps the early clunky shifts, but doesn't wreck anything else. It's gotten to the point that's about the only thing that annoys me about this car..... I think. lol.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 767
Likes: 891
From: Ohio
I'm going to take it back in yet again for this idle relearn that Rick describes.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 14
From: Chicago Suburb
FYI. My service manager got back to me yesterday, and reconfirmed that there is a software update coming for the 9AT specifically to smooth everything out, but it is NOT available yet.
He said that he called tech services last Friday to try to get an ETA (as he has several other customers waiting on this), and they acknowledged it's coming but no ETA yet.
He said that he called tech services last Friday to try to get an ETA (as he has several other customers waiting on this), and they acknowledged it's coming but no ETA yet.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 767
Likes: 891
From: Ohio
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 14
From: Chicago Suburb
Sorry, I haven't looked for a couple of days.
As evidenced by comments in other threads, the transmission update that everyone's referring to is the same one my dealer did on my car in February. It cured the 1-2 shift beautifully, and helped the 2-3, but did not take the bump away under anything but a very slow start.
The update that my dealer (which is fantastic by the way) is referring to is one that is supposed to take care of multiple problems including the 2-3 shift. This update has also been referenced by other members in various threads as coming in mid to late March.
FYI
As evidenced by comments in other threads, the transmission update that everyone's referring to is the same one my dealer did on my car in February. It cured the 1-2 shift beautifully, and helped the 2-3, but did not take the bump away under anything but a very slow start.
The update that my dealer (which is fantastic by the way) is referring to is one that is supposed to take care of multiple problems including the 2-3 shift. This update has also been referenced by other members in various threads as coming in mid to late March.
FYI
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 869
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
As I read many forum topics, particularly this one, unless our cars are wildy different, one man's bumpy shift is another man's (or woman's) smooth shift. The update obviously helps, but perhaps a 9 speed auto tranny will never be perfectly smooth for all shifts. If the 1-2 and 2-3 are closer to the other 6 shifts when I get my update, I will be a happy camper.
In reality, car forum issues are like medical symptoms…the more you read, the more serious they become. IMVHO of course.
In reality, car forum issues are like medical symptoms…the more you read, the more serious they become. IMVHO of course.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 536
They were done with my recall and a couple of other things before I could ask them about the software update for the transmission, so all I got was that the hard shifts, sometimes bouncing when coming to a park (for which at least I can use the parking brake and not have to experience) were "as intended". lol. They should choose their words more carefully. "We wanted that sucker to bounce and those shifts to be hard!" Oh well, hopefully the rumored major update will help on the hard shift front -- I'm just glad to have the car back.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 869
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
It would appear that Acura Canada has yet to come out with the software fix yet, not surprising. My Service Manager, who is a fabulous person and Service Manager, told me today that he took one home for a few days, rather than just driving a customer's car. He was able to drive it harder, and was certainly disappointed by the 2 hard shifts particularly when launching a faster. It's reassuring to know that he gets it, but now we wait. Because I don't typically launch, but accelerate smoothly, its often barely noticeable for me….although I look forward to the fix.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 14
From: Chicago Suburb
Mapleloaf, I totally agree that, since the Feb update, the 2-3 problem doesn't happen under very mild acceleration. Unfortunately, I live in an area (far west Chicago burb) where the prevailing speed limit is 50 MPH with lots of stop lights - that means a normal pull away is 15 - 20% throttle, and the bump is REALLY noticeable at that level.
Don't get me wrong - I LOVE this car! I'm just hoping they can fix this "glitch" so that part is as perfect as everything else.
Don't get me wrong - I LOVE this car! I'm just hoping they can fix this "glitch" so that part is as perfect as everything else.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 869
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Mapleloaf, I totally agree that, since the Feb update, the 2-3 problem doesn't happen under very mild acceleration. Unfortunately, I live in an area (far west Chicago burb) where the prevailing speed limit is 50 MPH with lots of stop lights - that means a normal pull away is 15 - 20% throttle, and the bump is REALLY noticeable at that level.
Don't get me wrong - I LOVE this car! I'm just hoping they can fix this "glitch" so that part is as perfect as everything else.
