9AT Hard Shift 1-2 and 2-3
04-29-2016, 11:04 AM
#1641
My point was only that Acura may very well be considering a proactive replacement of transmissions based on what I posted. Others disagreed that they would spend the money, and I'm pointing out that costs could be more if they continue to ignore it.
So for the folks who feel Acura is taking a position where they won't replace because it will cost them "too much" to do so, my points are to the contrary.
So for the folks who feel Acura is taking a position where they won't replace because it will cost them "too much" to do so, my points are to the contrary.
Considering I am almost done paying for my TLX and I have over 5 years on an extended warranty and a good size hit in residual value, I think I'll ride it out. My tranny doesn't seem to have the major issues other are reporting which seems odd because they are all made in the same plant in the US. (I have an 08/2014 build also.) I don't know if it was a bad batch of trannies, but I would think I would have gotten one.
It would be nice to hear from other owners that don't seem to have issues to get an idea of how many cars this is effecting.
04-29-2016, 11:38 AM
#1642
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
I have been reading these posts for a long time now and finally decided to post. As much as I appreciate NJToyMan post, Acura has known about the issue for 1.5 years now. They missed the opportunity to make it right as most of the owners of 2015 TLXs with 9spd transmission are past the frustration period( I am one of them) and now are looking at other cars. The time spend complaining to multiple Acura dealerships, calling ACR, reporting the same issue every visit, getting nonsense software updates has destroyed our confidence in the product. I truly do not really care if Acura fixes the problem or not anymore. Some of us who are on three year leases will be free to choose any car in 1 - 1.5 years. I bet most of us, when our leases expire will not go back to Acura.
04-29-2016, 11:45 AM
#1643
Instructor
Power seems roughly the same, but the delivery is smoother in the Audi due to the 7 speed DCT. Turbo lag is minimal, but probably a bit slower off the line than the Acura when the Audi is not being driven in the Dynamic or Sport mode. 0-60 times in the Quatto version are officially in the upper 5s, but most independent tests show it around 5.3 secs or so.
I was a bit nervous about interior noise, after how quiet the TLX was, but while the Audi is not more quiet than the TLX, it's roughly as quiet. Size feels similar to TLX although back seat space may be slightly better in the Audi.
Interior quality is higher than the TLX. As I mentioned earlier, haven't yet detected a single squeak or rattle, and I'm very particular about that type of noise. As you've probably seen, technology is a step ahead, especially with the Virtual Cockpit. As an example of the technology, my car is at a detailer now getting OptiCoat Pro+ installed now, and I can keep an eye on it on the mobile app. I can see they have opened windows, opened the hood, but most importantly haven't driven it (I set a geofence around their location to notify me when it goes outside that area). The little technology things that were frustrating in the TLX aren't present in the Audi. (Like not being able to go into accessory mode without totally shutting off the car and turning back on. Also the seat heaters and steering wheel heater remember your setting.) The heads up display is gorgeous. I think the only thing I had on the TLX Advance that I don't have now is remote start. That is simply not offered in the Audi.
I'm a big Apple Fanboy and thought it would be great to get CarPlay but I haven't found it useful in the least, primarily due to it being entirely Siri-dependent.
All this comes at a price of course. I'd guess I spent about 8-9K more for the Audi than I did when I bought the 2015 TLX at nearly full MSRP. You can get a small discount on the Audi now, but nothing great since it's so new. I've been a big Acura supporter and liked most everything about the TLX, so not happy to take the hit to the pocketbook. But now that it's all done and behind me, driving around is far more enjoyable and much less stressful.
I was a bit nervous about interior noise, after how quiet the TLX was, but while the Audi is not more quiet than the TLX, it's roughly as quiet. Size feels similar to TLX although back seat space may be slightly better in the Audi.
Interior quality is higher than the TLX. As I mentioned earlier, haven't yet detected a single squeak or rattle, and I'm very particular about that type of noise. As you've probably seen, technology is a step ahead, especially with the Virtual Cockpit. As an example of the technology, my car is at a detailer now getting OptiCoat Pro+ installed now, and I can keep an eye on it on the mobile app. I can see they have opened windows, opened the hood, but most importantly haven't driven it (I set a geofence around their location to notify me when it goes outside that area). The little technology things that were frustrating in the TLX aren't present in the Audi. (Like not being able to go into accessory mode without totally shutting off the car and turning back on. Also the seat heaters and steering wheel heater remember your setting.) The heads up display is gorgeous. I think the only thing I had on the TLX Advance that I don't have now is remote start. That is simply not offered in the Audi.
I'm a big Apple Fanboy and thought it would be great to get CarPlay but I haven't found it useful in the least, primarily due to it being entirely Siri-dependent.
All this comes at a price of course. I'd guess I spent about 8-9K more for the Audi than I did when I bought the 2015 TLX at nearly full MSRP. You can get a small discount on the Audi now, but nothing great since it's so new. I've been a big Acura supporter and liked most everything about the TLX, so not happy to take the hit to the pocketbook. But now that it's all done and behind me, driving around is far more enjoyable and much less stressful.
04-29-2016, 02:57 PM
#1644
IF they make it right I will definitely look at Acura for my next lease, because I still believe you get more bang for your buck with them than any other brand, which is why I hope they do get this right, because I don't want to go somewhere else, but I will because as you say, if they lose their reliability that is a big hit, and one I will not ignore. Let's go Acura, time to step up to the plate and make this happen.
