New to the forum, just wanted to ask some general questions.

I've been reading a lot about the transmission failures. I currently drive a Camry and my mother has been driving an 01 CL-S (she bought used). Her tranny just went out and I just forked up $3k to have it replaced and a good tranny shop. My mom doesn't make much $ so I'm here to help her out. Then i started googling and man, it's a little scary. Knowing that the Camry (which I have kept in pristine condition) requires less maintenance, I will be giving her my Camry and taking the CL-S and also her payments away from her.

For those of you who have taken super great care of your CL's, any recommendations to keep this car in good shape? (i.e. ATF flush vs drain, mileage intervals, etc) Thanks.

 

I don't have a CL-S but do have an Accord V6 5AT which is known for the same tranny problems. Basically you never want to flush the tranny. Just drain and refill. I change my fluid every 3 oil changes. I believe the manual recommends every 30k however for me that isn't frequent enough. When I do have mine changed every 12k the dealer tells me the fluid was dirty. I tell them this is one reason why I don't go with the recommended 30k and change it every 12k. They really don't have an answer for that. I just know if my tranny fails I can tell them that I have taken the best care of my tranny by going over and beyond what the factory recommends as far as fluid changes. Also going to the Acura/Honda dealer to do the fluid changes are important because if they don't have a service record on the fluid changes then they are less likely to cover your tranny issue under the good-will policy.

 

Thanks SatinSilverAV6. While trying to have the dealer replace the tranny under warranty (they didn't do good will since it was 2 years over the warranty, although only had 80k miles), but the service tech there said to keep up with the transmission flushes. I asked him if he recommended drain or flush and he said flush. I'm basically trying to gather everyone's opinions and see what works best for the most people

 

No problem! Welcome to the forum!

 

you may read this thread. its about i think best solution for AT CL. Good Luck

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-cl-problems-fixes-70/another-solution-my-auto-cl-guys-758220/

 

Just drain and fill. Don't flush. Keep it simple. Just make sure to follow your intervals and you'll be fine.

 

Any time you replace the auto transmission fluid, do the 3x3 method. Its basically three drain and fills, but between them you need to drive a bit (just enough to engage all gears).

If the tranny does go out again, swap in an Odyssey transmission. They are jetted properly so the fluid can actually flow throughout the transmission. Those transmissions are generally cheaper then having the CL tranny rebuilt (they can found for $8-1200).

 

what civic said. The 3x3 method will gently replace about 95% of the fluid in the system and wont stir up the clutch pack material in the trans.
Personally I do mine every 2 years or about 20-30k.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to go with your advice vs acura's advice and drain/fill every 15k.

Using the drain/fill method, have your trannies lasted long?

 

thank god i have a 6 speed!