Don't get me wrong - I LOVE this car! I'm just hoping they can fix this "glitch" so that part is as perfect as everything else.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 116
From: NJ
UPDATE: So after a few weeks my TLX seems to be forgetting some of what it learned. The 2-3 shift is harder than it was after the update but its inconsistent, it's harder under light throttle, smoother under heavy throttle, and the pronounced downshifts as you approach a full stop are back. Ugh this car...
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 92
Likes: 8
From: Maryland
TCM Update
My V6-AWD Tech is at Rosenthal Acura right now having the tranny recall done and also the TCM update. Until reading this forum, I had no idea that the TCM software update also fixes the shifting issues. It is being advertised as only a TCM fix. Apparently, the source disk with the software update got damaged and the dealership had to order another. So I'm in a loaner until Friday (2 days).
Does anyone know if there was a TSB for the TCM update? I'd be curious to see if Acura is telling their dealerships that the update also fixes the transmission issues. If you have a link to the TSB, that would be great.
Does anyone know if there was a TSB for the TCM update? I'd be curious to see if Acura is telling their dealerships that the update also fixes the transmission issues. If you have a link to the TSB, that would be great.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 92
Likes: 8
From: Maryland
Update...
I was able to find TSB 14-054 in the TSB thread. Here is a link:
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/B14-054.PDF
I didn't see anything advertised there either about fixing the tranny issues. Did someone read this step in the TSB and interpret as fixing the tranny shifting issues?
"Reset the PCM using HDS and do the idle learn procedure"
I just think it is interesting that the TSB, update letter or the dealership didn't say anything about this update fixing the transmission issues.
I was able to find TSB 14-054 in the TSB thread. Here is a link:
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/B14-054.PDF
I didn't see anything advertised there either about fixing the tranny issues. Did someone read this step in the TSB and interpret as fixing the tranny shifting issues?
"Reset the PCM using HDS and do the idle learn procedure"
I just think it is interesting that the TSB, update letter or the dealership didn't say anything about this update fixing the transmission issues.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 39
Update: So after a month 1200 miles since my last post at 8 miles, the jerks while slowing down and stopping are gone. First to second shift is smooth, but 2nd to 3rd is hard and it occurs at any kind of acceleration. It's like its a normal function. At times, its disappointing when you have friends who drive other brands and they sit in my car and even they feel it. Come on Acura, don't let us down !!!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 696
Likes: 197
My V6-AWD Tech is at Rosenthal Acura right now having the tranny recall done and also the TCM update. Until reading this forum, I had no idea that the TCM software update also fixes the shifting issues. It is being advertised as only a TCM fix. Apparently, the source disk with the software update got damaged and the dealership had to order another. So I'm in a loaner until Friday (2 days).
Does anyone know if there was a TSB for the TCM update? I'd be curious to see if Acura is telling their dealerships that the update also fixes the transmission issues. If you have a link to the TSB, that would be great.
Does anyone know if there was a TSB for the TCM update? I'd be curious to see if Acura is telling their dealerships that the update also fixes the transmission issues. If you have a link to the TSB, that would be great.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 92
Likes: 8
From: Maryland
I use RA as well, I have been getting a sensor replaced the last couple days... I did also have them note the rough shifts and the surging when downshifting... I will be interested to hear what your experience is with the TCM update. For me the rough shifts are subtle enough that I can live with it but it would be great if they were smooth as the rest of the gears.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 4
From: Poconos, PA
I dont know if it has been posted before but i found this pretty good article about the way the 9spd tranny behaves and why it does what it does
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/02/zfs-9-speed-9hp-transmission-puts-dog-clutches-on-the-leash/
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/02/zfs-9-speed-9hp-transmission-puts-dog-clutches-on-the-leash/
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 14
From: Chicago Suburb
All, I posted this information earlier, but there is a software update coming to fix the 2-3 hard shift - supposedly late this month according to a reliable contact at Acura that I've made through my business, and confirmed by my local service manager who has put me on a call list.
The update that people have been getting lately sounds like the one I got in late Jan. It totally fixed the 1-2 shift beautifully, but the 2-3 bump came back quickly.