04-29-2016, 07:20 PM
#1645
Suzuka Master
Power seems roughly the same, but the delivery is smoother in the Audi due to the 7 speed DCT. Turbo lag is minimal, but probably a bit slower off the line than the Acura when the Audi is not being driven in the Dynamic or Sport mode. 0-60 times in the Quatto version are officially in the upper 5s, but most independent tests show it around 5.3 secs or so.
I was a bit nervous about interior noise, after how quiet the TLX was, but while the Audi is not more quiet than the TLX, it's roughly as quiet. Size feels similar to TLX although back seat space may be slightly better in the Audi.
Interior quality is higher than the TLX. As I mentioned earlier, haven't yet detected a single squeak or rattle, and I'm very particular about that type of noise. As you've probably seen, technology is a step ahead, especially with the Virtual Cockpit. As an example of the technology, my car is at a detailer now getting OptiCoat Pro+ installed now, and I can keep an eye on it on the mobile app. I can see they have opened windows, opened the hood, but most importantly haven't driven it (I set a geofence around their location to notify me when it goes outside that area). The little technology things that were frustrating in the TLX aren't present in the Audi. (Like not being able to go into accessory mode without totally shutting off the car and turning back on. Also the seat heaters and steering wheel heater remember your setting.) The heads up display is gorgeous. I think the only thing I had on the TLX Advance that I don't have now is remote start. That is simply not offered in the Audi.
I'm a big Apple Fanboy and thought it would be great to get CarPlay but I haven't found it useful in the least, primarily due to it being entirely Siri-dependent.
All this comes at a price of course. I'd guess I spent about 8-9K more for the Audi than I did when I bought the 2015 TLX at nearly full MSRP. You can get a small discount on the Audi now, but nothing great since it's so new. I've been a big Acura supporter and liked most everything about the TLX, so not happy to take the hit to the pocketbook. But now that it's all done and behind me, driving around is far more enjoyable and much less stressful.
I was a bit nervous about interior noise, after how quiet the TLX was, but while the Audi is not more quiet than the TLX, it's roughly as quiet. Size feels similar to TLX although back seat space may be slightly better in the Audi.
Interior quality is higher than the TLX. As I mentioned earlier, haven't yet detected a single squeak or rattle, and I'm very particular about that type of noise. As you've probably seen, technology is a step ahead, especially with the Virtual Cockpit. As an example of the technology, my car is at a detailer now getting OptiCoat Pro+ installed now, and I can keep an eye on it on the mobile app. I can see they have opened windows, opened the hood, but most importantly haven't driven it (I set a geofence around their location to notify me when it goes outside that area). The little technology things that were frustrating in the TLX aren't present in the Audi. (Like not being able to go into accessory mode without totally shutting off the car and turning back on. Also the seat heaters and steering wheel heater remember your setting.) The heads up display is gorgeous. I think the only thing I had on the TLX Advance that I don't have now is remote start. That is simply not offered in the Audi.
I'm a big Apple Fanboy and thought it would be great to get CarPlay but I haven't found it useful in the least, primarily due to it being entirely Siri-dependent.
All this comes at a price of course. I'd guess I spent about 8-9K more for the Audi than I did when I bought the 2015 TLX at nearly full MSRP. You can get a small discount on the Audi now, but nothing great since it's so new. I've been a big Acura supporter and liked most everything about the TLX, so not happy to take the hit to the pocketbook. But now that it's all done and behind me, driving around is far more enjoyable and much less stressful.
04-29-2016, 08:47 PM
#1646
Racer
Just a quick update...
We met with the field rep and local dealership shop foreman this morning to test drive our TLX. After driving a little while in various modes, it was still up for the debate as to whether it was significant enough to take any action. On a short drive with no plans to ever ride/drive in the car again, sure, it might be minor to some so that I would agree with but over 3 years of day-to-day driving wouldn't make us happy campers.
The foreman was debating whether using the paddles to isolate the 2-3 gear shift was an accurate way of duplicating the issue. I felt it was because that's the best way to isolate and duplicate the problem over and over without wasting time in the other gears. I drove the entire time and knew the jerk was present whether it was mild or obviously noticeable. In other words, the test drive of our TLX went just as expected. That is, until we drove the 2016 on the lot and we felt the difference side by side. There is WITHOUT A DOUBT the 2016 does not exhibit the same roughness between shifts. 2-3 felt the same as any of the other gear changes, even with using the paddles.
The service department currently has our TLX and is going to work with the tech line to see how to proceed. Whether it is just procedural or not, the district rep did not want to just throw parts on the car in case it does not resolve the issue but he is willing to approve the replacement parts if that is what fixes the issue and restores our faith in the brand. After driving the 2016 again, it doesn't leave any doubt there is indeed a difference with the transmissions/TCMs between the two years.
It's pretty clear we haven't been happy with our TLX experience and we are hoping this is where the issue gets resolved so we can move forward with driving the car like any other Acura we've owned in the past.
We met with the field rep and local dealership shop foreman this morning to test drive our TLX. After driving a little while in various modes, it was still up for the debate as to whether it was significant enough to take any action. On a short drive with no plans to ever ride/drive in the car again, sure, it might be minor to some so that I would agree with but over 3 years of day-to-day driving wouldn't make us happy campers.
