homeskillet43

I know the TL has a history of having bad transmissions. I see so many having difficulties with shifting to certain gears. I had the same issues with my recently purchased 2003 TL Type S. The transmission specialist has notified me there is no voltage from the transmission when shifting into third gear. It seems like the gear is not present. I know when I drove it a couple of times, the car shifted without any issues. Then as time progressed the car would not shift out of second gear. With all that said, how would one know to replace solenoids or to replace the transmission? I know by rule of thumb you replace the cheapest things first, but how would one know if the gears inside of the tranny is causing the issues, or is the issue electronic? Please respond accordingly.

Skirmich

Our transmission has Clutches kinda like those found in a Manual Transmission, Thus = "The Honda-Matic!", A different type of Automatic Transmission.

So inside the Tranny a set of Clutch Packs can be Found those wear out and Start to Slip. The Solenoids are just in there to Engage the Gears but Remember that the Clutch Disk must be Intact so the Solenoid can Engage.

No Clutch Pack, No Solenoid Action = No Voltage Read... Easy.
So If the Solenoids where the Issue alot of People would save a couple of Grands in Repairs but NAH! Once the Clutch pack starts to Slip its time for a Rebuilt nothing else...

I know its hard to assimilate an Expense like a New Tranny but believe us, Its not an Easy/Cheap Fix once the tranny starts to Slip = Wont Shift into Third.

homeskillet43

I come from a family line of Fords, I have replaced many transmissions. I was just curious on how it works with the Acura. Thanks for the break down in the information on how the transmissions work.

How did Acura find this problem with the new versions of the TL?

fsttyms1

Actually,No not really. Honda uses drums and steels (clutchpacks) just like every other automatic trans. They use a 3 shaft design much like most manuals.

Skirmich

Thanks for the Correction "fsttyms1"!!

The Problem itself is Becouse theres a lack of lubrication going into the 3rd gear Clutchpacks, Honda/Acura Revised the Transmission Housing later down the road to get Lubrication to those spots...

Thus the AV6 Swap recomendation or the Acura TL 05 Revised Transmission swap..

homeskillet43

I just want to make sure that I am correct in what you are saying. Are you recommending a 2005 TL transmission, instead of getting another 2003 or a rebuilt transmission?

Skirmich

Yes pretty Much.
You can Rebuild your 03 Trans but the problem is in the Trans Housing so a Rebuild doesnt fix the Problem.

With the AV6 Trans or the Acura TL to be sure 06-07 those fit Bolt-On you just need to Swap all the Solenoids and Range switches from your 03 trans into the new Unit..

Use the Search Button theres enough threads on the Subject.

kuba12

hello, i have a 2002 acura tl i bought it for very cheap and it had the transmission problem i rebuilt the transmission and i replaced the temp sensor and the two pressure sensors also i put in a remanufactored torque converter. after i got the transmission back in the car ok great i shift it to drive and it goes straight to 3rd gear and it wont shift out of 3rd gear and also the speedometer isnt working my plan was to replace the speed sensor and see what happens and also i was told that the torque converter could be bad and that when it shifts to third gear it doesnt lock up so i can shift higher or lower. i need some help asap please

fsttyms1

did you rebuild it yourself or did you have someone do it. Are there any codes/cel?

I would go back over the trans (if you did it) and make sure everything is connected correctly

Dm3088

I have been looking through threads for my current 2001 acura tl transmission problem but don’t see it. I just put a used transmission in mine and it works great for the most part. The only problem I have is in stop and go traffic it sometimes goes from first to disengaged and just revs up like in neutral. From a dead stop and accelerating normally there no problems shifting from first to second. But if you’re idling along it sometimes gets stuck between the two. Braking until it goes back to low gear fixes it then I make sure to keep enough room in front of me to get on the gas till it shifts into second. I’m suspecting a a sticking solenoid but I don’t know which one controls low to second gear or if that’s actually what it is. All help appreciated.

bbsitum

This is all the help you need. https://atracom.blob.core.windows.ne...0/2010-144.pdf Btw you can drive a car like that for years. I do the same, problem show up in winter.

bbsitum

Folks replace AB linear solenoid but problem is back in no time. They blame new solenoid manufacturer usually but it is tranny.

Dm3088

Thanks so much for the information. I was hoping for better news but that does explain what’s happening. I still have the transmission I took out of the car. Could I take the ab solenoid from it and clean it good and swap it out and hope the problem goes away. It only does this from first to second gear and not even then unless you decelerate before it changes into second gear. Thanks again.

bbsitum

You can try it, no problem, but I expect that will not help. Actually, I brought a solenoid from U-pull too. Ziners if they replace tranny do it with tranny from Honda Accord 06-07. Here is my tread https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2...ather-1001579/ . Check nr 4 comment to.