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2018 TLX V6 A-Spec: Rough 9-Speed Transmission Shifts and Hesitation

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:02 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Acura TLX V6 A-Spec

Hey everyone,

I've been experiencing some really rough shifting and hesitation with the 9-speed automatic transmission in my 2018 Acura TLX V6 A-Spec. It's particularly noticeable at lower speeds, like when I'm in stop-and-go traffic or trying to accelerate from a near stop. Sometimes it feels like it's searching for the right gear, and the shifts can be quite clunky.

I bought the car used a few months ago, and while it's generally great, this transmission behavior is starting to concern me. It doesn't always happen, but it's frequent enough to be annoying and makes me worry about long-term reliability.

Has anyone else with a 2016-2020 TLX, especially the V6 models with the 9-speed, run into similar issues? Is this a known problem, and are there any TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) or software updates that address it? I'm trying to figure out if this is normal for this transmission or if I should be heading to the dealership for a closer look.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:02 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's not uncommon for owners of 2016-2020 Acura TLX V6 models equipped with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission to report concerns regarding rough shifting, hesitation, or general drivability issues. This transmission has been a topic of discussion for many owners.

Here's what you should consider and how to address it:

  1. Software Updates/TSBs: The most common initial fix for these issues is a transmission software update. Acura has released several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) over the years to address shifting characteristics, particularly for earlier model years. These updates aim to refine the transmission's shift logic and improve smoothness. You should check with an Acura dealership to see if your specific VIN has any outstanding TSBs or recommended software updates for the transmission control module (TCM).
  2. Transmission Fluid Condition: While less common on newer vehicles, degraded transmission fluid can contribute to rough shifts. If your vehicle has higher mileage (e.g., over 60,000 miles) and the fluid hasn't been serviced, a transmission fluid drain and fill (using genuine Acura DW-1 fluid) might offer some improvement. However, this is usually secondary to software issues.
  3. Adaptive Learning: The 9-speed transmission has an adaptive learning process. Sometimes, resetting the transmission's adaptive memory can help it relearn your driving style, potentially smoothing out shifts. This is typically done by a dealership technician.
  4. When to See a Shop:
    • Immediately: If you experience any warning lights on your dashboard (e.g., 'Check Engine' light, 'Transmission System Problem' message), or if the shifting becomes severely erratic, unresponsive, or you hear unusual noises. While specific OBD-II codes like P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) or P073x (Incorrect Gear Ratio) are less common for just rough shifts, they indicate a more serious problem.
    • Soon: If the issue persists after checking for TSBs, or if it significantly impacts your driving experience. A dealership can perform a diagnostic scan to check for any pending or stored fault codes, even if no warning lights are active, and assess the transmission's health.

Do not ignore persistent transmission issues, as they can potentially lead to accelerated wear on internal components. Starting with a dealership visit to inquire about TSBs and software updates is your best first step.

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