The foreman was debating whether using the paddles to isolate the 2-3 gear shift was an accurate way of duplicating the issue. I felt it was because that's the best way to isolate and duplicate the problem over and over without wasting time in the other gears. I drove the entire time and knew the jerk was present whether it was mild or obviously noticeable. In other words, the test drive of our TLX went just as expected. That is, until we drove the 2016 on the lot and we felt the difference side by side. There is WITHOUT A DOUBT the 2016 does not exhibit the same roughness between shifts. 2-3 felt the same as any of the other gear changes, even with using the paddles.
The service department currently has our TLX and is going to work with the tech line to see how to proceed. Whether it is just procedural or not, the district rep did not want to just throw parts on the car in case it does not resolve the issue but he is willing to approve the replacement parts if that is what fixes the issue and restores our faith in the brand. After driving the 2016 again, it doesn't leave any doubt there is indeed a difference with the transmissions/TCMs between the two years.
It's pretty clear we haven't been happy with our TLX experience and we are hoping this is where the issue gets resolved so we can move forward with driving the car like any other Acura we've owned in the past.
04-29-2016, 11:10 PM
#1647
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
^ I'm surprised he didn't think the paddles was an "accurate" way of duplicating the issue. It's perfectly accurate. We bought cars with a Sport+ mode and paddle shifting. So we should be OK with the idea that the transmission is so bad we can't use them?
04-30-2016, 02:24 AM
#1648
Racer
We all know the transmission shifts rough whether it is manually paddle shifted or auto shifted. Sport+ is the only mode that is tolerable and I would hope nobody is okay with being told to not use it. All that is relevant at this point is that the '16 had zero issues with the same Sport+ manual/auto shift and that's all we need to know.
04-30-2016, 10:38 AM
#1649
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
I didn't agree either but wasn't going to debate it any further as it wasn't the time and place. He did say that, because the paddles are used, the shifts are different since the computer handles manual shifts differently. (Fact check?) Unless someone can confirm a definitive difference in the shifting program other than what initiates the gear change (paddle or computer), I'm inclined to think that is the only difference but what do I know?
We all know the transmission shifts rough whether it is manually paddle shifted or auto shifted. Sport+ is the only mode that is tolerable and I would hope nobody is okay with being told to not use it. All that is relevant at this point is that the '16 had zero issues with the same Sport+ manual/auto shift and that's all we need to know.
We all know the transmission shifts rough whether it is manually paddle shifted or auto shifted. Sport+ is the only mode that is tolerable and I would hope nobody is okay with being told to not use it. All that is relevant at this point is that the '16 had zero issues with the same Sport+ manual/auto shift and that's all we need to know.
All lies. To me it doesn't matter if the paddles use a different algorithm or not - the shifts are awful (1-2, 2-3) and a "different algorithm" isn't an excuse. I can't use the paddle shifters at all in my car the shifts are so bad. But true you have to pick your battles with these guys. When I drove the tech in my car I told him I would paddle shift to illustrate the issue. He immediately began rambling on and on about how the paddle shifters were different, why it may not be comparable, right up until the moment I shifted from 2-3. I said, "that's the problem", he just said "oh, OK I see what you mean". I didn't get any more excuses after that.
Yet still it at the end of the day it was "operating as designed".
04-30-2016, 01:17 PM
#1650
Before picking up one of the first 2015 TLX Techs (early September 2014), I previously owned a 2005 TL Tech and a 2010 TL Tech. So… I was quite well acquainted with this Acura series.
Not surprisingly, I was among those who (late 2014) felt that the transmission of the TLX was behaving oddly. Following the early recalls focusing on the “park” brake and transmission were handled by the dealer, the TLX and my own driving habits mutually adapted — except for one nagging problem (below).
I feel that I’m a careful and observant driver…and I use my automobile not for sport but to get me from one place to another as safely and as expeditiously as possible. Consequently, I’m very pleased with the TLX’s many safety features, low interior noise, and ~38mpg on typical trips (many miles at 70 or 80 mph or, a tad over). I’ve had no reason to experiment with any other than “normal” handling!
Although the TLX and I have “learned” to work together for smooth traveling, there remains one problem (a definite safety concern) that I’ve learned to avoid: If cruise control is engaged and the car has commenced descent of a shallow hill, the control does a good job of keeping the car’s speed from deviating greatly from the set speed.
However… if the slope is just a tad steeper, the transmission fails to downshift, the speed rapidly increases (feels like the car is in neutral) and the tachometer skyrockets!!! Seeing that the car is no longer behaving properly, I feel obliged to engage the foot brake. (I now anticipate this behavior by slight braking - deactivates cruise control - at the top of the hill.)
I no longer have my previous TLs with which to compare, but I feel quite confident that under similar circumstances they would have only briefly increased speed with cruise control maintaining the set speed.
Does my memory of the TLs serve me correctly? If so, have others had this experience with the TLX?
Not surprisingly, I was among those who (late 2014) felt that the transmission of the TLX was behaving oddly. Following the early recalls focusing on the “park” brake and transmission were handled by the dealer, the TLX and my own driving habits mutually adapted — except for one nagging problem (below).