Based on people I know who have driven the 2016 MDX which has the same tranny say it is smooth as silk through all shifts.
We can all only hope.
It would be interesting, however, to find out if member who have TLX's built in February or March are experiencing the rough shift we are talking about.
My V6 Adv was built in Oct / 14
The update that people have been getting lately sounds like the one I got in late Jan. It totally fixed the 1-2 shift beautifully, but the 2-3 bump came back quickly.
Based on people I know who have driven the 2016 MDX which has the same tranny say it is smooth as silk through all shifts.
We can all only hope.
It would be interesting, however, to find out if member who have TLX's built in February or March are experiencing the rough shift we are talking about.
My V6 Adv was built in Oct / 14
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 116
From: NJ
I dont know if it has been posted before but i found this pretty good article about the way the 9spd tranny behaves and why it does what it does
ZF's 9-Speed 9HP Transmission Puts Dog Clutches On The Leash - The Truth About Cars
ZF's 9-Speed 9HP Transmission Puts Dog Clutches On The Leash - The Truth About Cars
Further update: there's a definite hesitation that has developed shifting 2-3, it takes a full "Mississippi" almost like its slipping or power is cut in advance of the shift.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 116
From: NJ
All, I posted this information earlier, but there is a software update coming to fix the 2-3 hard shift - supposedly late this month according to a reliable contact at Acura that I've made through my business, and confirmed by my local service manager who has put me on a call list.
The update that people have been getting lately sounds like the one I got in late Jan. It totally fixed the 1-2 shift beautifully, but the 2-3 bump came back quickly.
Based on people I know who have driven the 2016 MDX which has the same tranny say it is smooth as silk through all shifts.
We can all only hope.
It would be interesting, however, to find out if member who have TLX's built in February or March are experiencing the rough shift we are talking about.
My V6 Adv was built in Oct / 14
The update that people have been getting lately sounds like the one I got in late Jan. It totally fixed the 1-2 shift beautifully, but the 2-3 bump came back quickly.
Based on people I know who have driven the 2016 MDX which has the same tranny say it is smooth as silk through all shifts.
We can all only hope.
It would be interesting, however, to find out if member who have TLX's built in February or March are experiencing the rough shift we are talking about.
My V6 Adv was built in Oct / 14
Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 696
Likes: 197
I got Rome Williams as my tech advisor this time. Who did you get? I will let you know how it goes with the update. My biggest complaint at this point is not the hard shifts. I too can live with that. I'm more concerned about the delay of downshifting when putting the pedal to the floor while getting on the highway, etc. major lag!
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 6
From: Oakville, Canada
I picked up my 2015-build TLX V6 SH-AWD on March 20th and right away experienced the following issues:
1. When in idle, engine reving to 2-3K RPM's on it's own
2. When speeding up, hard 1-2 and 2-3 gears
3. When breaking, the jerking feeling as if someone hit you from behind at 5 km/hr
4. Engine Idle did not work (even though it was enabled on panel and in vehicle settings)
Took the car back to the dealer and the shop manager immediately knew what the issue was and said the car had to "relearn" how to shift gears properly. It has only been 3 days since this fix was applied but after 200 kms of highway and city driving, the car drives significantly smoother (other than the normal feeling of gear changes), no hard jerks and the engine idle feature works great (engages when braking hard, doesn't when braking softly)
I hope unlike someone else here in this thread the issues don't come back for me....if they do, I will keep you posted.
1. When in idle, engine reving to 2-3K RPM's on it's own
2. When speeding up, hard 1-2 and 2-3 gears
3. When breaking, the jerking feeling as if someone hit you from behind at 5 km/hr
4. Engine Idle did not work (even though it was enabled on panel and in vehicle settings)
Took the car back to the dealer and the shop manager immediately knew what the issue was and said the car had to "relearn" how to shift gears properly. It has only been 3 days since this fix was applied but after 200 kms of highway and city driving, the car drives significantly smoother (other than the normal feeling of gear changes), no hard jerks and the engine idle feature works great (engages when braking hard, doesn't when braking softly)
I hope unlike someone else here in this thread the issues don't come back for me....if they do, I will keep you posted.
