So i just got my first real car, its a 1999 acura 3.0 cl with all the options. Im 21 years old and was driving a beater until now, i got what i believe to be a great deal, payed 3200 for it at 98k miles, everything runs perfectly. (My dad is an acura tech of 20+ years and he did a thorough inspection) Naturally im very happy to have this car, its become somewhat of an obsession already, and i would love to keep this car for the next 5 or 10 years.

And then i came here :-p after browsing only 2 pages im scrambling to find a tranamission cooler and ways to prolong the life of my car. Now let me ask this, is it really that bad? Will the transmission just up and die on me like all these stories keep saying? I've always heard honda/acura has a reputation for durability. My dad said a 99 3.0 cl came through the shop the other day with 400k miles on it, so that gives me hope.

But panic aside, I'm loving my acura and its really ignited an interest in automotives for me. (Even considering pursuing a job in the field)

 

The 2001-2003 Auto Trans for the CLs were fragile.. but the 6mts are pretty much bulletproof. As far as the 99's I dont recall hearing to much negativity regarding them.

 

It's really hard to say, everyone's transmission is different, and has been treated differently for the last 10-14 years. Most of us have had our trans rebuilt at one point or another. The best thing you can do is drain and fill the fluid with fresh Honda ATF, and check the old fluid. See if it's burnt or has metal shavings in it. The other thing is baby the trans with the way you drive. After changing your fluid, see if it shifts any different. Also, how does your trans shift now? Is it smooth? Does it hesitate between any gears?

 

Nope, no hesitation or slipping, and it shifts so smoothly you can barely tell if you dont watch the gauges. The previous owner was an older woman, and from the records at the shop it was kept on the maintenance schedule. When i bought it we did a full tune up and checked everything over again, and didnt see anything wrong. Maybe i did get lucky. And tips on a good transmission cooler?

 

Not all the trannies were bad; just like BlackAck said; everyone's is different.Especially if you bought it from an older person;they tend to keep on top of everything; and if everything seems good. Try not to worry! good luck and welcome.

 

Meant to say "any tips" rather than "and tips". But that definately reassures me!

 

even that may not be your best bet;honestly i feel that frequent fluid changes or at least recommended intervals are best. Remember; heat isn't the transmission's only enemy. bad solenoids,pressure switches etc.

 

Definitely get a trans cooler and change out the fluid regularly.

I have a hayden TC and it works just fine

 

+1 on the tranny cooler
I had around 140,000 on my 3.0 before I sold it and shifted as good as any other 14 year old car would. No tranny cooler. I really pushed that thing too.

 

i got a brand new hayden TC sitting in my garage...just saying

 

My CL had 150k on the clock when I got rid of it. Transmission still worked fine.

 

post it in the black market, just sayin...

 

just sayin



The transmissions aren't all that bad, but they certainly aren't great by any means, especially in the 3.0's. Frankly, they underengineered these trannys. But, I still have 175k on my first one, so take care of it, it'll take car of you.

 

my transmission's running strong with 180k miles, no TC

never had any signs that it isn't going to stay that way, though i did have quite a shock when my right hand wheels cv joint broke and it made the most horrific sound without actually going anywhere..

 

ass, just saying....


haha