I feel that I’m a careful and observant driver…and I use my automobile not for sport but to get me from one place to another as safely and as expeditiously as possible. Consequently, I’m very pleased with the TLX’s many safety features, low interior noise, and ~38mpg on typical trips (many miles at 70 or 80 mph or, a tad over). I’ve had no reason to experiment with any other than “normal” handling!
Although the TLX and I have “learned” to work together for smooth traveling, there remains one problem (a definite safety concern) that I’ve learned to avoid: If cruise control is engaged and the car has commenced descent of a shallow hill, the control does a good job of keeping the car’s speed from deviating greatly from the set speed.
However… if the slope is just a tad steeper, the transmission fails to downshift, the speed rapidly increases (feels like the car is in neutral) and the tachometer skyrockets!!! Seeing that the car is no longer behaving properly, I feel obliged to engage the foot brake. (I now anticipate this behavior by slight braking - deactivates cruise control - at the top of the hill.)
I no longer have my previous TLs with which to compare, but I feel quite confident that under similar circumstances they would have only briefly increased speed with cruise control maintaining the set speed.
Does my memory of the TLs serve me correctly? If so, have others had this experience with the TLX?
04-30-2016, 03:46 PM
#1651
Some additional points from my recent conversation with Honda Engineering:
Acura is 100% aware of the issues with the 9-speed in the 2015 TLX, and have been for some time. That is the reason that Acura went back to ZF, and had them fix it. The "fixed" version is what is installed in all 2016 V6 TLX's- and is why most 2016 owners are not complaining (the 2016 transmission is in fact different than the 2015 version).
As far as the long delay to resolution, Acura first wanted to make sure that the transmission was actually fixed; they were able to be more confident of that once the 2016's started rolling out to the public and the feedback was positive.
So, now that they felt pretty good about having things resolved in the 2016's, they began tests of putting the 2016 transmissions in a few 2015's to see if that took care of things. That testing is just now wrapping up, and it will likely be fairly soon that there will be a "factory authorized" solution of replacing the 2015 trans with the 2016 version, via a TSB.
As far as the costs are concerned of replacing all these transmissions (and this is more my thoughts rather than a quote from the Engineering Dept.)- since this is a defective ZF product, rather than an in-house trans from Acura, I would imagine that ZF would be on the hook for a significant portion of the costs of this replacement project- and thus Acura would be even more inclined to "make it right" to their customers if someone else (ZF) is footing the bill.
And not to say that I am totally defending Acura's handling of the situation- but I can somewhat empathize with their position. Years ago, I was an engineer with a major medical manufacturer. When we had issues with our multi-million dollar equipment- and a simple fix was available (sometimes just one line of computer code!)- it used to take a VERY long time to actually bring that fix to market (successful testing and trials; getting clearance from the FDA; creating all necessary documentation including new installation procedures; fulfilling spare part distribution centers; and training repair technicians). And the length of that process very much upset customers and radically affected good will and sales of our products in other areas of the hospitals. It was very tempting to want to "leap frog" the process, but installing a "yet to be approved solution" could have created an even worse situation if it wasn't properly tested; cleared by the FDA; or intelligently and properly rolled out.
I can fully understand the frustration of those with affected transmissions (since I have one of the first 2015 TLX's off the line and had lived with the issues for a long time)- let's hope that this process is coming to a happy conclusion for as many owners as possible, and as soon as possible!
Acura is 100% aware of the issues with the 9-speed in the 2015 TLX, and have been for some time. That is the reason that Acura went back to ZF, and had them fix it. The "fixed" version is what is installed in all 2016 V6 TLX's- and is why most 2016 owners are not complaining (the 2016 transmission is in fact different than the 2015 version).
As far as the long delay to resolution, Acura first wanted to make sure that the transmission was actually fixed; they were able to be more confident of that once the 2016's started rolling out to the public and the feedback was positive.
So, now that they felt pretty good about having things resolved in the 2016's, they began tests of putting the 2016 transmissions in a few 2015's to see if that took care of things. That testing is just now wrapping up, and it will likely be fairly soon that there will be a "factory authorized" solution of replacing the 2015 trans with the 2016 version, via a TSB.
As far as the costs are concerned of replacing all these transmissions (and this is more my thoughts rather than a quote from the Engineering Dept.)- since this is a defective ZF product, rather than an in-house trans from Acura, I would imagine that ZF would be on the hook for a significant portion of the costs of this replacement project- and thus Acura would be even more inclined to "make it right" to their customers if someone else (ZF) is footing the bill.
And not to say that I am totally defending Acura's handling of the situation- but I can somewhat empathize with their position. Years ago, I was an engineer with a major medical manufacturer. When we had issues with our multi-million dollar equipment- and a simple fix was available (sometimes just one line of computer code!)- it used to take a VERY long time to actually bring that fix to market (successful testing and trials; getting clearance from the FDA; creating all necessary documentation including new installation procedures; fulfilling spare part distribution centers; and training repair technicians). And the length of that process very much upset customers and radically affected good will and sales of our products in other areas of the hospitals. It was very tempting to want to "leap frog" the process, but installing a "yet to be approved solution" could have created an even worse situation if it wasn't properly tested; cleared by the FDA; or intelligently and properly rolled out.
I can fully understand the frustration of those with affected transmissions (since I have one of the first 2015 TLX's off the line and had lived with the issues for a long time)- let's hope that this process is coming to a happy conclusion for as many owners as possible, and as soon as possible!
