Hello,

I have searched and searched this forum for my exact problem and have not found it.

I have a 2003 Acura TL Type S with 163,000 miles on it. When I take off from a stop at light to moderate acceleration the trans shutters when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and then is fine. If I accelerate under anything more than the moderate acceleration it shifts clean into 2nd gear. All other shifts are smooth with no problems under any amount of acceleration.

I have done a 1x3 fluid change with Redline D4 but it did not do any good. If anything it is slightly worse. But still it does not do it under heavier acceleration.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Is it just a shutter, or does it slip at all?
If no slipping, my money is on motor mount(s) and possibly tranny mount as well. I've seen a handful of threads, one by myself as well, where tranny shudders, and it's the mounts.
If the fluid made it feel worse, could just be the tranny shifting more firmly, thus making it feel worse with it shutters due to the mount(s).

 

Thanks! That would make more since to me. It seemed strange that it would be a slip under low throttle but not slip at all under heavy acceleration. I will give the motor and trans mounts a look today and report back.

 

Yeah, as Chevelle66 said.....check the mounts. The passenger side upper mount and front tend to wear out quickly.
When were they last replaced ? Definitely the first place to look.

 

Just a theory, could be completely off, but my guess would be the weight shift of the heavier acceleration keep everything somewhat pinned down, so no shutter.

 

Luke5500, I have the exact same problem. Let us know how you fare with the mounts. I'm hoping it's not something more $ such as the transmission (or torque convertor). It also doesn't seem to happen in D4.

 

I might have to check out my motor mounts as well. I have a similar sputter under light load; however, its usually in 3rd and 4th gear. I recall seeing someone mention to check the engine mounts, but I didnt see any tears. Going to check tonight to see if there are any leaks from them...

 

It's possible, but I've always thought it was due to the increase in line pressure that higher throttle application creates.

 

Hey guys, if the mounts have not been replaced within the past 50k or 5years, they are likely shot. It's hard to check the front and rear, but the side is easy to see if bad. Our TL's are notorious for bad mounts...which can cause a shudder at slower speeds. A good place to start and eliminate as a problem, IMO.

 

Since you've already tried redline, here's what I'd recommend: (this actually worked on my 03 type s) Try a 1x3 change with redline racing. If it improves, try one more 1x3 with redline lightweight racing. Shudder is basically a clutch slipping, grabbing,slipping, etc. Fresh fluid with fresh friction modifier will sometimes smooth the shift out, and remove the shudder. On the other hand, reducing the amount of friction modifier by using racing fluid can make the clutch grab quicker, eliminating the shudder.
If you've got the time, this is explained in better detail over in 3rd gen. Look up redline racing atf, and the optimum per-centage of redline racing atf.

 

Would a slipping clutch cause a visible RPM increase on the tach, like a slipping tranny?

 

^^^ Yup.

 

Checked my MMs and sure enough the front and passenger side mounts are done... Looking to order the eBay mount kit for $150 over the weekend for the 3 engine mounts and 2 tranny mounts

 

Yeah, replace them and see what happens. Good Luck !!!

 

see post 851

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...721508&page=22

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I had it on a lift yesterday and the rear trans mount was bad. I replaced it but it still shudders. I still need to check the upper mount to see if it is bad. Will report back once I do.

 

TLer trash,

If changing mounts does not work then I am going to give the racing RedLine a shot for sure.

 

If that doesn't help, fsttyms suggestion is also a good one. The lubegard shudder fixx has worked for me, but I like to avoid friction modifier if I can.

 

mine seems to do the same thing...i hope u fine out and let us know... tks

 

where did u get the parts???
tks

 

ive got the same shudder between 1st and 2nd at low acceleration. After checking my mounts though they look fine.

 

those looking for motor mounts, I just ordered this off ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170793976599...84.m1423.l2649

They should arrive next week and will be going in over the weekend.

 

I was looking at lots of the ebay mounts, and the DEA part number for the front mount isn't what the DEA website says is for our car, yet they seem to work just fine, with lots being sold and no complaints. Anybody know why this could be? I couldn't find a single set on ebay that uses the part number from the DEA website

Also, are there any alternatives to the DEA mounts besides the $300 non-hydraulic mounts available? These never seem to last long

 

the light shudder shift 1-2 that goes away with more throttle is often
a simple need for trans fluid service and pressure switch cleaning

redline atf is not the way to go for this type shudder!
the new honda dw1 atf gives best results for this problem

you can manually clean the shift selenoid switches or run some motor purr or seafoam trans tune for 100-200 miles then
do a full 3x3 fluid changeout = trans holds 7.3qts

also replace the external filter as much crud will be in it after cleaner

 

I thought that the pressure switches were for 3rd and 4th gears? Will cleaning them have an affect on the 1-2 shift?

I have done a 3x3 with dw1 (not all at once -- over several months) - but the problem remains.

Thanks!

 

Have ya checked the mounts yet ?
How many miles are on the car....and when were the mounts last replaced ?

Try pulling the shift solenoids and clutch pressure switch to inspect for build up on the screens.

 

Did you figure out the 1-2 shudder?

 

Welcome 03hondaodyssey !!!
Some more specific details on your vehicle and it's tranny may be helpful.
What all have ya done up to this point in the way of PM and attempted fixes ?

 

I've got the 1-2 shutter issue as well. The motor mounts were checked and replaced as necessary during my recent timing belt change (about 5k miles ago) and will be doing a 3x3 and filter change in the near future (need a bit of warm weather). Will also be looking at the shift solenoids and clutch pressure switch while I'm at it. Will report back when I've don this (could be a while, so don't hold your breath. Motivation and time is an issue on top of the weather.).

 

Check back and report if any of your fixes did the trick, hopefully something positive.

 

Completed a 1x3 change and also replaced the filter (will be doing 2 more 1x3 changes in the upcoming weeks). I noticed a slight improvement in the 1-2 shudder issue, although I only really feel it when accelerating slowly.

I didn't notice any improvement in my 3-4 slip (didn't mention that issue earlier). This mostly occurs when cold. I'll be pulling and cleaning the screens soon and may look to replace the pressure sensor.

 

I would like to report that I tried cleaning the upper solenoids on a 99 TL and although I didn't see anything the filter screens I sprayed brake cleaner inside of them and manually actuated them with the battery to test them, Went for a test drive and unsure if it was going to take second gear it suprised me when it did it nice and smooth.

The next day did a drain and fill to find out it was overfilled by 2 quarts
Then another test drive and no slipping or anything abnormal. A week now running perfect.

 

So, do the '00+ have the solenoid screens? I searched a thread from quite a while back and while these were identified on the '99 4-speed AT, no one indicated definitively if the '00+ 5-speed AT had them.

While I don't have any CELs, I am considering changing my 3rd & 4th gear pressure switches to see if that helps with my 3-4 gear change "flair". Trans doesn't slip once in 4th, but the revs go up slightly (~200 - 400 rpm) before 4th grabs when the trans is cold.

 

3rd and 4th gear pressure switches are very easy to do and a relatively inexpensive DIY project. Some guys on third gen side have been doing it for preventative maintenance. And yes the 00+ have solenoid screens. In addition check the negative battery terminal wire from the post to the ground for fraying or corrosion. Replace if bad.