Rnader

I thought some of you might like this. Over the weekend my Uncle and I put on my UR Crank Pulley, Great mod for only $225 + belt BTW. After doing so we removed the Transmission Solenoids so we could take a sample of the transmission fluid to check for small particles in the fluid from normal wear and tear. He’s a Transmission Technical Specialist for Sonnax, working on high performance transmissions. Anyways the sample turned out to be just fine, so after he suggested we adjust the Solenoids for a more aggressive drive. Now mind you I am still a noobie when it comes to this so my wording might be a little off.


Now in-order to do this you need a special tool to adjust it and Sonnax happens to be one of the only companies that make it. If anyone is interested in buying this tool just let me know and ill try to point you in the right direction or you can contact Sonnax.com and if your lucky you might find someone that will sell it to you. This tool is not easy to come by since its not yet for public sale.


We turned both solenoids ¾ a turn. Some have been know to do a full turn or even all the way in but for a 04 TL ¾ a turn will do fine.



Now we did put in the Pulley at the same time but what I have noticed so far is the RPM’s seem to be much more responsive when shifting. Normaily when up-shifting the RPM’s would rise then I sift and they would fall a bit. Now after shifting the RPM’s seem to fall much faster. Let me know what you guys think and if you have any question ill be happy to help you out.

Lazer187

iTrader: (1)

great info, thanks

Rnader

im not sure if its b/c of the pulley install but it seems to shift faster as-well

NedShneebly

that's a tuff call since the pulley does just that - makes the engine rev easier.

Those solenoids actually determine the shift timing?

And the pentagon shaped key is the special Sonnax tool? That doesn't look very complicated. Is there a price tag on this tool yet?

Bender

Sounds like the same thing as adjusting the cable on a wire tb to get more rpms out of each gear.

AT =

csmeance

are the shifts firmer? Faster?

ducati748R

Thanks for sharing Rnader. So are the solenoids adjustable on any automatic transmission or is this solenoid design exclusive to Honda/Acura? This sure is a lot cheaper than doing a VB upgrade... Look forward to hearing your long term results.

Rnader

"These solenoids are also known to be problematic. The solenoids are more dynamic and have a more direct effect on clutch pressure (but they still only effect the rate of pressure increase and not the actual source of the clutch apply pressure)".
Its hard to tell what changed what due to the fact i installed the pulley at the same time but what i know for sure is that the revs drop noticeably fast after up sifting. Its like putting your trans in race mode, for a more agressive drive. This is found in most race cars and fortunately the TL trans is built tough enough to withstand the extra pressure plus room for much more.

Rnader

As far as I know this can be done on all cars with electronically controlled solenoids.

Rnader

Yes and Yes

EvoToTL

iTrader: (6)

interesting! i want to see someone else tries it local with the tool and see if there is a difference.

ducati748R

Looks like it may only work on Honda/Acura transmissions...
http://www.sonnax.com/tech-articles/TB-VOL1-NO8.pdf

Rnader

Oh wow, nice find

ducati748R

Thanks man. But you deserve the credit bro! It'll be interesting to see what other members report. Any idea how much that little tool costs?

Rnader

hmmm, not really, my uncle said they dont sell it to the public. But he also mentioned if anyone is intrested in the part to have them call. They have been known to sell parts like this to just about anyone that wants it, just got to call. But if anyone is interested I should be able to find out for ya. Ill email him now.

NedShneebly

or we could take turns shipping that one in the photo's around...?

Rnader

See links below for the .pdfs on summary and instructions. This tool can be used on any solenoid with the adjustment.
http://www.transmissionspecialty.com...ts/88950-T.pdf
and
http://www.transmissionspecialty.com...88950-T-IN.pdf

You can get this tool from WITT Transmission parts à https://www.wittrans.com/Default.aspx?
800-940-0197 Ask for Charlie Litchfield. They stock this at several locations around the country. Cost should be about $20.00

sr1sws

Rnader - quick question. The PDFs you referenced say don't turn more than 1/4 turn, yet your diagram showed like 3/4 turn. Have you had any issues (e.g. "downshift clunk") as stated in the documents???

Steve

Rnader

My Uncle (a Transmission specialist) suggested that we turn them 3/4 and not 1/4. Im not sure why but like i said before "Some have been know to do a full turn or even all the way in but for a 04 TL ¾ a turn will do fine" I might be able to get a more detailed answer for you later

av6t

iTrader: (1)

this is interesting. where is this seleniod located? i took under the hood yesterday and can't see it.

Rnader

its under the cold air, you will have to remove the air intake to get to it

EvoToTL

iTrader: (6)

still want to see someone local around to use the tool!

wps007

going to try it

Anarchy919

iTrader: (4)

How about you let me use your Adj tool and I can post up what I come up with on a Stock 04 Base TL.

Rnader

Its not my tool, its my uncles and its in his shop. I highly dought that he will let me take it for you.

Anarchy919

iTrader: (4)

Can't say I didn't try, Can you find out how much they are asking for one of them there bad boys?

Rnader

Anarchy919

iTrader: (4)

I'm going to call them in the A.M. and see if I can order one up.

EvoToTL

iTrader: (6)

thanks! cant wait for ur review.

Anarchy919

iTrader: (4)

My local WITT Transmission has a tool in stock, I'm going to pick it up in just a bit. So if EvoToTL would like to use it let me know. And if any other local TL owner would like to use it hit me up and your more then welcome to.

BLKURA

interesting, anyone else try this yet?

NedShneebly

It sounds cool but, I'm gonna have to wait for a couple more reviews before I start twisting on the solenoids.

jisleyjr

Looking at this diagram, shown in the thread about the 3rd and 4th gear pressure sensors, it is number 6. Looks close the starter and shouldn't be too hard to get to.

tlaspecteinss

iTrader: (1)

holy jesus ever since i got this car i been noticing the slow shift problem. i def need to adjust my shift solenoids.

NedShneebly

does that mean this only adjusts the sensitivity for 3rd and 4th gears?

Anarchy919

iTrader: (4)

Well I'm about to put my car on the lift here at work and change out ATF along with a new Tranny filter and Adj the solenoids and see what happens.

NedShneebly

ohhh, about to go Amsoil with my tranny and didn't think about the filter...how much do those go for?

Anarchy919

iTrader: (4)

About 12.00 but for some reason Acura did not have one in stock why I have no idea but it needs to be changed. I'm on my second one in 73K WIT sells them also for $9.98 I think.

Anarchy919

iTrader: (4)

Ok it's done I'm going out for a test drive in just a bit but first of all let me tell you the Adj can't be done with the solenoids on the tranny they have to come off to use the tool there just is not enough room to line it up and also see how much you are turning them so I took them off indexed them and started with 1/4 turm don't want to jump out there to soon I'll see how a 1/4 turn feels and at the same time order a new gasket for the solenoid base incase I Adj it another 1/4 or 1/2 turn.

NedShneebly

this is pretty interesting. hope you update tonight.