This was talked a lot on the forum. Gonna say like at least 110 posts? This is a TCU related and has improved many of our members' MDXs shifting behaviors (including mine).
TCU and ECU update for 2016 -2020 MDXs
Recently I took my 2019 MDX SH-AWD Aspec lease into the dealership as I was feeling some jerking/lurching whenever it switched from the 4th to 5th gear intermittently when driving normally.
The technician was not able to replicate the issue but when he hooked up the SUV to the computer, he found TCU/ECU update available for it from Acura. Those updates were applied to my MDX and I can confirm that I have driven it more than 500 miles since then and I have not felt any more jerks. I think the transmissions shift points have also changed and it seems more responsive to downshift when you press the gas pedal.
I was thinking of getting rid of it after my lease because of how crappy I think this transmission is but this update has changed my mind. I might just keep it because everything else seems to be fine.
I guess all along the ZF engineers were right that this may have to do with calibration (ZF Offers Tips for 9 Speed Woes)
Not sure about the ECU but here is the link to the TSB for TCU update: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10179400-0001.pdf if it concerns anyone.
The technician was not able to replicate the issue but when he hooked up the SUV to the computer, he found TCU/ECU update available for it from Acura. Those updates were applied to my MDX and I can confirm that I have driven it more than 500 miles since then and I have not felt any more jerks. I think the transmissions shift points have also changed and it seems more responsive to downshift when you press the gas pedal.
I was thinking of getting rid of it after my lease because of how crappy I think this transmission is but this update has changed my mind. I might just keep it because everything else seems to be fine.
I guess all along the ZF engineers were right that this may have to do with calibration (ZF Offers Tips for 9 Speed Woes)
Not sure about the ECU but here is the link to the TSB for TCU update: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10179400-0001.pdf if it concerns anyone.
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For me the interesting point here is the fact that a 2019 started showing some shifting issues that were resolved by the same TSB. The 2019 had SW and actual HW changes to the 9 speed that made it much improved over the earlier model years. I know when I went from my '17 to my '19 that the change was very noticible, and so far (albeit only 9500 miles) it's been flawless shift-wise. But this post is good info to have, knowing the TSB is effective even for the updated '19 and '20 models.This was talked a lot on the forum. Gonna say like at least 110 posts? This is a TCU related and has improved many of our members' MDXs shifting behaviors (including mine).
andy
Exactly the same issue. I would see the 2019 MDX have a HARD up shift between 4th and 5th gear (hard enough to lurch the car and make a clunking noise, and some times between 3rd and 4th) regularly on medium acceleration on a straight road or slightly downhill road. It would never happen on an uphill road or under hard acceleration. Super easy to replicate, set the cruise control to 50th and resume from stop on a flat or slightly downhill road. I was so upset for trading in my BMW for the MDX because of this useless tranny shifting. Then I saw this post, took it to the dealer, I think they’re trained to say we can’t replicate it, but we have a software update and now it’s super smooth and even more responsive than before. Loving it.
The only thing I miss now are the sharp brakes on the bmw. The MDX brakes are just soft and mushy (and there’s no air on the system). Infact when cruise control and low speed follow is active the system primes the brakes and when you press it then it’s responds with a sharp and precise response. I really wish they gave an option to select the default priming level of the brakes when you change the comfort/normal/sport modes.
The only thing I miss now are the sharp brakes on the bmw. The MDX brakes are just soft and mushy (and there’s no air on the system). Infact when cruise control and low speed follow is active the system primes the brakes and when you press it then it’s responds with a sharp and precise response. I really wish they gave an option to select the default priming level of the brakes when you change the comfort/normal/sport modes.
I agree. The stopping power is there when you mash the pedal but the pedal is too spongy. There's not enough feedback from the pedal to inspire confidence and there's no initial bite.The only thing I miss now are the sharp brakes on the bmw. The MDX brakes are just soft and mushy (and there’s no air on the system). Infact when cruise control and low speed follow is active the system primes the brakes and when you press it then it’s responds with a sharp and precise response. I really wish they gave an option to select the default priming level of the brakes when you change the comfort/normal/sport modes.
The "ZF Offers Tips for 9speed woes" link above just takes you to discussions between owners of 2015 Jeep Renegades, not helpful for owners of late model MDX's.Recently I took my 2019 MDX SH-AWD Aspec lease into the dealership as I was feeling some jerking/lurching whenever it switched from the 4th to 5th gear intermittently when driving normally.
The technician was not able to replicate the issue but when he hooked up the SUV to the computer, he found TCU/ECU update available for it from Acura. Those updates were applied to my MDX and I can confirm that I have driven it more than 500 miles since then and I have not felt any more jerks. I think the transmissions shift points have also changed and it seems more responsive to downshift when you press the gas pedal.
I was thinking of getting rid of it after my lease because of how crappy I think this transmission is but this update has changed my mind. I might just keep it because everything else seems to be fine.
I guess all along the ZF engineers were right that this may have to do with calibration (ZF Offers Tips for 9 Speed Woes)
Not sure about the ECU but here is the link to the TSB for TCU update: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10179400-0001.pdf if it concerns anyone.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
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