Did Acura fix their transmission problems?

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Old 10-07-2015, 10:43 AM
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Did Acura fix their transmission problems?

I'm looking at getting a 3rd/4th gen TL, or a g35/37.
TL had the title until I read that they MIGHT still experiencing the Honda transmission problems. I hopped on the forums, and started reading through the posts. There's a few tranny problems on the front.

The back seat leg room in the Infinitis seems better than the TLs. But the TLs seems to have much wider seats (I have 2 kids). And the TL seats feel like you're sitting on clouds.
I prefer wider seats so I don't have to hear "Stop touching me!" the whole trip. Overall, the TL interior is amazing even at this year model. People say the Infiniti is the ideal entry level luxury vehicle, but they obviously haven't sat in the TLs.

I'd love to go with a 3rd/4th gen TL, their pricing is really cheap which means extra money for car toys (for my car, not the kids )

But if they're still very prone to transmission problems, I'd like to pass on it. I googled and used search features on a few different forums, and MOST of the problems I can find appear to come from 1st and 2nd gen TLs.

Some people have even said they fixed the problems in 2003, the release of 2004 didn't have these issues (or not as common).

What do you think?
Old 10-07-2015, 10:48 AM
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in 07-08, Acura updated the transmission and used a derivative of the RL transmission.
Beefier.

I would still treat ALL honda transmissions like glass and maintain the FUCK out of them.




and sorry for cursing
Old 10-07-2015, 10:48 AM
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or

grab a 6MT.

Honda's manual transmissions are stout
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Old 10-07-2015, 10:50 AM
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I would not be concerned with the 07-08 models as much as the 04-06 models as Justn noted. Does not mean they're bulletproof but they have a much lower failure rate than their older cousin. Care for them and all should be fine.
The 6MT is definitely stout.
Old 10-07-2015, 11:06 AM
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6MT is rare as heck it seems.
I have a Yaris, I've put over 200k on it and the automatic transmission seems bulletproof. It isn't responsive and if I'm all over the place with the throttle, you can feel it clunk around trying to back and forth quickly.
Actually, I've had no mechanical issues with the Yaris. The front bearings have gone out like 6 times, but it's been solid for an economy car.

Hoping to get something similar in terms of dependability. But a little more power and a MUCH nicer interior.
Old 10-07-2015, 11:10 AM
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test drive some TL's! i'm sure you'll get a feel for how they drive and what to look out for

also test drive some more G's!
Old 10-07-2015, 11:27 AM
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07/08 TL-S would be my suggestion if you're set on Acura.
Old 10-07-2015, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by ggesq
07/08 TL-S would be my suggestion if you're set on Acura.
Very good, I shall.

My friend has an 09, 4th gen? And he doesn't have any complaints yet. But he hasn't even put 15k on his.
Old 10-07-2015, 03:01 PM
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as you know, forums are places to vent or to ask about problems...

we havent heard anything from the FWD version of the 4G.....

but the SHAWD 4G TL has some minor problems with drive shaft and torque converter.

they say BOTH consume oil tho, but its either a hit or a miss on this bulletin point
Old 10-07-2015, 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
as you know, forums are places to vent or to ask about problems...

we havent heard anything from the FWD version of the 4G.....

but the SHAWD 4G TL has some minor problems with drive shaft and torque converter.

they say BOTH consume oil tho, but its either a hit or a miss on this bulletin point
The looks of the early 4G is probably the biggest polarizing "issue" about this car.
Old 10-07-2015, 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
as you know, forums are places to vent or to ask about problems...

we havent heard anything from the FWD version of the 4G.....

but the SHAWD 4G TL has some minor problems with drive shaft and torque converter.

they say BOTH consume oil tho, but its either a hit or a miss on this bulletin point
Both of the 4gs? Or 4g and 3g?
G35s are oil burners, one of the other reasons I was looking at TLs.
Old 10-07-2015, 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Chris Foster
Both of the 4gs? Or 4g and 3g?
G35s are oil burners, one of the other reasons I was looking at TLs.
Both 4G FWD and SHAWD, as thats whats been reported here on acurazine...Check out their side and view their problems to get a better understanding.

https://acurazine.com/forums/problems-fixes-297/

but like mentioned, forums are place to vent and seek answers....
so, this might NOT AFFECT ALL 4Gs
Old 10-07-2015, 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
Both 4G FWD and SHAWD, as thats whats been reported here on acurazine...Check out their side and view their problems to get a better understanding.
If it's just a pcv valve I can probably fix that with a catch can...
Guess I'll start reading over there. Work is slow today, so lots of reading and shopping. Silly support jobs :P
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Old 10-07-2015, 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Chris Foster
If it's just a pcv valve I can probably fix that with a catch can...
Guess I'll start reading over there. Work is slow today, so lots of reading and shopping. Silly support jobs :P
no, oil is escaping past the ringlands
Old 10-07-2015, 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
no, oil is escaping past the ringlands
Oh... Screw that crap. I don't even want to chance that.
3g it is.
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Old 10-07-2015, 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Chris Foster
Oh... Screw that crap. I don't even want to chance that.
3g it is.
LOL! but again, hit or miss on those 4G's.