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04-30-2016, 07:10 PM
#1654
Summer is Coming
Some additional points from my recent conversation with Honda Engineering:
I don't buy much of what Acura is telling you... Nothing personal.
Acura is 100% aware of the issues with the 9-speed in the 2015 TLX, and have been for some time. That is the reason that Acura went back to ZF, and had them fix it. The "fixed" version is what is installed in all 2016 V6 TLX's- and is why most 2016 owners are not complaining (the 2016 transmission is in fact different than the 2015 version).
Yet being 100% aware of the situation never stopped them from lying through their teeth for over a year and still to this day. Acura is so deep in this lie they could hire Baghdad Bob and improve their credibility.
There are actually two different 2015 transmissions. It is not even clear if the 2016 transmission is different than later production 2015's. Again another place where Acura is lying about the situation.
As far as the long delay to resolution, Acura first wanted to make sure that the transmission was actually fixed; they were able to be more confident of that once the 2016's started rolling out to the public and the feedback was positive.
So, now that they felt pretty good about having things resolved in the 2016's, they began tests of putting the 2016 transmissions in a few 2015's to see if that took care of things. That testing is just now wrapping up, and it will likely be fairly soon that there will be a "factory authorized" solution of replacing the 2015 trans with the 2016 version, via a TSB.
They've been replacing transmissions for months and it is pretty obvious it fixes the problem. I mean they don't have to be rocket scientist to figure out that replacing a defective transmission with the fixed version actually fixes the problem. Even if there is a factory authorized repair, they will still apply some nebulous criteria to decide who gets one and who does not get one. Same as today. The only thing that will change is that it will officially be defective and now EVERY 2015 will be tainted by an official document from Acura that we have defective cars. I'm sure that will further help my re-sale value. Thanks Acura!
As far as the costs are concerned of replacing all these transmissions (and this is more my thoughts rather than a quote from the Engineering Dept.)- since this is a defective ZF product, rather than an in-house trans from Acura, I would imagine that ZF would be on the hook for a significant portion of the costs of this replacement project- and thus Acura would be even more inclined to "make it right" to their customers if someone else (ZF) is footing the bill.
Many have postulated that ZF is footing part of this bill, but that still has not led Acura to replace more transmissions. Acura will even pay to send engineers across the country, probably spending more on travel and overtime costs than it takes to replace the transmission... just to deny TLX owners a new transmission.
And not to say that I am totally defending Acura's handling of the situation- but I can somewhat empathize with their position. Years ago, I was an engineer with a major medical manufacturer. When we had issues with our multi-million dollar equipment- and a simple fix was available (sometimes just one line of computer code!)- it used to take a VERY long time to actually bring that fix to market (successful testing and trials; getting clearance from the FDA; creating all necessary documentation including new installation procedures; fulfilling spare part distribution centers; and training repair technicians). And the length of that process very much upset customers and radically affected good will and sales of our products in other areas of the hospitals. It was very tempting to want to "leap frog" the process, but installing a "yet to be approved solution" could have created an even worse situation if it wasn't properly tested; cleared by the FDA; or intelligently and properly rolled out.
I can fully understand the frustration of those with affected transmissions (since I have one of the first 2015 TLX's off the line and had lived with the issues for a long time)- let's hope that this process is coming to a happy conclusion for as many owners as possible, and as soon as possible!
I don't buy much of what Acura is telling you... Nothing personal.
Acura is 100% aware of the issues with the 9-speed in the 2015 TLX, and have been for some time. That is the reason that Acura went back to ZF, and had them fix it. The "fixed" version is what is installed in all 2016 V6 TLX's- and is why most 2016 owners are not complaining (the 2016 transmission is in fact different than the 2015 version).
Yet being 100% aware of the situation never stopped them from lying through their teeth for over a year and still to this day. Acura is so deep in this lie they could hire Baghdad Bob and improve their credibility.
There are actually two different 2015 transmissions. It is not even clear if the 2016 transmission is different than later production 2015's. Again another place where Acura is lying about the situation.
As far as the long delay to resolution, Acura first wanted to make sure that the transmission was actually fixed; they were able to be more confident of that once the 2016's started rolling out to the public and the feedback was positive.
So, now that they felt pretty good about having things resolved in the 2016's, they began tests of putting the 2016 transmissions in a few 2015's to see if that took care of things. That testing is just now wrapping up, and it will likely be fairly soon that there will be a "factory authorized" solution of replacing the 2015 trans with the 2016 version, via a TSB.
They've been replacing transmissions for months and it is pretty obvious it fixes the problem. I mean they don't have to be rocket scientist to figure out that replacing a defective transmission with the fixed version actually fixes the problem. Even if there is a factory authorized repair, they will still apply some nebulous criteria to decide who gets one and who does not get one. Same as today. The only thing that will change is that it will officially be defective and now EVERY 2015 will be tainted by an official document from Acura that we have defective cars. I'm sure that will further help my re-sale value. Thanks Acura!
As far as the costs are concerned of replacing all these transmissions (and this is more my thoughts rather than a quote from the Engineering Dept.)- since this is a defective ZF product, rather than an in-house trans from Acura, I would imagine that ZF would be on the hook for a significant portion of the costs of this replacement project- and thus Acura would be even more inclined to "make it right" to their customers if someone else (ZF) is footing the bill.
