Why does my Acura RL hesitate and shift hard?

Short answer: On the 2005–2008 RL, a lag when you step on the gas after slowing down, slow engagement into drive or reverse, or hard clunky shifts usually trace to the automatic transmission's controls: the pressure control solenoids (electric valves that set fluid pressure), the fluid, or the software. Read the codes first. Code P0797 points at clutch pressure control solenoid C, and P0767 at solenoid D. If replacing those and fresh fluid don't help, the transmission itself may be worn.

Symptom: A delay or rough shift when you speed up after slowing in traffic, the rpm hanging around 1,500 without the car speeding up, slow shifts from neutral to drive or reverse, RPM flutter at a steady 40–45 mph, or in bad cases the car getting stuck in neutral.

What to check first

1. Scan for codes, including transmission codes like P0797 and P0767 (solenoids C and D).
2. Check the fluid level and condition. Owners did repeated drain-and-fills with Honda/Acura fluid.
3. Ask the dealer about software updates. One owner said an older bulletin updated the software for a downshift problem.
4. Check the battery and the rear differential fluid. Owners raised both when diagnosing odd shifting.
5. Note exactly when it happens (after braking, at light throttle, certain gears) to help the shop.

Likely causes

1. Solenoid C or D fault (P0797, P0767). Solenoids bolt to the transmission.
2. Old or low transmission fluid. Use the specified Honda/Acura fluid.
3. Transmission software needing an update. None
4. Internal transmission wear. If solenoids and fluid don't fix it.

What it usually costs

Owners in these threads didn't post repair prices. Solenoids and fluid are the cheap first steps. A rebuilt or used transmission costs much more, so get a written quote and a code scan before agreeing to one.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Be careful. A lag when pulling into traffic, or a car stuck in neutral, can leave you without power when you need it. Get it checked soon and avoid tight merges until it's fixed. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for fluid service and code reading. Solenoids are reachable for a handy owner. Software updates and transmission repair are shop jobs.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• No transmission recall: NHTSA lists RL recalls for these years for a power steering hose that can crack from under-hood heat (07V551) and brake fluid (10V504), but none for the transmission. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 7 keyword-matched complaints for Acura RL 2005–2008 (of 190 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-21; keywords: transmission, shift, slip, clunk, jerk, harsh, hesitate, delay, neutral, flare). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 05 Acura RL transmission issues on AcuraZine, an owner's $500 project RL refused to go into gear most of the time, ran only briefly after a computer reset, then shifted hard with clunks and got stuck in neutral. It set P0797 and P0767, which the owner's scanner described as pressure control solenoid C stuck off and solenoid D stuck on. The fluid was very dark. Replacing both solenoids didn't fix it, and members asked about the computer, the battery and flood damage.
• In Transmission Problems? on AcuraZine, owners described a delay and rough shift when accelerating after slowing down, rpm hanging around 1,500 at light throttle, slow shifts into drive or reverse, and rpm flutter around 40–45 mph. One owner did a triple drain-and-fill that didn't help and noted an older software bulletin for a downshift problem. Another asked whether they had changed the rear differential fluid.

Quick tip

When a transmission acts up, scan for codes and check the fluid before anyone says 'rebuild.' Sometimes it's a solenoid or software.

Vehicle focus: 2005–2008 Acura RL (SH-AWD, 5-speed automatic).

Safety / mechanic note

Losing power or getting stuck in neutral in traffic is dangerous. Verify with a mechanic.