I have a 2002 TL base model, with over 179,000 miles and I've been quoted $2500 to replace the engine and transmission with another engine and transmission with 79,000 miles and a one year, 30,000 mile warranty. Before I ok having the work done, what questions should I be asking and what work should I make sure is done at the same time, like having the transmission and engine mounts replaced. Did the trans have the recall work done ? That kind of thing.

 

What kind of problems are you having with your TL at 179k miles?

Its odd that both the transmission and engine goes out at the same time. I would ask if they are putting in a transmission that has 79k miles or a rebuilt one.

 

i agree i dont see both going at the same time unless one had previous problems. if getting the trans swapped can you get one from a new(er) vehicle to fix the trans problem?

 

The Accord

 

While driving at about 45 mph I experienced the transmission slipping, the check-engine and tcs lights came on, found from the OBD II, error code P0740. I took the car to a couple local transmission shops and they said the trans had to be rebuilt at $2200 -2500. After which the car had been sitting for about a three weeks and when I started the car and let it sit at idle,(in an effort to keep the battery charged) the exhaust was white and I noticed and smelt a leak near the exhaust manifold. After about three minutes idling, then the engine would rev up to about 2500 rpm for a second or two, drop back to idle for a second or two, rev back up to 2500 rpm, drop to idle, rev up, drop to idle, after about 20 seconds of this I shut the car off. That's the sequence of the failure events.

 

I would clean the iacv before replacing the engine

 

^^^ yup!!

 

Try to isolate the motor issues before replacing everything.
It is apparent that there is a coolant leak somewhere. Have the coolant system pressure checked for leaks and also check the cylinder's compression.
When these motors are low in coolant, they idle and run poorly.....which could be the biggest issue to be addressing at the present time.

 

Your motor is fine, its just a stuck Idle Air Control Valve like stated above.

 

My thinking has been, for basically the same price of repairing/rebuilding the transmission, fixing the Idle Air Control Valve, and cooling system leak I could have an engine and transmission with 100,000 miles less than what I have now. Per the engine installer, the replacement engine will have a new timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs. Should the hoses, motor and transmission mounts be replaced while I'm at it ? What I don't know is the condition of the replacement engine and transmission internals and if the recall work was done on the transmission. I think Acura should have a record for the VIN.

 

Sounds like your mechanic is really nice or not very qualified. I hope it's the first one!

 

Hey 179k2002tl, if I'm understanding you right ......it's estimated to cost you about $2500 for this work to replace the motor and tranny. So, the motor will have the T-belt service and the tranny will be newly rebuilt, is this correct ? Then add on all the misc. and whatever....maybe $3000 for a one year warranty, hmmm !

The coolant system and IAC, even in a worse case scenario of a blown head gasket might run about $1000. The tranny needs to be professionally evaluated, before crossing this bridge. Ya gotta look at the whole picture and try to find the real problem first !

 

All that for 3 grand, assuming its legit, sounds like a killer deal but almost too good if ya ask me.

 

Considering you could fix the IACV yourself for nothing more than a can of carb cleaner i wouldnt say that repair should be added into your list

 

unless the trans is replaced w/ a newer redesigned model, i wouldn't do the trans/engine swap. I would do a timing belt/wp/iacv/coolent leak, and replace the trans a newer AV6 trans. Just my .02 tho hope this helps, i dont want to see anybody spend any unneeded money. plus you know the current condition of your motor

 

Hey 179k2002tl, unless you fully trust the shop quoting the estimate, ya really don't know what you're getting or how much you'll end up paying at the end of the day, for a one year warranty.

Try to see the vehicle which the "donor" motor/tranny is coming out of if possible. That way ya can verify the VIN and the reason the car was parted out. Once ya get the VIN, check with MyAcura @ www.owners.acura.com for recall work on the tranny. Your local Acura dealership can also help ya with this info.

Also, the presently displayed code P0740 (Lock-up control system) may be a problem with the Lock-up control solenoid/ pressure control solenoid valves assembly malfunctioning. Worth a second opinion, IMO.
But first......the motor needs checked !

 

Better off going with 6mt or the newer accord trans