InspiringTL

Did you guys know that the first 19,000 (and then some) models of the TL-p have transmission probs? (also the TL-s, all CLs etc... for the first so many models)

My dealer gave me the bulliten so I'll post the exact VIN#s later.

Anyways, my transmission broke too... BUT the thing is my car was the 42,000th something car and my transmission still failed. I almost got in an accident on the fwy.

Anyways, the repaired it. However, I find out later that they put a remanufactured transmission AND a new ECU in my car. They didn't tell my they put a new ECU in my car and I thought my car was still broken since it would shift weirdly.

I went to my dealer and asked them, and they tell me, " The new ECUs are made to work more gently on the transmission. Ignition timings are delayed more than the previous transmission, resulting in a different shift pattern." In my opinion, the new ECU sucks..

I complained and complained and they finally gave me my 7/100k warantee extension (they wouldnt give it to me at first since my car didn't fall in the VIN# range for bad transmissions).
I still complained (b/c i felt they were obligated to give me that extension) and they also gave me free maintenance service until 52,500 miles.

Do you guys thing that was a good deal? (taking into consideration that my car will shift below par for the rest of its life?)

copland007

That was a joke wasn't it? These forums are riddled with tranny failures

copland007

Oh and check your VIN against the acura owner link. If it says you're covered in the warrantee then they didn't do you any favors giving that to you.

Free service is nice.

yield2s

thanx for doin the dirty work i just couldn't

InspiringTL

ok, heres what the dealer sent me...
Warranty Extension: 3.2 TL and 3.2 CL Automatic Transmission

Background
In certain vehicles, a higher than normal number of automatic transmissions may have defects in material or workmanship that could cause premature wear or failure. To ensure that customers have adequate warranty coverage, American Honda is increasing the warranty on the transmission (including solenolds) and the torque converter to 7years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Vehicles Affected
2000-02 3.2 TL: All
2003 3.2 TL (except Type S)
From VIN 19UUA5...3A000001
thru 19UUA5...3A019556
2003 3.2 TL Type S:
From VIN 19UUA5...3A000001
thru 19UUA5...3A019061
2001-02 3.2 CL: All
2003 3.2 CL (all models):
From VIN 19UYA42..3A000001
thru 19UYA42..3A005203

Customer Notification
All owners of affected vehicles were mailed a notification of the warranty extension. A copy of the notification is at the end of this service bulletin.

This warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss, or any that has been issued a salvage, branded, or similar title under any state law. To check for vehicle eligibility, you must do a VIN status inquiry on the iN.

Corrective Action
If standard diagnostics confirm an internal problem with the torque converter or the automatic transmission, replace the affected part.

------ rest omitted -----

InspiringTL

so do you guys thing the warranty extension + 52,500 miles of free service is a good tradeoff for a not so great transmission?

rhizopod

EVERYONE (except the newest 2003s) gets the transmission warranty extension. So you're not really getting anything there. Free service is nice I suppose.

InspiringTL

well my car was the 049115th car off the assembly line. Thats 30000 cars later. AND THEY STILL HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBS!

rhizopod

Assembly line numbering has nothing to do with who gets the warranty. EVERY TL out there gets the extended warranty on the transmission to 7 yrs/100k (from the manufacturer), except, as I said before, the newest 2003s. Your dealer isn't giving you anything special by saying you're getting an extended warranty, because American Honda gives it to everyone.

fortunate

Does that new ECU reduce the vehicle's fun factor, i.e. shifting before v-tec? If so, I don't think anything they gave you would compensate for that loss.

bbznyc

My car is has 104K on it and of course the tranny is acting up. Do you think the dealership will give a new tranny? I already called customer care and started telling them the "courtesy story", the one time good deed from acura. What do you think are my chances???

2007AcuraRL

Just the opposite. The new ECU improves the shifting over the original programming. I dont know why this thread is titled "ECU Hoax". The new programming has the following 2 improvements (i know first hand because mine was replaced and i drive my car alot (25k miles/year) so I noticed the difference immediately): The half second lag between 2nd and 3rd gear shifts in SS mode is gone, and the car will not upshift into 5th gear at lower speed now, giving you more performance (torque) and no engine lugging (which was bad for main bearing). When i first got my TL i used to notice how low the RPMs would drop in local street driving that it was ridiculous. I am sure it was done to get the car a higher EPA fuel rating, but it was lugging the engine and you'd have to goose it to get it to go back to 4th where it belonged. In fact, i used to keep the car in 4D for all driving except the highway and then I'd put it into 5D.

doopstr

Anyone know if we can get the ECU update just by asking?

2007AcuraRL

Good question. The short answer is probably "NO" if your tranny hasnt failed. If it was replaced but before they added the ECU replacement as standard fare when they replace the tranny nowadays, you'd have a stronger argument to have it done.

InspiringTL

The last 6 digits of your VIN indicate the assembly line numbering.

InspiringTL

Well in my opinion its not as smooth during low speed driving, since it delays the ignition timing. And when you live in LA, being able to drive slow smoothly is crucial!

rhizopod

Is your car a 2003? If it is, then assembly line numbering may determine if you get the warranty or not. If you have 99-02, you DEFINITELY get the warranty because Honda extended it for everyone.

InspiringTL

Look at the post I posted on the 12th. My VIN# is out of the warranty range (I have a 2003) well anyways, while posting on this forum and stuff, they gave me and made me settle w/
- 7year/100,000mile powertrain warranty extension
- free maintenance thru 52,500 miles.

I just wanted to ask everyone if that was a good deal for them putting in a depowered ECU.

rhizopod

You never said you had a 2003 in your original post, that's what the confusion was.

InspiringTL

OOOPS

PeterUbers

iTrader: (1)

I took my TL-S to the track BEFORE AND AFTER the tranny replacement:

15.3 @ 89mph --> 14.8 @ 95mph w/ Headers, Intake, well-broken in engine, bald front tires

I'd say my tranny feels just fine. It chirps hard into second gear almost every time and it finds the perfect gear for almost any type of acceleration .. i have no complaints.

2007AcuraRL

Okay we have this all cleared up now. Yeah i was also aware that the earliest 2003's had the tranny defect because Acura didnt figure out until late Sept or Oct 2002 what the defect was (a defective 3rd gear clutch pack).

pianoman41

If your transmission has been replaced, not only can you ask for it, but there is a TSB issued by A/H that says they *should* replace it if it wasn't done at the time of the tranny swap:

************************************************** ***
03-017 PCM Replacement: 3.2TL and 3.2CL
Applies To: 2000–03 3.2TL, 2001–03 3.2CL

BACKGROUND

Some vehicles repaired with Service Bulletin 03-002,
3rd Gear Clutch Pack is Worn, did not receive a new
PCM along with the remanufactured transmission.
(PCM replacement improves the performance and
durability of the transmission.)

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Now that PCMs are available, customers who got a
remanufactured transmission without a new PCM will
be sent a letter asking them to call their Acura dealer to
request PCM replacement.

VEHICLES AFFECTED

Currently, only TLs and CLs with recently replaced
transmissions are affected. Please see VIN-specific information to determine your car's eligibility.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the PCM and, if supplied, the fuel pressure
regulator.

************************************************** ***