Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum so this is my first post.

I own a 2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type S.

My transmission went out on me in December, left me stranded on the freeway. I had to get it towed since the car would just rev and not go anywhere.

I recently had my transmission rebuilt the beginning of January and it was running fine right when I got it but after traveling more than 15 miles, I noticed the check engine light coming on again. I have 1 year warranty on my rebuilt transmission so I brought it back to the mechanic and he worked on it. I got it back and it happened again, check engine light keeps coming back on after 10-15 miles. I kept bringing it back to the mechanic and it keeps happening. He claims that it was an electrical problem at first, then a solenoid problem, and now today it might be a torque converter problem so he'll have to take out the transmission and fix it. The mechanic is changing shop locations so he won't be able to fix it for the next two weeks, so I was wondering if I can drive my car for that long. Will it last?

The mechanic is trustworthy and honest, he's fixed most of my family's cars and he has good reviews on yelp as well so I really doubt he's trying to mess with me and be shady.


Problems with the car that I've noticed compared to when my car was perfectly fine:

1. The gas pedal is a lot harder to press on, sensitive now.. more than before. Especially when it's cold, but as the car gets warmer it gets a little easier.

2. When it shifts to 2nd gear, sometimes I would notice a little jerk. It's not a big jerk like before when my transmission failed on me.


My main question is, will I be able to drive the car with a torque converter problem. Since that's what my mechanic said. He claims to have fixed the electrical problem of the transmission. If I am able to drive the car, how far can I drive it? What should I expect and what should I be ready for. I just need to drive it for the 2 weeks so that he can fix it once he finishes moving to his new location.

Thanks everyone!

 

Welcome.
If I were you drive it till goes but obviously something wasn't put right, Since the trans has to come back out its a good chance to swap the 06-07 accord trans into it.
Now also a good chance to change the rear main seal on the engine, unless it was already done.

 

Rear main seal change is a MUST when the tranny is removed...don't miss this chance! Get the seal from the dealer, it's cheap and labor is minimal.

The gas pedal is hard to press because your throttle body is gunked up. Get a can of carb cleaner and spray it liberally with the engine off. Let it soak, clean the throttle body and the plate (especially around the rim)....and repeat. When done, lightly lube the hinge on the plate with a light oil.

 

These are good questions for your tranny rebuilder. The car should've never left the shop unless it was right, IMO.

The least they could've done was to supply you with a loaner car, but if they left you take the car home to drive.....then keep their shop's phone # on speed dial if the tranny unexpectedly fails again.

 

Did you scan the code? Go to a pep boys store or something....they usually scan codes for free. Get an idea of where the problem lies. I would also double check all the harness connectors and the ones going to sensors. Push them all in just in case one of them isn't seated properly (happens quite often).

 

Hello everyone,

Thanks for all the help, I appreciate it! Turns out it really is a torque converter problem so I was wondering how much longer can I drive with that problem. The mechanic is switching locations so he said to give him 1 week. Will I be able to last that week?

I usually drive to work which is like 4-5 miles away. On the weekend I would probably drive up to 20 miles.

 

Ya never really know for sure when something will give out, sorta like playing "Russian Roulette" . But, with a bit of luck and only driving the short distance of 5 miles twice a day for a week, you should be ok....buy a lottery ticket each day after work on the way home.

Good luck and hope it lasts !

 

That would suck but I'll be sure to scoop up them lotto tickets if I make it! lol

What should I be expecting? Is there a chance the transmission might fail again and won't shift gears.. sort of like being in neutral during the drive? I'm not that good with cars..