Many have postulated that ZF is footing part of this bill, but that still has not led Acura to replace more transmissions. Acura will even pay to send engineers across the country, probably spending more on travel and overtime costs than it takes to replace the transmission... just to deny TLX owners a new transmission.
And not to say that I am totally defending Acura's handling of the situation- but I can somewhat empathize with their position. Years ago, I was an engineer with a major medical manufacturer. When we had issues with our multi-million dollar equipment- and a simple fix was available (sometimes just one line of computer code!)- it used to take a VERY long time to actually bring that fix to market (successful testing and trials; getting clearance from the FDA; creating all necessary documentation including new installation procedures; fulfilling spare part distribution centers; and training repair technicians). And the length of that process very much upset customers and radically affected good will and sales of our products in other areas of the hospitals. It was very tempting to want to "leap frog" the process, but installing a "yet to be approved solution" could have created an even worse situation if it wasn't properly tested; cleared by the FDA; or intelligently and properly rolled out.
I can fully understand the frustration of those with affected transmissions (since I have one of the first 2015 TLX's off the line and had lived with the issues for a long time)- let's hope that this process is coming to a happy conclusion for as many owners as possible, and as soon as possible!
When Acura comes clean on this I will believe what this Acura guy told you. They need to send a letter to every 2015 TLX V6 owner and explain the situation and offer each and every 2015 owner either a new transmission, or some attractive trade in value or credit on a 2016. Some owners have gone to Acura to trade in their 2015 TLX to Acura themselves only to be told the car has a defective transmission and they get a crap trade in deal. Talk about getting bent over by Acura.
Acura has really trashed their reputation with many loyal owners, it is not going to be trivial to get it back.
04-30-2016, 07:36 PM
#1655
Replacing a defective component under warranty shouldn't affect resale value. Have you never heard of a recall or voluntary campaign?
I'm not saying what the OP says is correct and true or not, but as I postulated earlier, the cost to replace may already be a sunk cost of they know that early transmissions are going to fail within the warranty period anyway.
Personally, I tend to believe they will do something, but still can't figure why they replaced mine relatively easily, but others get stonewalled, unless they know (as I just mentioned) that a specific VIN range will end up failing within the warranty and they can pay now or later.
I'm not saying what the OP says is correct and true or not, but as I postulated earlier, the cost to replace may already be a sunk cost of they know that early transmissions are going to fail within the warranty period anyway.
Personally, I tend to believe they will do something, but still can't figure why they replaced mine relatively easily, but others get stonewalled, unless they know (as I just mentioned) that a specific VIN range will end up failing within the warranty and they can pay now or later.
Last edited by neil0311; 04-30-2016 at 07:38 PM.
05-01-2016, 08:33 PM
#1657
Instructor
... I also know of 2 others in Canada that had their tranny swapped. One had the car in for 2-3 months already. His dealership is also running into the TCM issue and is waiting for order a new TCM.
05-02-2016, 02:13 AM
#1659
Instructor
05-02-2016, 05:46 AM
#1660
Suzuka Master
When Acura comes clean on this I will believe what this Acura guy told you. They need to send a letter to every 2015 TLX V6 owner and explain the situation and offer each and every 2015 owner either a new transmission, or some attractive trade in value or credit on a 2016.
I am betting this never happens. They are never going to mass replace the transmission. They will address this on a case by case basis and then as they have been, resist at all costs, because my guess is ZF is not the only party at fault, and Acura in the end will eat some of the replacement costs. My guess is most people don;t notice the problem, those that do some complain and get it fixed or replaced, others get told it is normal for a 9 speed and are ignorant to fight it.
05-02-2016, 08:25 AM
#1661
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
I am betting this never happens. They are never going to mass replace the transmission. They will address this on a case by case basis and then as they have been, resist at all costs, because my guess is ZF is not the only party at fault, and Acura in the end will eat some of the replacement costs. My guess is most people don;t notice the problem, those that do some complain and get it fixed or replaced, others get told it is normal for a 9 speed and are ignorant to fight it.
Acura would only do a mass replace if this were a safety issue and a recall was required. My hope is they'll be more generous towards those that complain about it, not hand out this "its in spec" BS. I'm going to be due for an oil change in a month or so - I'm anxious to go in and complain again and see where it leads.
05-02-2016, 01:06 PM
#1663
Racer
Update-
Our SA just informed us that they got the approval to replace the transmission in our TLX. Here's the catch... It is getting replaced with a 2015 unit with the 2016 "countermeasures" or ie. updates along with a new TCM.
Initially, my gut feeling tells me going that route allows a small chance that the problem doesn't get resolved then we repeat the process yet again. Deeper into the conversation, it was said that the lucky few 2015s were replaced with 2016 transmissions to begin with because this solution wasn't yet available for those earlier replacements.
So although, my initial thoughts are still there, I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt that the early test cases revealed the flaws in the 2015 early production units and Acura now has a solution to quickly address those problem by providing updated/remanufactured 2015 replacements. We should have the car back in a few days and will update on how it drives.
Our SA just informed us that they got the approval to replace the transmission in our TLX. Here's the catch... It is getting replaced with a 2015 unit with the 2016 "countermeasures" or ie. updates along with a new TCM.
