k9fto

I bought a used 2003 MDX and I love the thing with exception of the mileage (and a couple of other issues listed next).

Right after I bought it I noted the clutch slipping and it would free rev if after the shift to 2nd if you stepped into it to accelerate, it would not down shift. I had bought it from Carmax and they looked at it and noted the tranny had burnt fluid and smelled wrong. (so much for the carmax inspection I guess...) They had it taken to their tranny shop here in Houston who found all the clutch packs were burnt and had to replace the entire clutch assembly as though it had been towing a lot. (has no towing package installed)

I have to attend a school in Austin so I make the trip (about 200 miles) and get around 14mpg running about 75-80mph with a strong head wind. I cant really complain yet about the mileage as I have a heavy foot and the wind most assuredly played a factor.

I am somewhat spoiled as my other ride is a 2004 TSX and I get about 25-28 running this way.... but the MDX rides SOOO much smoother and quieter.

One question I do have and since I have never owned an MDX I need some advice from those of you that do.. I noticed that when I back up and put it in drive, it feels more like a jeep with the 4 wheel hubs locked in, that sort of tight feel and not a free wheeling rear drift when shifting to a forward gear. Is this a normal feel for this car and I am being hyper sensitive since the tranny issue or is there something I need to have checked? Everything else seems great...

thanks in advance.....

FiftyFive

Not really sure if i get what you are describing here. Is there any clunking when switching between R and D?

k9fto

Nope, no clunking. Just feels tight. If I am in reverse and let off the gas or allow an idle speed type situation, it is almost as if it applies the brakes as I shift into drive. Sorry, kinda hard to explain.

I just got the MDX back from Aamco and they changed the bands and torque converter as well. I discovered as I drove around Austin a loud and obvious popping sound like you would associate with a strut going bad in cold weather but it only happens when the weight of the vehicle shifts forward and back. No popping when driving normally and hitting bumps. Only when starting from a stop and then stopping. Can be felt under the feet and heard inside the cabin. They are able to replicate the noise while driving but cant seem to isolate it and fix it. They say the motor mounts are fine. Still trying to get this one right.........

Majofo

Get the engine mounts & trans mounts inspected again, most guys will look for engine play but remember the front mount is hydraulically controlled.. Stay away from Aamco and try to find a reputable Honda transmission specialist. If Acura is too expensive for your pocketbook, I can recommend a decent & fair guy in Hutto. PM me..

Your MPG is ridiculous. I own an '03 as well. The last trip I made to Houston via 290 I got 27 MPG going an avg speed of 70 (yo-yo b/w 65 & 80).

Get your pressure switches / sensors changed out as well as the solenoids. Make sure they clean out the valve body as well and I recommend a 15k mile Z1 ATF change interval or switch to Amsoil ATD.