dwmead86

I'll start off by saying I did a search of the 400,000,000 other trans posts and didn't find this info, but if I missed the one that has it, please link me to it. Otherwise here is my issue.

I've got an 03 tl, and the transmission has been getting tired for a while now. The issues it has (stud define in 3rd gear, hard shifts) are still intermittent. It definitely needs new fluid. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with any of the various additives available to temporarily alleviate these, in addition to a fluid change.

MarcDavidoff

What do you mean by "stud define in 3rd gear"?
I would start by doing a gradual drain and fill 3 times. Maybe go a week between each drain and fill so it is not a shock to the system. See what that does. The only additive that I have used and would recommend is Lubegard red.

3.2TLc

Try a " Drain & Fill " using Honda DW1 fluid. Check the drain plug's magnet for fines. If dirty, replace the spin on ATF filter and check the solenoid screens. Make sure that the fluid level is right. Inspect the mounts for wear. These are common things to look for on an aging TL tranny. Any codes ? Maybe a worn pressure switch ?

fsttyms1

I would do what the 2 above me posted to try. Do NOT try additives with these trans.

dwmead86

No codes, and "stud define" is iOS autocorrects translation for slight stuttering.

MarcDavidoff

Figured it was the spell correction. If you have some stuttering or shudders, then as I mentioned the lubegard would likely help. But I would first do the drain and fills with the DW-1 and see how it goes. If still some shudders then maybe try the lubegard. I don't believe in additives but this one has all positive reviews. As 3.2TLc mentioned, also check all the engine mounts.

dwmead86

Ill say also that I am fully prepared to replace the trans When i bought the car i got an extended warranty for 100,000 miles, so a transmission will only cost me $100. That being said, its a pain in the ass to go without a car for a few days, so i'm trying to put it off. lol

03blackbeast

When I bought my TL it has some extremely rough shifting and slipping. I figured I'd need to replace the tranny so I went the same route as you are right now. Looked at additives but I decided to just try a drain and fill first. After doing a 3x3 that trans shifted smooth as butter for another 50K miles before it finally went bad and it was the original trans and had 270K miles on it when it finally went. I'd recommend at least trying a drain and fill.

01tl4tl

dw: with a warranty you definitely DO NOT want to add anything to trans- the administrator of the warranty will try everything to show that you effed the trans by putting unauthorized material in it = they are not responsible for replacement!!

read paperwork carefully= it may call for fluid changes every xxxx miles