Initially, my gut feeling tells me going that route allows a small chance that the problem doesn't get resolved then we repeat the process yet again. Deeper into the conversation, it was said that the lucky few 2015s were replaced with 2016 transmissions to begin with because this solution wasn't yet available for those earlier replacements.
So although, my initial thoughts are still there, I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt that the early test cases revealed the flaws in the 2015 early production units and Acura now has a solution to quickly address those problem by providing updated/remanufactured 2015 replacements. We should have the car back in a few days and will update on how it drives.
05-02-2016, 01:29 PM
#1664
Styl1n
Update-
Our SA just informed us that they got the approval to replace the transmission in our TLX. Here's the catch... It is getting replaced with a 2015 unit with the 2016 "countermeasures" or ie. updates along with a new TCM.
Initially, my gut feeling tells me going that route allows a small chance that the problem doesn't get resolved then we repeat the process yet again. Deeper into the conversation, it was said that the lucky few 2015s were replaced with 2016 transmissions to begin with because this solution wasn't yet available for those earlier replacements.
So although, my initial thoughts are still there, I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt that the early test cases revealed the flaws in the 2015 early production units and Acura now has a solution to quickly address those problem by providing updated/remanufactured 2015 replacements. We should have the car back in a few days and will update on how it drives.
Our SA just informed us that they got the approval to replace the transmission in our TLX. Here's the catch... It is getting replaced with a 2015 unit with the 2016 "countermeasures" or ie. updates along with a new TCM.
Initially, my gut feeling tells me going that route allows a small chance that the problem doesn't get resolved then we repeat the process yet again. Deeper into the conversation, it was said that the lucky few 2015s were replaced with 2016 transmissions to begin with because this solution wasn't yet available for those earlier replacements.
So although, my initial thoughts are still there, I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt that the early test cases revealed the flaws in the 2015 early production units and Acura now has a solution to quickly address those problem by providing updated/remanufactured 2015 replacements. We should have the car back in a few days and will update on how it drives.
05-02-2016, 01:36 PM
#1665
Racer
From the previous posts, "06200-5L9-A59RM warranty A/T kit" seems to be the correct part # that addresses the issue. There is also another floating around that I didn't jot down because it didn't resolve the issue from what I remember.
05-02-2016, 01:57 PM
#1666
10th Gear
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Aurora, Ontario, Canada
Age: 51
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
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There have been three part numbers in circulation:
1. 06200-5L9-A80RM
2. 06200-5L9-A69RM
3. 06200-5L9-A59RM
According the Acura parts web site, 06200-5L9-A80RM replaced 06200-5L9-A69RM but not 06200-5L9-A59RM. So it seems there are two valid ones : 06200-5L9-A59RM and 06200-5L9-A80RM. I would only assume 06200-5L9-A59RM is for 2015 TLXs and 06200-5L9-A80RM is for 2016.
1. 06200-5L9-A80RM
2. 06200-5L9-A69RM
3. 06200-5L9-A59RM
According the Acura parts web site, 06200-5L9-A80RM replaced 06200-5L9-A69RM but not 06200-5L9-A59RM. So it seems there are two valid ones : 06200-5L9-A59RM and 06200-5L9-A80RM. I would only assume 06200-5L9-A59RM is for 2015 TLXs and 06200-5L9-A80RM is for 2016.
05-02-2016, 02:32 PM
#1668
10th Gear
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Aurora, Ontario, Canada
Age: 51
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Problem is the transmission is not failing. It just shifts roughly.
I believe there would be a problem to warrant class action law suit. This whole transmission problem has been a complete disaster. Again, I have been driving Acuras for a long time and it seems they cannot produce / outsource the transmission which would match the phenomenal engine characteristics. Making one component great (the engine) and the other crap (transmission) makes for horrendous driving experience. If it takes the engine to be not as good and at the same time the transmission to get better I think Acura should consider that path.
I believe there would be a problem to warrant class action law suit. This whole transmission problem has been a complete disaster. Again, I have been driving Acuras for a long time and it seems they cannot produce / outsource the transmission which would match the phenomenal engine characteristics. Making one component great (the engine) and the other crap (transmission) makes for horrendous driving experience. If it takes the engine to be not as good and at the same time the transmission to get better I think Acura should consider that path.
05-02-2016, 02:36 PM
#1669
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
Update-
Our SA just informed us that they got the approval to replace the transmission in our TLX. Here's the catch... It is getting replaced with a 2015 unit with the 2016 "countermeasures" or ie. updates along with a new TCM.
Initially, my gut feeling tells me going that route allows a small chance that the problem doesn't get resolved then we repeat the process yet again. Deeper into the conversation, it was said that the lucky few 2015s were replaced with 2016 transmissions to begin with because this solution wasn't yet available for those earlier replacements.
So although, my initial thoughts are still there, I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt that the early test cases revealed the flaws in the 2015 early production units and Acura now has a solution to quickly address those problem by providing updated/remanufactured 2015 replacements. We should have the car back in a few days and will update on how it drives.
Our SA just informed us that they got the approval to replace the transmission in our TLX. Here's the catch... It is getting replaced with a 2015 unit with the 2016 "countermeasures" or ie. updates along with a new TCM.
