Tranny Death!!!

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Old 04-17-2006 | 10:23 PM
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Angry Tranny Death!!!

I know there are a ton of threads about this so please don't flame me. I just needed to vent my frustration. I think my 1st tranny is dead at 78K miles. I was at a drive through tonight and put my car in park and heard a "clunk". Hmmm...I thought, never heard that before! When I put it back in drive it was normal for about a mile and then it started reving like it was a clutch slipping. I slowed down a bit and almost got it home. It got to the point where it wouldn't move at all. So, I had to call AAA. When AAA got there (1 hour later) the guy asked me if I could move it a bit so he could get under it to attach the truck. I said I doubt it, but I started anyway and I was shocked when it moved no problem. I didn't want to risk it so I had him tow it to the dealer anyway.

Now I am worried. Hopefully the dealer will be able to duplicate what happened. I'm assuming it is the tranny issue because all the symtoms are similar to what people have posted. Is it possible that I was able to back the car up and move it forward because the car had "cooled down"? I just don't want any crap from the dealer when I go tomorrow.

I'm just very frustrated because I have had so much fun doing mods on this car for the last few weeks and was very close to finishing it. All I had left on my "list" was New slotted rotors/pads, Mugen spoiler(if I can find one), and change out a resonator to amplify my Comptech axle-backs. I would have been finished this week. This is a total downer.

Hopefully I'll get a loaner tomorrow. Anyway, I'll keep you all posted...
Old 04-17-2006 | 10:28 PM
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That seems to be a recurring issue with Acura dealers, "can't reproduce problem". It seems like you have to twist their arms to do any sort of warranty work.

I hope everything works out for you and I look forward to hearing how things go.
Old 04-17-2006 | 10:28 PM
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i had the same issue in my bmw and it turned out to be the alternator. its started reving while i was driving and then all of a sudden just shut off. i had it towed to a body shop and the next mornin it started up fine, but it turned out that i needed a new alternator.
Old 04-17-2006 | 10:47 PM
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Ah yes... I can pretty much say welcome to the club. Perhaps it was just a one time thing, but I think the statistics show that you will be doomed. I've only replaced one tranny in my old 99. That thing finally blew at 97K, and then I beat the hell out of the new tranny until I sold the car at like 145K. The second tranny they put in never hiccuped, burped, or farted once. Hopefully the 5 speeds replacements are just as strongly built, as I'm at 68K on my 02 TLS, and I am 99% sure its still the original tranny, but I am still concerned. Good luck tomorrow with the dealer. Let us know what they say!
Old 04-17-2006 | 10:51 PM
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Oh man Mark, that sucks. And we were talking about the TL tranny just last week too. Hope things go well at the dealership.
Old 04-17-2006 | 10:55 PM
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sounds definately like a tranny problem had mine done about a month ago
Old 04-18-2006 | 12:26 AM
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Good luck bro, hope things go well with the replacment. My first tranny went a month and a half ago at 86K. I'm hoping this one will last me until I'm ready for my next car
Old 04-18-2006 | 12:36 AM
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Yeah, when my tranny went, reverse wouldn't engage at all.

Then when the tow truck showed up and the guy tried to back it out of the parking spot, it engaged. Go figure. The tranny was toast, though.

Good luck with the repairs.
Old 04-18-2006 | 01:11 AM
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once the clutch packs cool down the tranny will shift until they heat up again.. or so i was told
Old 04-18-2006 | 10:06 AM
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Thanks everyone...

Now let me tell you about my frustrating experience at the dealership this morning. I was told that my car was not covered under the extended warranty. My VIN was out of the specific range for 03.

Isn't that completely insane?!?! The car is only 3 years old and has only 77K miles on it. My last car (2000 Infinity Q45t) had 203K miles on it with ZERO problems. I actually traded it in because I was afraid that since the car had been so good to me that any day could mean the end with that kind of mileage. Now I may have to pay for a repair on a car with way less miles and is much younger. That was a huge mistake on my part.

The service manager said that unfortunately since my car is not under the extended warranty that I might have to pay for all the repairs needed. He said he wasn't denying that there was a problem with the tranny in our cars. He even admitted that he has had to replace the tranny in 4 different cars in the last 2 weeks.

