Sorry I posted twice but I couldn't erase the other one. So about 1-2 years ago my drive light started blinking but didn't have any problems. Then I realized in the winter when the car was cold the tranny would bang into gear but if I warmed the car up I didn't have this problem. Now my check engine light is on. I brought to the shop and he said it was a heat blah blah...(forgot what it was called).. When I accelerate from a red light the cars Rpms go up but no power to the car..then when I step off and accelerate again it bangs into gear. All other gears it doesn't do this.....this happens after about 30 minutes of driving.when I first start drivig it doesn't happen.....does this sound like I need to have the tranny rebuilt? I've haven't changed my ATF ever and the car has 140,000 miles.does the mechanic have to rebuild the whole tranny or can he fix just the part that needs it. How do I check the tranny fluid? Anything need to be done or just check the dipstick and make sure it's between the two dots? Thanks

 

I deleted your other thread. These replies were posted there.

For the knowledgeable amongst us, I didn't merge because we are having some problems with the merge program and it would have been a mess.

 

5 speed or 4 speed auto?

Do a 3x3 trans fluid dump and fill. If you have a 5 speed change the external trans filter. Search for a DIY here in 2g tl.

Disclose full issues in detail with your trans and get the DTC/CEL read at a free auto parts store.

 

Your options are limited, unfortunately.

Is your TL a 1999 model or is it a 2000-2003 model?

Automatic transmission, by nature, slip a little bit between each gear change. Over time, the clutch material begins to slowly wear away and has no where to go (even with the magnet at the bottom of the drain pan, which can't collect all of it) except the fluid, where it collects.

Once enough clutch material has collected into the fluid, it makes the fluid more dense. This denser fluid wears out seals, ect.

That having been said, you're rolling the dice if you change the fluid. The new fluid could run right past the worn seals and make the transmission completely inoperable.

A rebuild is a temporary band-aid if you have a 2000-2003 TL because the design is what causes the majority of the failures in that transmission. As others have suggested, it is work finding a low miles 06/07 Accord V6 transmission from a scrap yard and using it in your TL.

 

OP, use OEM trans fluid only.

 

When a light flashes or the CEL comes on and Just because you dont hear of feel (at the time) any issues doesnt mean there isnt an issue. When something lke that happens you need to get the codes read at min to see what the issue is.

2nd, a heat, blah blah doesnt really help us. Do you have the codes or the code from the mechanic written down or documented anywhere?

If the trans is on its way out (very likely from your symptoms) the only way to fix it is a rebuild. You dont just open it up and replace 1 or 2 parts. All the cost is in the labor to open it up to begin with. Your cheapest (depending on year) bet is to get a 06-07 accord V6 trans used and put it in.