Initially, my gut feeling tells me going that route allows a small chance that the problem doesn't get resolved then we repeat the process yet again. Deeper into the conversation, it was said that the lucky few 2015s were replaced with 2016 transmissions to begin with because this solution wasn't yet available for those earlier replacements.
So although, my initial thoughts are still there, I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt that the early test cases revealed the flaws in the 2015 early production units and Acura now has a solution to quickly address those problem by providing updated/remanufactured 2015 replacements. We should have the car back in a few days and will update on how it drives.
05-02-2016, 02:43 PM
#1670
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
Problem is the transmission is not failing. It just shifts roughly.
I believe there would be a problem to warrant class action law suit. This whole transmission problem has been a complete disaster. Again, I have been driving Acuras for a long time and it seems they cannot produce / outsource the transmission which would match the phenomenal engine characteristics. Making one component great (the engine) and the other crap (transmission) makes for horrendous driving experience. If it takes the engine to be not as good and at the same time the transmission to get better I think Acura should consider that path.
I believe there would be a problem to warrant class action law suit. This whole transmission problem has been a complete disaster. Again, I have been driving Acuras for a long time and it seems they cannot produce / outsource the transmission which would match the phenomenal engine characteristics. Making one component great (the engine) and the other crap (transmission) makes for horrendous driving experience. If it takes the engine to be not as good and at the same time the transmission to get better I think Acura should consider that path.
In 2002 I bought a Honda Civic Hybrid and wound up being part of a class action lawsuit based on the car not getting the MPG that Honda advertised. It was probably not until 2008 or 2009 when I got a check, and it was for $50.
So while it's possible, it would be years from now and the payouts would likely be very small.
05-02-2016, 02:46 PM
#1671
Styl1n
There have been three part numbers in circulation:
1. 06200-5L9-A80RM
2. 06200-5L9-A69RM
3. 06200-5L9-A59RM
According the Acura parts web site, 06200-5L9-A80RM replaced 06200-5L9-A69RM but not 06200-5L9-A59RM. So it seems there are two valid ones : 06200-5L9-A59RM and 06200-5L9-A80RM. I would only assume 06200-5L9-A59RM is for 2015 TLXs and 06200-5L9-A80RM is for 2016.
1. 06200-5L9-A80RM
2. 06200-5L9-A69RM
3. 06200-5L9-A59RM
According the Acura parts web site, 06200-5L9-A80RM replaced 06200-5L9-A69RM but not 06200-5L9-A59RM. So it seems there are two valid ones : 06200-5L9-A59RM and 06200-5L9-A80RM. I would only assume 06200-5L9-A59RM is for 2015 TLXs and 06200-5L9-A80RM is for 2016.
05-02-2016, 08:13 PM
#1672
Styl1n
There have been three part numbers in circulation:
1. 06200-5L9-A80RM
2. 06200-5L9-A69RM
3. 06200-5L9-A59RM
According the Acura parts web site, 06200-5L9-A80RM replaced 06200-5L9-A69RM but not 06200-5L9-A59RM. So it seems there are two valid ones : 06200-5L9-A59RM and 06200-5L9-A80RM. I would only assume 06200-5L9-A59RM is for 2015 TLXs and 06200-5L9-A80RM is for 2016.
1. 06200-5L9-A80RM
2. 06200-5L9-A69RM
3. 06200-5L9-A59RM
According the Acura parts web site, 06200-5L9-A80RM replaced 06200-5L9-A69RM but not 06200-5L9-A59RM. So it seems there are two valid ones : 06200-5L9-A59RM and 06200-5L9-A80RM. I would only assume 06200-5L9-A59RM is for 2015 TLXs and 06200-5L9-A80RM is for 2016.
Mine replacement was A58RM my shifts are non existent smooth as glass. They didn't change Tcm but they did update with the latest software. I don't know why all replacements are different
05-02-2016, 08:44 PM
#1673
There have been three part numbers in circulation:
1. 06200-5L9-A80RM
2. 06200-5L9-A69RM
3. 06200-5L9-A59RM
According the Acura parts web site, 06200-5L9-A80RM replaced 06200-5L9-A69RM but not 06200-5L9-A59RM. So it seems there are two valid ones : 06200-5L9-A59RM and 06200-5L9-A80RM. I would only assume 06200-5L9-A59RM is for 2015 TLXs and 06200-5L9-A80RM is for 2016.
1. 06200-5L9-A80RM
2. 06200-5L9-A69RM
3. 06200-5L9-A59RM
According the Acura parts web site, 06200-5L9-A80RM replaced 06200-5L9-A69RM but not 06200-5L9-A59RM. So it seems there are two valid ones : 06200-5L9-A59RM and 06200-5L9-A80RM. I would only assume 06200-5L9-A59RM is for 2015 TLXs and 06200-5L9-A80RM is for 2016.
05-03-2016, 06:37 AM
#1677
Styl1n
05-03-2016, 07:31 AM
#1678
05-03-2016, 12:36 PM
#1679
I have the SH-AWD and my transmission was replaced with 06200-5L9-A80RM. Everything is great with it for the most part that I can tell. Depends on how aggressive I am on the throttle, but I can sometimes notice a small shift but no hesitations or bumps at all. A lot of it is probably just my brain expecting it to happen. Throttle response is still a little slow sometimes, but I think that's the usual case people have talked about with it trying to find the right way to get from gear 8/9 to 5/4 when I stomp on it to pass someone.