hockeynut

Ok, I know it's got to be coincidence, because many of you are running Amsoil without problem, but.... I have a 2000 TL with 165K, had a new tranny installed under warranty at 80K. I just this week did a 2 x 3 change with Amsoil - first Amsoil it's ever had. I did the Amsoil because I can get it right in my town for a buck or so more than the Honda stuff, and the nearest Honda dealer is 45 minutes away, Acura dealer 100 miles.
Anyway, I do the first 3 qts and right after, I mean right after I notice it is slow to go into first when cold and flares when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. I figure I better hurry up and do the second 3 qts, so the next day I do the second 3 and then it really starts to get goofy. Flaring slightly or a lot on all shifts and very slow going into first from reverse. So, a couple hundred miles and 2 days after the second 3 qts the tranny just went nuts and is totally dead, check engine light on and will just sit and rev no matter what gear I put it in.

Do you suppose it was just my tranny's time or did it have something to do with the fresh Amsoil??? This sucks! I guess I should be happy that the first tranny at 80K was free and now I have 165K total with this being the only non-maintenance problem.

fsttyms1

Its possible that the trans didnt like the detergents in the fluid.

hockeynut

Hey fsttyms1,

I hope that's not the case, funny thing is I was on my way to the Honda dealer to buy 9 qts and do a 3 x 3 just to get the Amsoil out of there, but too late, she died on the way tonight.

Nice to see a fellow cheeshead here. I called Zimbrick in Middleton to see what they suggested. The service manager I spoke with said he will see what he can do with Acura to help me out, but he didn't raise my hopes too much. Zimbrick is a great dealership, always treated me like a king even though I live 100 miles away. Surprises me to hear so many on here have bad experiences with Acura dealers, these guys have always been very good.

Well, I had to break the old Benz out a little early this year. I guess most of the salt residue is all washed off the roads

fsttyms1

Zimbrick is a great dealership. They helped me out on 2 of my trans. Hopefully they can do something for you. Did you tell them you used amsoil?

Where you located in cheeseland?

TLMugen

I hope it's not because of the Amsoil, I completely changed my car ('00 with the original trans) over to Amsoil and it's been running fine for the last couple of months.



Good luck.

hockeynut

No way, I didn't think it wise to tell them about the Amsoil :wink:
I'm about 40 minutes south of LaCrosse.

I'll report back after I hear from them.

fsttyms1

Good deal on not telling.

Ah so your on the other side of the state.

hockeynut

Update - gotta love Zimbrick Acura I have 165K on my car, had them install a rebuild under warranty at 80K and even at 165K they are going to help. They said they checked with Acura and talked it over at the dealership and said that since I had my 105K service done there (timimg belt,etc) and have had a trans drain done by them that:
1. Acura would cover 1/2 the cost of the replacement - quoted 2500 - 3000 for the trans job so my cost will be 1500 or a little less.
2. Acura now gives 3 yr/36000 mile warranty on the rebuilt transmissions.

I am still leary of the auto trans though. I put on a lot of miles running one of my kids around for hockey (not local driving) and that would really suck to have happen a long ways out. I have my eye on a couple of lease return '04 6 speeds in the Chicago area - certified even, and really clean. I can't pull the trigger quite yet, but I don't think I'll ever have a warm fuzzy about the trans again. I'm ready for the 3rd gen and would love the 6 speed.

01tl4tl

Sure- upgrade to a 6sp m/t and discover a different transmission problem

Stick with the TL, the newest revisions seem good to go
Just keep HONDA trans fluid changed regularly

hockeynut

I wasn't aware there were any problems with the manual trans? I do prefer manual, they're just hard to come by these days (any make).

BTW - forgot to mention they gave me a nice new RDX for a loaner. I like it, but I'm past the SUV thing. Stiff, sporty suspension, and the turbo does a lot for the 4 cylinder, but I would rather have a six. Nice rig for someone that wants a small SUV. 18" tires - hate to replace those

fsttyms1