[Rock-It Man]

Originally Posted by WhiteNight

You can't compare an Acura to this machine. Maybe you need a Buick or Cadillac.

That's funny! You will get exactly the same transmission in a Buick of Cadillac.

[Cameron27]

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[Martinjlm]

Originally Posted by Cameron27

Given all the info, I guess I’ll do this so far:
(1) ask the dealer’s opinion
(2) ask for a transmission fluid flush (triple? as some people seem to get)
(3) ask for a reset of the learning tool (in case initial 50 miles on the car that I didn’t drive affected learning)
(4) plug my ears and pretend nothing is wrong???? And wait til warranty is over?

I think this is the right course of action. If you get through steps 1 - 3, step 4 should not be necessary. When asking for the dealer's opinion, specifically state that you are aware of a TSB addressing the torque converter issues and tell them that you have heard of strange shift behavior being caused by sediment in the valve body. That will make them more likely to actually check the valve body and completely flush the fluid, including cooler lines.

[USAFS197]

I think it is all driver perception and expectations. Going back to the Acura reference, that is a soft, commuter oriented vehicle and by comparison, their transmission and the parameters therein would not be akin to what is found in a Camaro--and rightfully so. The Camaro has an emphasis on performance and with that, there is an inherent level of compromise. Within the price range of these vehicles, it is difficult to ask for a buttery smooth transmission that also shifts in fractions of a second when you suddenly demand it to. In order for that to be the case, you'd need to make compromises elsewhere in the vehicle to maintain the same price point.

In no way, shape or form, have I ever considered the way the transmission shifts in my A8 as anything out of character. I had the torque converter shutter and got it replaced. Since then, it shifts predictably well; within its intended purpose. If my car suddenly started shifting super smooth all the time, I'd wonder if I accidentally put the car in wet mode. I drive in sport/track constantly so, firm, sudden shifts are expected.

[Johnwon]

I agree that it is a lot of driver perception and expectations. I am getting ready to turn 18k miles on my Camaro on my way to work tomorrow and cannot say that I've ever felt that the transmission shifted badly or unexpectedly. Maybe it's because I expect that when I hammer it with a 455HP LT1 the car to be perfectly smooth and would not want it to drive like an Acura just as I would not want to feel like I had a suspension from a Mercedes. When I am driving it gently, it shifts smoother than any other car that I have driven (when in tour mode) and haven't had any issues when in stop and go rush hour going over the bridges (we don't really have hills around here). I do a lot of manual downshifting, because I hate the brake dust from the stock Brembos and have not changed the pads to solve for that and I really like hearing my NPP make noise. I did have to have the torque converter replaced about 6 months ago and before GM did that, it was acting a bit rough for a month or so.

[Cameron27]

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[Chazzz]

These are common issues with a lot of manufacturers automatics. I think many of them have been worked out in the later production Gen6 cars. Mine was built 5/17 and I have zero issues. If you are having issues check with your dealer occasionally as usually a software update will resolve most problems and there may be a technical bulletin on this in the future. My brothers 2015 Acura TL was having similar issues and 2 years later a software update resolved it.

[HCGxKaLiBeR]

My 09 335i A6 does a much better job.(Alpnia B3 flashed) The car shifts like dual clutch.

My SS A8 has exact all the problems OP mentioned. My car is Diablo tuned, I flashed my TCM a few times now. I noticed right after I flash the transmission the car drives very smooth. But after the trans has adapted/learned then it became harsh again.

Horrible programing GM.

[Cameron27]

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[flaps100]

Too picky, my A8 shifts perfectly, best trans I have ever owned.

[Dallace]

I gear brake about 60% of my driving. Not overly so though. Never down shift the engine more than 4500 rpm.

[cmitchell17]

Originally Posted by HCGxKaLiBeR

My 09 335i A6 does a much better job.(Alpnia B3 flashed) The car shifts like dual clutch.

My SS A8 has exact all the problems OP mentioned. My car is Diablo tuned, I flashed my TCM a few times now. I noticed right after I flash the transmission the car drives very smooth. But after the trans has adapted/learned then it became harsh again.

Horrible programing GM.

This is about the only conclusion I have come to as well. It could just be placebo and the fact that I put it into relearn makes me think the shifting is better. Similar to how I thought it was pretty good when I first got the car and then got used to it and started noticing the bad shift quality.

But it still feels like it learns its way into it. I'm not that familiar with the control logic of the modern clutch to clutch transmissions, but I've heard (with the Allison in duramaxes) that It can learn "badly" Meaning individual problem shifts have to be relearned independently to keep the TCM from converging all the shifts to learn badly.

From a logical view and my experience and knowledge of control systems, this theory dosent really make sense. I know no one would intentionally program the TCM to trim shift pressures and fluid fill times to shift badly.

The sediment theory and changing the fluid after break in seems like a more logical explanation to me though.

[Martinjlm]

Originally Posted by Cameron27

Ok so one last question for now: does anyone actually regularly gear break with the automatic? By habit I’m doing that. Not sure if it’s bad for it.

Basically, if I never gear break into 2nd, everything is for the most part fine for now. There are the other quirks, but shifts are typically good otherwise.

I’ll be servicing the car within the next couple months for an oil change, so I’ll see what the service tech has to say... but I also don’t want anyone diagnosing a problem and purposefully laying into the gears to see what my reported issues are :/

Originally Posted by Dallace

I gear brake about 60% of my driving. Not overly so though. Never down shift the engine more than 4500 rpm.

I do this a lot. Especially when I'm driving with the top down. Love the burble and crackling in the exhaust on downshifts. Won't hurt a thing if you do not overrev on the downshift. And the software protects you from overrevving on downshifts. It will deny some shifts. You'll know when it does, because it will display "Shift Denied" in the IP. You'll also see this if you try to upshift when the RPMs are too low.

[Jr0ckk]

I have had the torque converter shuterring issue. They did the triple flush and all of that. Its back less than a year from having it done. Can they repplace the tranny and dall it the day. Im pissed at this and have lost faith in GM. Not happy at all. Any advice would be appreciated.