I have a 2000 TL. The transmission has been rebuilt, and it has done this weird random thing ever since I have owned it. I call it a false neutral, it act like it is in neutral, but the gear indicator still say it is in "D". It usually does it when you are coasting, almost to a stop and then when you start to go it will rev like it is in neutral. Usually one or two of those revs and then it will kick into gear. Completely random, so I can not repeat it regularly, which make me believe it is some sensor issue. I have replace these sensors: Input shaft VSS, Output shaft VSS, Throttle position sensor, Neutral possition switch sensor, and ABS front wheel sensors. I have read about a ground issue with these cars, so I re-did all the ground cables. Nothing has fixed the problem. Has anyone else had this problem, and were able to fix it? Thanks.

 

^^^ It sound like classical transmission slipping. Rebuilding wasn't perfect. Can be wrong not expert for those. Google "transmission slipping" and do not change parts at random next time.

 

Thanks. I do not believe it is the transmission slipping. From what I have experienced, transmission slipping can be repeated. Not all the parts we changed at random, some of them were a result of codes pulled from the car. I currently have zero fault codes showing up.

 

I thought of one more thing that I tried. I attempted to clean the three screen under the solenoid A - B. I say attempted because they were already pretty clean. I probably should check the screens under solenoid C. However, considering how clean the A - B screens were, I am not sure it is worth the effort.

 

I also removed solenoid C, and checked that screen. It also was pretty clean. Therefore, I doubt that had anything to do with the issue. Anybody have any ideas what might be causing this issue?

 

+1 on transmission slipping. Just because it's intermittent doesn't mean it's not slipping. When the transmission is REALLY bad, then it'll slip regularly, but intermittent slipping means it's on it's way out. I've driven with a slipping transmission (ironically, not with my TL, but a friend's car) and it's exactly how you describe. Seems fine, but then seems to be in neutral, then kicks into gear after a few seconds. It's not a sensor issue, it really is in neutral for those few seconds when you want to accelerate because the transmission can't find the gear (1st or 2nd since you're almost at a stop).

The problem on these transmissions is the design. Rebuilding buys you some additional time, but isn't a cure. I've changed my transmission filter and solenoid screens at the same time to buy some more time, but if I feel it slip, I'm sad to say I'll have to bid goodbye to my 18 year old friend...

How long have you owned the car? I think most owners and former owners would agree with me. There's just not many of us left so it was just me and bbsitum commenting.

 

I have owned this car about 2 years. It had the transmission rebuilt just before I bought it. It started this issue right away. Since it is random, never happened on the test drive. I took it back to the shop that did the rebuild (small local shop, but excellent reputation). He pulled the transmission again and said everything checked out okay. Of course it never did it for him. My daughter has been using this car to commute to college, but is no longer using it. I think it bothers me a lot more than it bothers her. Awhile ago, I asked her if she wanted to trade it in for something different so she would not have to deal with this issue and pay for premium gas. She said "no", because she really like the stereo in that car. The strange thing about this transmission, is if you drive it hard it shifts just fine. This only happens when you are taking it easy.

 

The transmission is an acknowledged and well known issue. If you're already experiencing transmission problems, there's no real solution, other than replacing the entire thing with a similar Accord transmission that doesn't have the inherent flaw. You'll see this mentioned on the forums as a AV6 (i.e. Accord V6) swap.The fact it was rebuilt before being sold means to me the owner knew about this problem, attempted to fix it by rebuilding it, then decided to sell it (probably because they were still experiencing intermittent slipping or they investigated more and knew there was no cure).

She might get some more mileage out of it, and then the transmission issues may increase, or she might start it up one day and the transmission is completely gone. Can she make do without a vehicle? Can she cope with pulling off to the side of the road and calling you/AAA for assistance? If the answer to either is "no", then unfortunately, you should look into getting another car for her, regardless of the stereo system.

The only time I would drive around in a car that could fail any minute would be for local drives by myself. Local, because I can easily get home if there's a problem (as opposed to being stuck on a highway, far from anywhere) and by myself, because I can handle a car that becomes undriveable on the road, dealing with tow truck drivers, the weather, etc. If I had my spouse and/or kids with me, I would need to get them home before dealing with the car.

 

Thank you for the replies. I appreciate your help. I am probably just going to get rid of the car.