Sooooo I think my trans is about to take a dump on my 99 tl-p... it's been replaced twice before I got it, so of course I'm nervous about it. My TCS light has been coming on randomly, and it's hesitant to go into drive at times. I need to clean the egr stuff as well as replace the o2 sensors, but neither should make the TCS light fire up.... any thoughts? ? I know the 99 is the oddball and has the "stronger" 4 speed auto, but it still makes me nervous.

 

might be in the same boat. Car has been randomly jerking when accelerating. Occasionally I have that rough shift from 1st to 2nd gear. Check engline light just came on as well..99 with original transmission

 

Have you been keeping up with the ATF changes ? suggest a drain and fill
A clogged EGR will make both CEL / TCS light go on and if the o2's are bad they will also do the same.
How do you know the o2's are bad ?
You should scan it for codes and post here.

 

On the same boat as everyone here wit my 99 tl.

Going form 1st to 2nd gear my car does a drag after that all the other shifts are fine. Only does that drag from 1st to 2nd EVERY TIME. When in park and switching to Drive or Reverse its jerks pretty bad.

 

My Actron PocketScan told me my O2 sensors are goofed, as evidenced by codes P0131 & P0141. A quick Acurazine search netted results of low voltage in upstream sensor, and bad heater signal to downstream sensor. Why would this turn on both the CEL & TCS indicators? My CEL has been on for months due to an evaporated solenoid that I'm less than eager to tackle.. it's started to bog and get all b bitchy under acceleration at times, short drives mostly though (yes I know that's precisely what murders cars). I need to do the egr ports as well, the diy on here shall be the bible I use lol

also could stand the 3x3 trans service, but I think I'm naive to how it's done properly? Drain 3 fill with 3 & roll out, right?

This is why I ask here and nowhere else for the pertinent information I thirst for. No haters, no trolls, just people who know and love their car, and are openly willing to share the love and knowledge to any that wish to ask for it. How do I get an Acurazine decal? (Seriously)

 

Well heres the perfect video on that, yes its 3x3 but you must take it easy just do 1x3
1 drain 3 quarts then a week later do the same until you've done it 3 times.

Since you have multiple issues check the main ground for the ecu on the thermostat housing, look for loose bolt, corrosion or broken wire before replacing any parts.

 

Faulty or malfunctioning speed sensor can also make your TCS light flash ON and OFF.

 

The '99 TL's with the older 4 speed AT were much more dependable than the '00 and up models. To compare symptoms, it may be worth checking the "1st Gen" TL forum. Their 4 speed trannys were the ones which were carried over to the '99 model year. Those guys may help ya better with specific symptoms on the 4 speed AT.

With the age and miles on these cars, alot depends on the car's general overall PM of the motor and tranny. Start with making sure that the motor is running healthy by doing the basic stuff such as cleaning the TB intake, IAC, and EGR passaeways. Next, a tune-up along with a tranny drain & fill may help.

 

The first gen TL is a different animal under the hood, but symptoms are similar with all Honda A/T since they all share the same design.


The TCS system is sensitive even super hot front brake pads will make the light go on.


MrMoAcuraPar What's the ATF condition ? also check the level.

 

Wrong. They are the same as the newer models AT they break like glass, it's just not many people had own them and experienced issues.

 

Fluid is at fill spec and is red, clear, and doesn't smell burnt...

 

and you said its dw1? Honda atf

a bad ground wire or two- often found in main batt cables or 5 small wires from frame to engine parts, will cause false codes, poor running and general malaise
Acura makes a kit with the small ground wires or our diy has make your own kit with bits from local parts store

corrosion can form UNDER the bolts holding ground wires, remove to see and get out the wire wheel tip for the dremel
sandpaper works too- the frame may show rust and the connector itself

When odd voltage or running issues with a 10 year old+ car, a quick remove- clean- and reinstall or replacement of all ground wires and the battery cables is in order

 

the trans fluid full change out is called 3x3 as explained above
the trans holds 7.3 qts but only 3-3.5 will drain out at a time, with the rest trapped in the torque convertor and various solenoids and plumbing

You can do it all in one day with 5 minute drives between drains- shift up and down thru each gear to move fluid along to drain portion IF you have no current trans issues like SLIPPING-

when you break it down over weeks, the fluid gets mixed, I don't care about charts- just look at the fluid! your intent is to have all new- different design fluid- the new stuff DW1 not any remaining zr1

the intent of 3x3 was if you ever added any amount of dextron atf it kills our trans and must be fully removed immediately
in that case you use 12 qts- an initial cold drain plus 3 drain drive and refill
to ensure all new fluid

specific questions on it and the book method of cking fluid level - (we don't want it at top line--in the middle of 2 lines is correct at certain temp )
is in the free owner book download www.owners.acura.com

 

WRONG! By far the 4 speed is more reliable than the 5 Speed unit.

The 4 speed only can get belly up if you neglect maintenance like every other transmission. There are cases of damaged trans but not in the crazy almost obscene number of dead 5 speeds. And in the cases where a 4 speed died you can always track down lack of maintenance.

The 5 speed will die even if you treat it like a fragile item. You can change ATF all day and it still won't guarantee you that the trans will survive, This transmission is known to die in every situation and only a few know the joys of a reliable car without worrying about the trans.

Flaw in design > neglected maintenance

 

Yeppur.......most Ziner folks will agree with this !!!


Any car's automatic tranny is subject to problems as they age .......especially when left neglected.