Check Engine Light meant Transmission Failure
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10th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
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Check Engine Light meant Transmission Failure
Hey folks -- a few weeks ago my CEL (Check Engine Light) came on during my comute to work. I just had the oil changed at the dealership the weekend before, so I was a little worried. The oil seemed fine and I didn't notice any oil leak (like an oil puddle on the ground where I had parked the car).
So, the owners manual does mention that a loose gas cap could cause the CEL. I checked the gas cap and it seemed fine. On other threads here, I read some people just tried putting some fuel cleaner/injector cleaner. I happen to have a free 16oz bottle of Valvoline injector cleaner, so I gave it a shot.
After about a week, the CEL was still on. So I had it, and went to the dealership during lunch... For those who don't understand -- what the dealership does is hook the car up to a diagnostic computer, and they read an error code from the car's computer. The CEL indicates one or more car problems. On my OBDI Civic, I knew where the service connector was -- you just jump it, and the CEL blinks a number of times indicating what the error was. OBDII systems are about as easy to diagnose. I don't know how it works on the TL. Anyway, I figured whatever it was should be covered under warranty...
Good thing I came in. The dealership service guy explained that the code for the loose gas cap had been indicated. But he noted that others codes related to transmission problems had also occurred. So, without me even asking, the guy said they had already ordered a new transmission. It would take about a week to arrive, and then a day to install. Everything would be covered under warranty, including a loaner car.
I responded that as long as the said loaner car is a black NSX, there won't be any problems at all. With a grin, he said he'd see what he can do.
SO, I'm unhappy that my 2000 3.2TL with 41k miles has had this problem. I think Acura should just bite the bullet and offer a factory recall on these older model transmissions. But, I'm happy I am getting a new transmission now -- hopefully I won't have to worry about it again. My understanding is the 2003's got a new designed transmission to fix the problem. I know 2004 is a new year for the TL -- are they changing transmissions??
The moral is: if your CEL ever comes on, just let the dealership check it out.
So, the owners manual does mention that a loose gas cap could cause the CEL. I checked the gas cap and it seemed fine. On other threads here, I read some people just tried putting some fuel cleaner/injector cleaner. I happen to have a free 16oz bottle of Valvoline injector cleaner, so I gave it a shot.
After about a week, the CEL was still on. So I had it, and went to the dealership during lunch... For those who don't understand -- what the dealership does is hook the car up to a diagnostic computer, and they read an error code from the car's computer. The CEL indicates one or more car problems. On my OBDI Civic, I knew where the service connector was -- you just jump it, and the CEL blinks a number of times indicating what the error was. OBDII systems are about as easy to diagnose. I don't know how it works on the TL. Anyway, I figured whatever it was should be covered under warranty...
Good thing I came in. The dealership service guy explained that the code for the loose gas cap had been indicated. But he noted that others codes related to transmission problems had also occurred. So, without me even asking, the guy said they had already ordered a new transmission. It would take about a week to arrive, and then a day to install. Everything would be covered under warranty, including a loaner car.
I responded that as long as the said loaner car is a black NSX, there won't be any problems at all. With a grin, he said he'd see what he can do.
SO, I'm unhappy that my 2000 3.2TL with 41k miles has had this problem. I think Acura should just bite the bullet and offer a factory recall on these older model transmissions. But, I'm happy I am getting a new transmission now -- hopefully I won't have to worry about it again. My understanding is the 2003's got a new designed transmission to fix the problem. I know 2004 is a new year for the TL -- are they changing transmissions??
The moral is: if your CEL ever comes on, just let the dealership check it out.
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Sep 8, 2015 06:51 PM