How the hell can ACURA get away with this BS? So I called client services and they said they would start a "case" for me. I won't know if they will pay for replacement for a while. The woman told me that it can take up to 6 weeks for a decision. 6 weeks?!?! That is ridiculous!

Anyway, the dealership said they will call me by this afternoon and let me know what they determine what is wrong with the car. The service manager said he's pretty sure he knows what it is, but they actually have to look at it. He said if it not covered by ACURA the diagnose alone would cost me $95. Ummm...your going to charge me $95 to turn the key, put it in drive, and realize that the car doesn't move?!?! Once again, REDICULOUS!!!

Thanks for the support everyone…I’ll keep you updated…
Old 04-18-2006 | 10:07 AM
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Yea its toast. Its in the beginning stages. Once the clutch packs get hot it wont allow any gear to operate properly. once cooled down it will move again, but it will be for very short periods before it heats up and gives up again.
Old 04-18-2006 | 11:23 AM
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Bro, did you log into Owner Link to make sure that they weren't yanking your chain? If you log in it should tell you if your car is covered under the tranny recall. In any case, if they still continue to give you the run around, I would call Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238:


Here are the specifics of the recall FYI:
Summer 2004



Safety Recall: CL and TL Automatic Transmission Second Gear Inspection

Dear Acura Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

What is the reason for this notice? Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2001-03 3.2CLs, 2000-03 3.2TLs, and 2004 TLs.

Certain operating conditions can result in heat buildup in the transmission second gear set and may lead to gear tooth chipping. In very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up, and a crash could occur without warning.

What should you do? Call any authorized Acura dealer and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. For vehicles with less than 15,000 miles, the dealer will install an oil jet kit to provide additional lubrication to the gears. For vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the affected gear for heat discoloration, which indicates possible damage. If heat discoloration exists, the dealer will replace the transmission. If heat discoloration is not found, the dealer will install an oil jet kit. This work will be done free of charge. Please plan to leave your vehicle all day to allow the dealer flexibility in scheduling the inspection and installing the oil jet kit. If transmission replacement is needed, the work will take more than one day.

Who to contact if you experience problems. If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Honda dealer, you may write to:



American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746

If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to:

Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590

Or call the toll-free Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

What to do if you feel this notice is in error. Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 2001-03 3.2CL, 2000-03 3.2TL, or 2004 TL involved in this campaign. If this is not the case, or the name/address information is not correct, please fill out and return the enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card. We will then update our records.

If you paid to have the transmission replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Refer to the attached instructions for eligibility requirements and the reimbursement procedure.

Lessor Information. Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within 10 days.

If you have questions. If you have any questions about this notice, or need assistance with contacting an Acura dealer, please call Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238, and select menu option #2.

We apologize for any inconvenience this campaign may cause you.

