I guess i'm finally joining the club....as i was driving slowly through a residential area....my transmission started acting up. this has been happening every once in a while but this time my TCS and Check Engine light came on. I plan to call Park Avenue Acura of NJ that has been mentioned on this board...

When i restarted the car...the TCS light went off but the check engine light is still on. I don't recall the Driving light flashing or anything else flashing and the car is still driving normally...atleast it did when i drove it around the block a few times... is this still signs of a transmission failure? if my car strands me while driving to a dealership..will acura pay for the towing? I have a 2003 TL p with about 60K miles.

i appreciate everyone's input. first i had the steering wheel shaking and rotors resurfaced and now this. hope this all works out.

 

Have you checked to make sure your 03 is in the covered VINs, they picked one as cutoff- but goodwill replace ones past that limit all the time
Yes acura will pay for the tow. Its not likely to just stop on you, since not experiencing slipping yet. If it does slip- engine revs but car no goes- pull over- turn off car- wait 15-30 minutes- restart and will usually get to destination
Getting up to speed- is where the problem will be- once on freeway your ok

call 1800-382-2238 x5 and confirm coverage under warranty
call dealer and ask for soonest appoinment - says trans is acting up.
Service writer may pretend to be surprised- dont worry- you know the truth
All dealers honor the warranty- its not a big deal- they are not out to screw you

 

If the check engine light is still on I would have it run to see what codes your getting.

 

01TL4TL, i have checked the owner's link website and my vin is covered. I will call the dealership to make an appointment today. In the event i do get stuck...do i have to call the # on the acura roadside assistance card for acura to cover the towing? ( hoping for the best but planning for the worse ) Thanks for the response and info!

Billy, i might try to bring it to a local autozone or some other place for a free error code reading. Thanks too!

 

you are headed for the dealer - dont bother stopping at zone, just keep driving to the dealer.
An hour later or less- you should be in a loaner car
Its not going to die on the way- but if you are not comfortable driving it- call the dealer and ask for a tow
If your on the road- call acuracare

 

I've heard Park Ave Acura isn't what it used to be since Wayne Gruen left.

 

any suggestions for a good dealership near woodbridge NJ? That's where my car is currently parked. i'm going to take it in friday.

 

park ave acura is great...

 

dealership confirmed that the transmission is bad and will replace free under warranty. I also received the following recommendations: replace front brakes $600, flush brake & steering fluids $300, replace 4 tires $440, scheduled service $450, replace front and side motor mounts $750. I know dealership prices are high but shouldn't the motor mounts cost less to replace since the transmission is out? I was told that if the replacement tranny dies again, they may not replace it if i decline to replace the mounts now. If i purchase oem mounts and have a local mechanic replace them...will that keep the warranty on the replacement tranny? i have searched and found other aziners have had the same thing told to them but don't know their outcome.

 

Everything else, have an independent mechanic do it or do it yourself. As for the mounts, question them on why they are charging so much since they have easy access to them once the transmission is removed? It should cost nowhere near $750 to replace them and they know it.

 

sometimes the service writer accidentally forgets to change motor mounts entry to - with trans removed- in the computor,, which then drops the labor from 3 hours to .3 hour or about 30 bucks labor +$120 part
the right side mount labor is 1/2 hour- not working in that area with trans, sorry
part is 30- 50?

GET the motor mounts done NOW- the differance will blow you away
Past that- They are giving you BS_ so its time for a chat with the manager about price errors
Brake fluid and power steering fluid is 40 dollars in parts- at dealer retail~- and a good idea to do every year, after 3 years. Will prevent a lot of problems- but either job is less than an hour labor

Most of this you can do at home with ease- we can guide you thru anything
You only have 60,000 miles, not much service needed now- engine oil change - the trans will have new oil- brake inspection- they already want to do the front brakes!! rotate the tires- you need new tires~
It is time for cabin air filter (20$/20 minute DIY, they charge $150 for)
makes you breathe better- do once a year
Front brakes- you can get way better pads and rotors- and install them for less than the basic quality brakes the dealer uses

Better tires found at local tire shops- most brands surpass the ones that came on the car
Get some designed for how and where you drive- weather and driving style
440 was too good a price, must not include mount and balancing on them- oh you wanted them ON the car....
Plus get a 4 wheel thrust alignment for the steering. Makes car like new and saves new tires from early wear.

to review- say YES to motor mounts when total is 200, not 750
Speak with the service MANAGER- they will fix it- same thing happened to me, thats how I know.

 

Damn, I think I have been subconsciously worrying about my tranny failing...I had a dream that it did!

 

I remember when I first got my license I used to have dreams of driving and the brakes failing on me. Of course that was before I had my TL but still it freaked me out.

 

replacement transmission has not come in yet...they will call me to discuss the motor mounts when it does come in. for now i have a 08 tl loaner. Thanks again 01tL4tL, so if they don't lower the price do you suggest I buy the parts and get it done myself? i don't want them to have the excuse if the replacement tranny dies....but don't want to over pay either.

 

Hopefully it will take awhile so you can keep the loaner those cars are nice.

 

You need to call and talk with the service manager NOW, or drop by in person if possible, before they start working on it.
Tell him you ~seem to have been quoted~ the motor mounts price "with trans installed"- @ whatever they said ..700$.
Except your car is getting a warranty transmission!
He will agree and tell you 200-250 for both mounts installed- mistakes happen.
Make the changes and notes to the work order the mechanic sees, and initial the approval of the specified work only- for a set price

The rest of the work we can guide you through, but the mount is so much easier to let them do when trans is already out- its 20 minute job then!

 

just wanted to update...got my car back after about a week. Service advisor said that the ( way overpriced) engine mount pricing was accurate even after i said i been told it was cheaper with the transmission out...i know i should have asked to talk to the manager but didn't want to deal with them anymore and just get my fixed car back. My car drives much better now, i noticed some scratches on the engine cover but otherwise everything else seems ok... i'll take care of the mounts soon with a friend's mechanic when i have the funds. Thanks for all the help 01tl4tl!