Overfilled transmission question
#1
2nd TL-S, 2nd CL-S6
Thread Starter
Overfilled transmission question
Hi I have a 2003 Acura TL-S and I've put about 13k miles on it so far and Ive always noticed its shifts kinda rough since I bought it and it has clean atf in it and I was wondering if Im having the rough shifts and whining from the transmission from having too much fluid because it drips alittle atf but Im not sure if it's due to age or just being too full even though the case is sealed
This is a cold engine after sitting overnight
This is after a 22 min hwy drive
This is after sitting for an hour
This is a cold engine after sitting overnight
This is after a 22 min hwy drive
This is after sitting for an hour
#2
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
^
Use the method outline below from the service manual:
If the level is not between the 'B & C' marks on the dipstick, as indicated, then it is likely overfilled.
Get an appropriately sized plastic tube, the one below is about 14.5", that will fit into the dipstick tube, with a syringe and adjust the level.
Just make sure you are on a level surface, the engine / trans fluid are sufficiently warm & engine off.
Use the method outline below from the service manual:
If the level is not between the 'B & C' marks on the dipstick, as indicated, then it is likely overfilled.
Get an appropriately sized plastic tube, the one below is about 14.5", that will fit into the dipstick tube, with a syringe and adjust the level.
Just make sure you are on a level surface, the engine / trans fluid are sufficiently warm & engine off.
The following users liked this post:
Thefireball (05-13-2023)
#4
2nd TL-S, 2nd CL-S6
Thread Starter
^
Use the method outline below from the service manual:
If the level is not between the 'B & C' marks on the dipstick, as indicated, then it is likely overfilled.
Get an appropriately sized plastic tube, the one below is about 14.5", that will fit into the dipstick tube, with a syringe and adjust the level.
Just make sure you are on a level surface, the engine / trans fluid are sufficiently warm & engine off.
Use the method outline below from the service manual:
If the level is not between the 'B & C' marks on the dipstick, as indicated, then it is likely overfilled.
Get an appropriately sized plastic tube, the one below is about 14.5", that will fit into the dipstick tube, with a syringe and adjust the level.
Just make sure you are on a level surface, the engine / trans fluid are sufficiently warm & engine off.
#5
Pro
Get the correct amount of fluid in transmission and let us know if you still have a whining noise and rough shifts. if you don't have the tubing etc, you can pull the drain plug (make sure you have a new crush washer first) that will drain out about 3 quarts of fluid. You can then top it off as needed.
#6
2nd TL-S, 2nd CL-S6
Thread Starter
Im definitely gonna get that done soon Im parking her up and driving my integra for now I just want to get that tranny to last till Im out of college so I can get a tlx type s or a integra a spec 6mt
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whitetiger5 (05-14-2023)
#7
2nd TL-S, 2nd CL-S6
Thread Starter
Oh btw its got 163k miles that I know off but the tranny does look awfully clean when I compare it to the engine and I have no proof of a transmission service at all or a swap thats why Im also confused with this tl lol all I know that Im the 4th owner and its been to a salvage auction and made road legal again
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#8
Pro
I can see by the pictures you posted it has nice red fluid on the stick. Used cars with nice red transmission fluid would make me a little nervous, specially since it is overfilled. This creates more pressure and would help cover up issues if the Torque Converter or tranny clutch packs were going. High pitch whine or thudding could be the TC. The overfilled fluid may also cause these noises. Let us know what happens when you level out the fluid.
The following users liked this post:
whitetiger5 (05-14-2023)
#9
2nd TL-S, 2nd CL-S6
Thread Starter
I can see by the pictures you posted it has nice red fluid on the stick. Used cars with nice red transmission fluid would make me a little nervous, specially since it is overfilled. This creates more pressure and would help cover up issues if the Torque Converter or tranny clutch packs were going. High pitch whine or thudding could be the TC. The overfilled fluid may also cause these noises. Let us know what happens when you level out the fluid.
#13
2nd TL-S, 2nd CL-S6
Thread Starter
#14
Pro
Out of curiosity is it the same if you put it in manual mode and go through the gears yourself? When in manual mode there is an increase in internal pressure so I am curious if this affects the whine. A high pitch whine was one of the first indications my TC was going, 3rd gear issues is one of the first indication of the tranny problem as the race on one of the gears associated with 3rd starts to wear. I hope this is not the case with your car, your fluid is not showing the signs of clutch material contamination.
#15
2nd TL-S, 2nd CL-S6
Thread Starter
Out of curiosity is it the same if you put it in manual mode and go through the gears yourself? When in manual mode there is an increase in internal pressure so I am curious if this affects the whine. A high pitch whine was one of the first indications my TC was going, 3rd gear issues is one of the first indication of the tranny problem as the race on one of the gears associated with 3rd starts to wear. I hope this is not the case with your car, your fluid is not showing the signs of clutch material contamination.
#16
Pro
Understand. When you are in the manual mode does the display show you the gears (1-5) or does the display only show some of the gears? If it is showing some of the gears it may just need a little adjusting. That is done by loosening the range selector (after you take off the cover and inspect the wiring and connector, and slightly rotating the selector and tightening it down. If it displays all the gears already then inspect the wiring and connectors, for cuts and abrasions and clean up the connector pins with electronic cleaner and a small brass brush.
Of course this is only if you want to try and find that issue.
I am concerned that you have the whining issue and rough shift. To me this is an indication of a torque converter and transmission that is on its way to failing. I have been wrong before but thought you should be considering it. Hopefully others will comment on this.
Of course this is only if you want to try and find that issue.
I am concerned that you have the whining issue and rough shift. To me this is an indication of a torque converter and transmission that is on its way to failing. I have been wrong before but thought you should be considering it. Hopefully others will comment on this.
#17
2nd TL-S, 2nd CL-S6
Thread Starter
Understand. When you are in the manual mode does the display show you the gears (1-5) or does the display only show some of the gears? If it is showing some of the gears it may just need a little adjusting. That is done by loosening the range selector (after you take off the cover and inspect the wiring and connector, and slightly rotating the selector and tightening it down. If it displays all the gears already then inspect the wiring and connectors, for cuts and abrasions and clean up the connector pins with electronic cleaner and a small brass brush.
Of course this is only if you want to try and find that issue.
I am concerned that you have the whining issue and rough shift. To me this is an indication of a torque converter and transmission that is on its way to failing. I have been wrong before but thought you should be considering it. Hopefully others will comment on this.
Of course this is only if you want to try and find that issue.
I am concerned that you have the whining issue and rough shift. To me this is an indication of a torque converter and transmission that is on its way to failing. I have been wrong before but thought you should be considering it. Hopefully others will comment on this.
#18
Pro
Wow, 5 accidents! With that information the whining could be axles or wheel bearings. Is the whining only there when moving or can you hear when running but using to the brake to stay still and going through some gears?
#19
2nd TL-S, 2nd CL-S6
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