Sincerely,

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Acura Automobile Division
Old 04-18-2006 | 11:31 AM
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what dearlership did you bring it to? i've had good experience with inskip in ri, the service manger there (Geoff Sigman) has covered me for things that were "out of warrenty" on my car. Worth a shot, unless that is the dealership you are talking about.
Old 04-18-2006 | 11:52 AM
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Sorry to hear.........hope you get this worked out as soon as possible.......this has me thinking bad thoughts again,because I know for a fact my car is out of the vin range also as per the owner link.Good Luck
Old 04-18-2006 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by JPTL-S
Bro, did you log into Owner Link to make sure that they weren't yanking your chain? If you log in it should tell you if your car is covered under the tranny recall. In any case, if they still continue to give you the run around, I would call Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238
Yeah I checked client services and my cars VIN does not fall into the range that is covered. Owner link will only show the oil jet fix recall not a warranty extention. I guess that according to client services the problem was fixed in the late 2003 model production. That's crap. It's just a way for ACURA to get out of being responsible for all of the cars. What, did they put different transmissions in the late 03's? I doubt it. Well I'm just playing the waiting game now. Hopefully, I'll have some good news and a loaner later on.
Old 04-18-2006 | 12:24 PM
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^^I agree...if they were able to fix the problem in late 03 then that would mean that everyone that got a replacement tranny shouldn't have anymore problems...and we know that's far from the truth.
Old 04-18-2006 | 12:25 PM
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Maybe if you lawyer up that will speed up their process. The letter sent out in 04 is evidence enough to show fault on Acura's part.
Old 04-18-2006 | 12:26 PM
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Acura needs to change that because they know damn well that they ALL have the problem. I would call back and be polite, and try to work your way up the chain of comand a little. I did and got mine covered at 115k. Let them know your aware of the problem they have with the tranny and that you are aware of others with late vin 03's with failures. Key is to be polite and keep on them
Old 04-18-2006 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by ProvidenceLeaf
Yeah I checked client services and my cars VIN does not fall into the range that is covered. Owner link will only show the oil jet fix recall not a warranty extention. I guess that according to client services the problem was fixed in the late 2003 model production. That's crap. It's just a way for ACURA to get out of being responsible for all of the cars. What, did they put different transmissions in the late 03's? I doubt it. Well I'm just playing the waiting game now. Hopefully, I'll have some good news and a loaner later on.
Wow bro sorry to hear that you're vin didn't fall within the covered VIN range. I have an early build '03 which I purchased late '02, so i guess that's why I was covered. Hopefully if they can't cover you, maybe they could at least meet you half way by having you pay for the labor which I have heard of them doing in the past. Hope things work out for you.
Old 04-18-2006 | 12:51 PM
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I wouldn't take a meet-at-half-way arrangement. He's a victim of Honda's poor design/materials, he's in no way at fault. I'd get a lawyer involved, or do whatever it took to force Acura to fix it at no charge to me. There is no excuse for this. I've always been able to forgive my TL for stuff despite all these stories on the board (and its own multiple issues) but the more I read, the more I'm certain this summer is the end of its short 1.5 year tenure with me.
Old 04-18-2006 | 02:18 PM
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Well those sons of bitches. Dont let them fuck you over. Damn that pisses me off. Yeah, please do let us know what is going on. Theres no way in hell Acura can brush off the 03s like that. I would be raising holy hell if I was in your situation. Fuckers.....
Old 04-18-2006 | 02:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 03CoupeV6
I wouldn't take a meet-at-half-way arrangement. He's a victim of Honda's poor design/materials, he's in no way at fault. I'd get a lawyer involved, or do whatever it took to force Acura to fix it at no charge to me. There is no excuse for this. I've always been able to forgive my TL for stuff despite all these stories on the board (and its own multiple issues) but the more I read, the more I'm certain this summer is the end of its short 1.5 year tenure with me.
I agree. I would take this approach if they dont decide to work with you and cover it.
Old 04-18-2006 | 04:27 PM
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Although this is true, wouldn't one be paying almost the same amount for a really good lawyer than to just get the tranny fixed?.. but then again, it's understandable. I'm a New Yorker, so it definitely sucks to go to the dealership and get this issue.. i'm used to it... the problem is that myself, although I have a 99 like others out there, "supposedly" since the tranny's not supposed to have the level of problems the 00's and up would have, i'm kind paranoid since whenever I floor it just to get past a car quickly, i feel a nasty jerk when shifting to higher gears.. I'm unsure if it's my tranny that's inevitably going to go bad in teh distant future, or just the engine mounts that need to be changed... I don't even know if the orginal's still in the car, i bought the car at 119k.. haven't felt this feeling until just now... after putting so many mils on it...
Old 04-18-2006 | 04:28 PM
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Here's another question... which dealership did you go to? If things don't go as planned in getting the dealership to fix the car after the use of harasment and laywership, I recommend getting the car fixed at Mahar's (On warwick Ave).. he's incredibly cheap and will give you discounts if i refer you to him. Usually, he's quick as well.. then after that.. once you get your tranny fixed, since acura's only give warranties to cars that are < 5 years old OR up to 100,000 miles, it'd be pointless to purchase a warranty through them.. .your best bet's to get a 3rd party warranty... I'll l have to do that eventually, since my car's past 100k.
Old 04-18-2006 | 06:26 PM
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Originally Posted by joe80055
your best bet's to get a 3rd party warranty... I'll l have to do that eventually, since my car's past 100k.
Who sells aftermarket warranties that extend coverage past 100,000 miles?
Old 04-18-2006 | 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by otterley
Who sells aftermarket warranties that extend coverage past 100,000 miles?
Lots of places. My shop sells them for vehicles up to 150k.
Old 04-18-2006 | 07:50 PM
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That's BS. I just checked owner link and the tranny recall for the jet kit cover's all 03's and some 04's. I'd use that to push them on the issue of the warranty, stating that they obviously hadn't fixed the problems since it went into the 04 model year.