Find a clean 3G Type-S, if you can!
Old 10-07-2015, 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 1Lieutenant
Can't seem to find my original post, but for those who were following it, here is an update.

The following are my own experiences with my 2012 TL SH AWD.

To review:

This has the 3.7 L engine which is known for oil consumption issues.
For the first 49K I have used all manner of 5W-20 (the authorized NA spec) synthetic oil (Mobil 1, Redline, Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra). Oil use has been 1 QT per 4K miles increasing to 1 QT per 2K miles. The dealer and Acura did an oil consumption test and deemed my car normal.

Changed the PCV valve and that reduced the oil consumption back to 1 QT per 4K (a story for another thread)

In researching this 3.7L engine, I noted that in the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and Australia the recommended viscosity is 0W-30 and 0W-40! I decided to do my own experiment and use 0W-40 Castrol Edge (German manufacture) and see what happened to oil consumption. I know it is still under warranty, etc so no chastisement, please.

So far, it is using oil at a rate of 1 QT per 8K miles!. Still early in the experiment so no conclusions yet. No changes in engine noise. This engine seems to run smooth and quiet on all oils. Remarkably, no change in fuel economy. Maybe the lower viscosity at start up makes up for the higher viscosity when warm.


I now have 3K miles on this oil change. Engine runs perfectly smooth and quiet. Oil consumption does not appear linear. The oil level is a little below the 1/2 way mark. I am estimating the end result will be closer to 1 QT per 5K miles. Big improvement over the start point but not as great as I was hoping. Will keep you updated at 4K. Stay tuned.
Old 10-07-2015, 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
LOL! but again, hit or miss on those 4G's.


Find a clean 3G Type-S, if you can!
Trying to find manuals. I searched CL, EVERY major dealership's used inventory around me (chevy, toyota, honda, acura, etc), AutoTrader, and more. I've been at this all day. I've found 1 banged up 04 I think. It has body damage on the upper part of the driver fender, near the hood.
Sigh...
Old 10-07-2015, 03:49 PM
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lol you came to the 3g section and guess what we gona suggest? BTW the 3rd gen TL AT isn't that bad just make sure to looks for services history on the AT. I had my TL since 2012 @59k miles and now she has 94k miles the AT still going strong. I drove the car hard some time but I always maintain the car too. G35 worst nightmare is the electrical system.
Old 10-07-2015, 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by truonghthe
lol you came to the 3g section and guess what we gona suggest? BTW the 3rd gen TL AT isn't that bad just make sure to looks for services history on the AT. I had my TL since 2012 @59k miles and now she has 94k miles the AT still going strong. I drove the car hard some time but I always maintain the car too. G35 worst nightmare is the electrical system.
I just wanted to know about the transmissions really. But if the 3g isn't haunted with anything similar to losing 1-2 quarts of oil per oil change, then I think it should be okay.
Old 10-07-2015, 04:42 PM
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Acura AT isn't buller proof like Lexus but it require alittle more maint than normal. As far as oil consumption goes it does not exist in the 3g world (unless a major problem occur). This thread made by me awhile back will help you understand the real cause AT failure.

https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...lained-926831/
Old 10-07-2015, 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by truonghthe
Acura AT isn't buller proof like Lexus but it require alittle more maint than normal. As far as oil consumption goes it does not exist in the 3g world (unless a major problem occur). This thread made by me awhile back will help you understand the real cause AT failure.

https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...lained-926831/
That's it! That's the money right there!
Perfect. I read through I_Hate_Cares thread too. That looks very simple to do. Remove the battery, replace the sensors, reinstall battery.
It's weird people are also just changing the fluid and the slipping goes away too.

So the trannys die completely when someone lets these switches go bad, and ignore them?
70$ (or less by now) for peace of mind is nice.
Old 10-07-2015, 05:38 PM
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yes the major cause by switches, Honda old Z1 ATF did not help along with poor clearance in path way, little bit of everything come together. My threads provided hard evident why the sensor need to replaced, when I bought the car its shift hard from 3rd to 4th @ full throttle near red line. After 5x3 and switches the car shift like butter now even at full throttle.
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