B16046

Service Bulletin
16-046
August 3, 2016
04536 Version 1
Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
Trim
VIN range
2012
TL
2WD
19UUA8F…CA035307 thru 19UUA8F…CA040693
2012
TL
4WD
19UUA9F…CA011186 thru 19UUA9F…CA012783
2013–14
TL
ALL
ALL
BACKGROUND
A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60mph. The problem is
typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque
converter was not causing the judder; rather, it was caused by deteriorated transmission fluid. The transmission fluid
deteriorates quicker than expected when it is exposed to intermittent high heat loads under specific driving conditions.
American Honda is working on a software update that will maintain the transmission fluid temperature within the
desirable range under all driving conditions and eliminate the potential for this judder. American Honda will revise this
service bulletin when the software update is available.
Until the software is released, the judder can be fixed by flushing the transmission fluid as indicated in the FLUSH
PROCEDURE. Make sure the customer is aware that this is a temporary fix and he or she will have to return once the
software is available to make sure the transmission judder is resolved.
NOTE: American Honda defines flushing the transmission as draining and filling the transmission with a drive cycle
three times to help make sure the deteriorated fluid is removed. There are other aftermarket flush systems available,
but American Honda does not recommend using them.
TEMPORARY CORRECTIVE ACTION
Take an automatic transmission snapshot and review the data. For more information about capturing and interpreting
the data, refer to the job aid Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and Vibration and the Tech2Tech® video “Interpreting
Torque Converter Judder Snapshot Data.”
Once it is confirmed that the judder is coming from the torque converter, flush the transmission three times as indicated
in the FLUSH PROCEDURE. This is a temporary fix that does not affect the durability or life span of the torque
converter until the software is developed.
NOTE: There is no need to call Tech Line before undertaking this ATF flush repair.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation
Number
2181BP
Skill Level:
Description
ATF flush procedure.
Includes test-drive.
Flat Rate
Time
Defect Code
Symptom
Code
Template
ID
Failed Part
Number
1.4 hrs
01102
03505
16-046N
26000-5J7-305
Repair Technician
CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and
training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Acura automobile dealer.
© 2016 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
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PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name
Genuine Acura ATF DW1
Washer, Drain plug (18 mm)
Washer, Sealing (24 mm)
Part Number
08200-9008A
90471-PX4-000
11107-PWA-300
Quantity
10
1
1
FLUSH PROCEDURE
NOTE: The term “flushing” refers to repeatedly draining and filling the transmission with Acura Genuine
ATF-DW1. Other aftermarket flush systems are available, but American Honda strongly recommends that
you avoid using them on any Acura vehicles.
1. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in Park or Neutral) until the radiator fan comes
on, then let it idle.
2. Position the vehicle on a lift and turn off the engine.
3. Remove the ATF filler bolt and sealing washer.
4. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
5. Remove the drain plug and drain the ATF.
6. Install the drain plug and original washer and torque it to 49 N.m (36 lb-ft).
7. Lower the vehicle and fill the transmission with 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1 through the filler hole.
NOTE: Do not use non-Acura ATF because it can affect shift quality.
8. Install the ATF filler bolt and original sealing washer and torque it to 44 N.m (32 lb-ft).
9. Check that the fluid is filled to the proper level.
10. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
11. Start the engine.
12. Press the brake pedal and shift to Drive.
13. Release the brake pedal. Press the accelerator pedal and bring the speedometer up to 50 mph. Make sure the
transmission shifts through the first three lower gears and into fourth gear and the torque converter is locking up.
14. Apply the brakes to stop the front wheels.
15. Shift to Reverse, then Neutral.
16. Repeat the shifting procedure (steps 12 through 15) four more times.
17. Turn off the engine.
18. Repeat the above drain, fill, and shifting procedure (steps 2 through 17) one more time.
19. After the second refill and drive cycle, drain the transmission.
20. Install the drain bolt with a new washer and torque to 49 N.m (36 lb-ft).
21. Fill the transmission with 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity
AWD: 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) at change
2WD: 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) at change
NOTE: Do not use non-Acura ATF because it can affect shift quality.
22. Install the ATF filler bolt with a new sealing washer and torque the bolt to 44 N.m (32 lb-ft).
23. Clear any DTCs set while driving on the lift.
END
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