BlakeTypeS

Ok so my 03'TL-S w/130,000 miles was leaking fluid from the driver's side...after some hunting I found the leak was coming from my Driver side Drive axle seal. I replaced the seal in my garage over the weekend... Shouldn't have taken that long but my upper/lower ball joints needed to be replaced so I did that as well... anyway I also decided to drain/flush the remaining fluid and had no problems shifting... however on my way to work today I was slipping like a fat kid on ice skates... any ideas??? should I start calling transmission shops or is there something I missed? oh yeah I used Honda ATF-Z1 to refill it and its at the proper level, so thats not it if you were thinking I used something else. Also how much should I expect a rebuild to cost assuming my transmission has bit the dust.
-Blake

acutee

It is best you contacted your dealer and see if they could share the cost to replace it.

illmat1k

iTrader: (1)

Call the dealer. Then Acura Care. They'll manage something for you.

Bob_F

Never flush the transmission fluid in a 2nd gen TL. Acura recommends a drain and refill process.

Flushing the tranmission can apparaently trigger an early failure. There are many reports on this forum of transmissions failing after a fluid flush.

If you don't get any goodwill coverage from Acura, you're probably looking at a $3000 to $4,000 bill for a replacement transmission. You might be able to get a local shop to rebuild your current transmission for less. (Be sure to get the improved post-February 2005 parts. Acura made some improvements that apparently improve reliability.)

01tl4tl

bob- it sounds like he just drained and refilled after losing fluid in the work

but-- i understand telling people !!!the machine power flush is a no-no!!!!

In this case- average rebuild is $2500-2800- last years prices at aamco or cott
with 3/36 warranty

Acura -even though over miles limit- (and work being slow in many industries right now) may work a deal to price match a rebuild versus their rebuilt ro even less

Acura is better because they use a new case with better oil passages- it helps, but wont cure the trans problems
But hey- 130 on 1 trans is pretty amazing compared to most cars and TL's,
and all you need is a trans and a tune up and the rest of the car is good to go another 130 easy~

01tl4tl

when it lost fluid from the axle seal was when it started the death sequence-

that fluid loss caused heat and damage occurs

say, did you ever get the RECALL install of the external oiler kit- it sits on top of the trans where you can see it
a small hose going to a bolt into top of trans

if never had recall done- get to acura- they will boroscope inspect- if meets criteria- free trans- if not- talk with the service manager- not the writer- the MANAGER and get a deal worked out
acura trans comes with or offers $300, 3/36 warranty on unit

Bob_F

Yes, I think you're correct. I saw the word "flush" and I thought "power flush".

BlakeTypeS,

Be sure to check out the "Tranny Failure Thread" for ideas on requesting out-of-warranty goodwill coverage:

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-problems-fixes-117/tranny-failure-thread-566833/

To save time, read the last ten or so pages. Pay particular attention to the posts by 01tl4tl. It may be a longshot at 130,000 miles but it's worth a try.

BlakeTypeS

Thanks for your help 01tl4tl Yeah I checked my vin on Acura's web site and it says its been "fixed", I'm not the original owner so it could have had 2 or 3 Tranny's for all I know. I've had the car for a year and its done awesome... however looks like I'm gonna have to bite the bullet on this one... and I'm in college so money (especially 2-3 grand) is really tight. But hey maybe I can sell that power transmission flusher that's taking up so much space in my garage... ha ha

TLer trash

It's a real long shot, but make sure the axle is seated all the way in the trans.

Chemmech

Trans is probably bad, they've all "gone bad" in the 03's, especially after a fluid change.....