Here is a cut and paste...

American Honda Expands Voluntary Transmission Recall to Certain Honda and Acura Automobiles

Torrance, Calif. 06/29/2004 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced that it will expand its existing voluntary recall of light truck models for a potential transmission defect to include certain Honda and Acura passenger cars. The voluntary action involves approximately 499,000 Honda and Acura passenger vehicles with V6 engines and 5-speed automatic transmissions. Affected models include certain 2003 and early 2004 model Accord V6 sedans and coupes, 2000-2003 and early 2004 Acura TL sedans, and 2001-2003 Acura CL coupes.

The company has found only one confirmed instance of a transmission failure related to this defect in its passenger cars, with no accidents or injuries. "We are acting out of an abundance of caution to ensure that this doesn't become an issue for our customers,'" said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The situation is created by insufficient lubrication of the transmission's secondary shaft second gear that can occur under certain driving conditions. Prolonged operation under these conditions can lead to heat build-up and under certain circumstances may eventually result in chipped or broken gear teeth or breakage of the gear. In the event of a chipped or broken tooth, the owner will likely experience abnormal noise from the transmission and seek repairs. In rare instances, this condition may lead to gear breakage and possible locking of the vehicle's transmission, creating a potential safety hazard.

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted via mail and will be asked to take their vehicle to an authorized Honda or Acura dealer to be repaired free of charge. Customer mailings will begin in late July. In most cases, the repair involves a simple gear inspection, which is accomplished without removing or disassembling the transmission, and a modification to increase the flow of transmission fluid to the affected gear. If there is any indication of damage to the gear, the dealer will replace the complete transmission assembly. Customers concerned about the condition of their vehicle may visit Honda's Ownerlink website at www.ahm-ownerlink.com. Customers may also contact their local Honda or Acura dealer or call Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238.

Editor's note: This information is being released in conjunction with an announcement concerning a related recall action for Honda models in Japan.
Old 04-18-2006 | 08:13 PM
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But the Recall isnt for the part they extended the warranty for. The warranty extension is for teh 3rd gear clutch pack. The recall was for teh 2nd gear shaft(what the oil jet kit is for)
Old 04-19-2006 | 10:24 AM
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im on ownerlink and i cant find the VIN info to see if my TLS falls within or out of range for tranny replacements under warranty.
but there is something under recalls where it has two things about the our cars regarding the fuel pump and tranny defect and under status it lists {fixed}.
does that mean mine has been taken care of?
Old 04-19-2006 | 10:26 AM
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You have to register and when you do you put in your VIN info and then it will tell you .
Old 04-19-2006 | 10:27 AM
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i did that but nothing about it.
is it under a certain section cuz i think i may be overlooking it and i searched all over it.
Old 04-19-2006 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by stick
i did that but nothing about it.
is it under a certain section cuz i think i may be overlooking it and i searched all over it.

under the Recalls Section:

it will say something to the effect of

Description 2000-03 TRANS WARRANTY EXT
Date 9/27/2002
Type Warranty Extension Campaign
Status Open
Old 04-19-2006 | 11:05 AM
  #33  
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Do a search online... there's a shitload of legit companies that provide these services; even acura/honda referred to me a few decent places as well when I went in to ask about a tranny warranty
Old 04-19-2006 | 04:24 PM
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stick's Avatar
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Originally Posted by c0v3rr1d3
under the Recalls Section:

it will say something to the effect of

Description 2000-03 TRANS WARRANTY EXT
Date 9/27/2002
Type Warranty Extension Campaign
Status Open
i found that.

for me, in the status section, its says FIXED.

so I am assuming that mine has been taken care of.

yes? no?
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