Well, as some of you may recall, I had some tranny problems back in late December. Turns out it was the internal screen that got clogged and was preventing proper fluid flow. So at the time, my mechanic could not locate a new screen, so he cleaned it in solvent and replaced it. Looking back, that was probably not a good choice since the visible part of the screen is only 10% of the total screen in that part (see pic below)

So fast forward to this week. On Sunday the same problem happened again where the tranny would not shift properly. I heard the tranny pump gasping for fluid, so I knew it was the same problem. The mechanic said the screen was clogged, which was expected. But is it possible that the screen got clogged again with material that was not removed the first time, or is this a bad sign that clutch and/or torque converter material is beginning to come off inside the tranny?

I think I will keep driving it and see what happens. If the same issue happens again, then it means the tranny needs to be replaced (if not the whole car). My mechanic said he could put a used tranny in for $1000 total, which would give me another 1-2 years at least. But is that money better spent toward a new car?

Something else to add - I have not had to replace any major wear items yet (like CV joints, suspension, alternator, starter, etc). With 155,000 miles, it's safe to assume these will need replacement in the near future? Or do parts last longer on average in these cars?

Any input from fellow TL owners would be much appreciated. I am just trying to plan ahead and have a Plan B.

 

why not just get the new filter and O ring and see how it reacts. This not a big blow to your wallet. You can do it yourself and be done with about $65.00 to $70.00 with the Tranny fluid.

 

The part was replaced this week, that is not the problem. The tranny is now operating normally. I am wondering if the screen clogging to the point of making the tranny act up is a bad sign? I don't recall anyone on the boards having this same problem. Maybe I just waited too late and felt the consequences.

 

My tranny still jerks AFTER changing my screen, i have 2.5 TL at 170000, it IS a known problem with our tranny so I guess many people face it like you and me. It has been jerking for about 20000+km now, but the only steps ive tried is flushing plus changing screen. IN addition, my RPM run very high, at 70MPH, my needle sits higher than 3000, to fix it may require simple steps, but fixing tranny is not too friendly on our pockets, so im just live with the hard shifting, and drive like a granny ont he highway/

 

It is the fluid, then the change and filter get done with no flush, the first tranny service MUST be flushed or the tranny WILL go out, mine did... 3 times in 6 months. The problem was the filter AND the solenoid.

 

Right, the tranny right now is acting fine, maybe some hard shifts, but I can deal with it. But when it was really acting up, the tranny would not shift AT ALL. The RPMs would rev really high, but no shifting would occur. That was because of the fluid being blocked by the clogged screen. So I am basically hoping the screen does not clog again very soon, or else that means something bad is happening.

 

How many miles were on your TL when the tranny went out 3 times in 6 months? Was it just your screen getting clogged each time?

 

if ur screen gets clogged again and again, chances are it will continue to, i suggest you learn on cleaning the screen yourself as it is verrrry simple, the hardest part is dealing with the dirty oil..

the strainer is meant to catch the oil, and its key that u have this clean to ensure (smoother) shifting..

 

Right, changing the screen is not hard and I should have done it myself, but time was not on my side that week. But if the screen keeps getting clogged, esp on a pretty frequent basis, then something bad is happening inside the tranny. I'd expect some major slipping to occur if this becomes a constant problem.

 

well I personally think slipping may not happen unless you are having it right now. But yeah, I do agree a problem may occur. Im in the same boat as you but have been for 20000km, and my problem persists. Running the scanner on my tranny showed solenoid #3 as the problem but I may just take it to acura dealer one day to get them to diagnose.

 

Update: I called Acura dealer today, and talked to service manager and he actually said our cars tend to rev higher than most cars and even a jerk is normal as our tranny builds more pressure. Strange he says it, but Im thinking I may not go through with the $95 diagnostics. Well, a main issue could be that I dont have honda fluid, im gonna get that chagned.

 

Good info man, thanks. I'll keep my fingers crossed that my tranny keeps on going.