I know this is a running theme on this forum, so I thought I'd share my experience. One day after taking the trash out on my way to work I saw what I thought were a few drips of oil. I've never leaked oil on my 02 TL-S, but then again I've only owned it for around 6 months or so. So I took it in to the local Honda dealer that changed it. The diagnosis......a loose transmission differential was causing the axle seals to leak. The fix....a new transmission. They're not an Acura place and don't do warranty work though so I had to bring it about 45 minutes away to the Acura place. They diagnosed it the same way and ordered a new transmission for me. I haven't thrown any codes and honestly, other than the couple drips here and there I haven't noticed any tranny slipping or anything else that would indicate a problem. Either way, they're covering it as warranty work and giving me a loaner car while the work is being done for free, so I guess I can't argue too much. Now, like everyone else, the concern is how much longer will this new one hold up and how much longer should I really keep this car?

 

The new ones are Much better than the old ones. You should be fine

 

keep it until you fall in love with another car and are actually willing!! to part with the TL
Or you find a 60 mpg for 5 grand car--well....

A free transmission is like getting 1/2 a new car!!!
Seafoam the engine and gas, then change the spark plugs if over 60-70k miles now.
That's most of the rest of a new car for engine running performance,
for $75 and a few hours of your time learning new DIY skills.

The $1200, 105k miles service needs to be done- timing belt/water pump etc, but other than that it just needs to be driven.

There are several trans failure symptoms and causes that acura accepts- they published a list, who cares why- its free replacement time!!! Welcome to the club!!!~

The units are pretty good overall,
If you are the person who always finds the problems in products and life---
Quality Control for Life,
then you may be getting another replacement free later.
The rest of the people drive them and enjoy

 

Just for curiosity, how many miles on the car? Did you notice anything different when driving the car lately?

 

Honda/Acura cars have an achilles heal: The transmissions

With the new one, you should be fine.

I have a 99TL with 190k on the odometer with the original trans
The only thing we do with all of our Honda vehicles is change the trans fluid
with OEM fluid every 30k

 

you should be good with a new one, but nothing is gaurnteed. just don't beat on the poor thing and it should last a while.

 

i got the new one in aug06, and holding up great so far, feels like the same day i got it...

 

For free transmissions

 

Count your lucky stars if they are giving you a free transmission.

Take it and run with it! I don't think it's a wise idea to dump the car now. New transmission ... and with the car market the way it is now ... you're not going to get much for it.

Keep it and enjoy it.

 

The car has about 86K miles. No clue how the former owner treated it, but it was a one owner.
Actually, it's much snappier. I figure hell, I now have a 3 year warranty on the new transmission so I turned off the VSA and floored it from a red light and it definitely left a lot more tread than before. Of course that has a lot to do with the road and it's conditions as well, so who knows.

 

Yeah, they gave me an 09 TSX w/ Nav as a loaner. Pretty nice car, but definitely lacks punch. Anyway, I'll be keeping it for at least the next 2 1/2 years while the tranny is still under warranty. Funny thing is, the service advisor told me the warranty for the free replacement was up in October, so I guess it happened just in time. Whew.

 

You lucked out. Have them check/replace any worn motor mounts along with the rear main seal while the tranny is out. You should only have to pay for the parts and minimal labor.

Also this will build a relationship with the dealer as they see you are an honest customer and they will take care of you in the future.