Hello all, I have a 03 TL S A-spec ... 150km

last night the Transmission light came on during the drive home. I checked the level via the dipstick... it's fine, I got a second opinion by a honda tech, he says the level is fine but it smells funny and it's really black.. My question is what do you think is causing the light to come on ?? and how do i go about fixing the issue ??

FYI before buying this car, this site was invaluable for learning about the inherit transmission issues, I did my diligence by buying an Acura certified, that had blue bolts on the transmission etc...I'm fully aware of the technical service bullet/recall. The car's been regularly maintained, including a drain and fill done on the transmission aprox 1 year ago (110k, km).

I will try and scan the computer with my friends, scanner and update this thread, for now can anybody share their insight as too why this yellow transmission looking icon has illuminated on my dash ?? Thanks...

P.S I think i feel some minor slippage also...

 

Doesn't sound good ESP with the burnt fluid and slipping. Having the code will likely tell the tale.

 

Transmission Light? You mean Flashing D5? Because we don't have a Transmission Light in the dash.

 

Did you know, after all the people i spoke with... including real HONDA TECH's at the dealership, you were the first person that caught that right away??

Geese, trust no one man... My car was in the local Honda Dealer today, with the hood open, the floor manager called another Honda tech in full uniform over and asks him "hey, this guy's tranny fluid level is okay, but his tranny light is on... " the other tech just shrugged his shoulders and said we'd have to run diagnostics...

I should've known better, This is my first CEL since owning the car, and i guess i panic'd because im well aware of the transmission possibilities our cars have... I also sware i saw another icon on the dash that was the CEL, opposed to the yellow transmission looking icon that is actually the CEL.

I scanned with a buddy's obd2 scanner... the code is :

P1457 - EVAP emission control system leak detected (control canister system) I've been told it's not a major issue, just important as far as emissions are concerned...

but this was also told to me by a friend who advised that checking my tranny fluid level with the car on the slanted driveway was okay.... (ITS NOT, car must be on flat surface and warmed up) common sense i guess... but after the experience i have... i only trust what Skirmich says right now lol.

 

Yah! Trans issues are always very easy to spot on. Usually once it starts to slip hells break loose in just a couple of weeks later... Anyway that EVAP code is easy to fix.

 

Welcome 1080p !!!
Yeah, ya can always count on fellow Ziner "Skirmich" to come through with his vast knowledge and skills, especially with assisting other new 2nd Gen TL's owners. He's been there and done it all !

Anyways, adding my two cents.....don't sweat the CEL for now, just clear it.
For now, with the tranny slipping and the dark fluid......do a drain & fill using DW1 fluid. Consider replacing the spin on ATF filter and cleaning the tranny's solenoid screens.

 

I have P1456 right now, not sure if it's the cannister, solenoid/shutoff valve or what, haven't diagnosed it yet.

 

^^^ Normally a P1457 code comes up for a problem or leak within the EVAP's cannister and associated vavles. Oftentimes the P1456 code is simply a loose or faulty fuel tank cap. If not that, then it may possibly be the purge control solenoid valve. Always check the various vacuum hoses and solenoid's electrical connections first.

 

I changed the gas cap and cleared the code and the P1456 came back on. I got underneath and checked all the hoses and nothing seems loose or cracked. I'm not great when it comes to electrical work so I suppose I should have someone check the electrical connections.

Worst case the part is faulty I would need to replace it with something like this?

 

always go to our diy section first- if its a common problem it will be in there!

define slippage: Is it when shifting from 2 to 3 while hard on the throttle?
accompanied by D5 light you have otherwise never seen?

that black fluid should be red and not smell funny
You read your owner book and understand the correct fluid temp to ck it at
AND
BETWEEN the dots is correct- not at either- between
Get started on a drain and refill program of once a week for 3 weeks wit DW1 fluid

See DIY for cleaning solenoid switches, may be called shift sensors or pressure sensors
They have a screen that gets dirty and restricts flow
2 of them unscrew from outside of trans, easy to do along with the filter change

The blue bolt heads mean you have a warranty rebuilt trans- that's a good start
Is it post 2005 = there is a large oil filler bolt on top with ATF stamped on it?

Anyone know for sure any differences on the Canuk model ASpec?
Honda techs are NOT Acura techs- there are major differences in diagnosing!!

 

Pressure sensors are not the same items as the solenoids... or are you recommending to clean those also?

 

The various solenoid switches usually have an internal screen which can be cleaned, while the pressure sensors tend to lose their internal range agility through time. IDK if cleaning them would actually help, however their electrical connection is prone to the elements and should be checked. Can get a bit confusing at times, but things do tend to wear out and get gunked up which restricts the intended purpose of the valve or sensor.

 

I have seen the same part called several different names so I listed some choices to search thru the DIY- once there it will be obvious which one is the part you unscrew and clean

I agree cleaning electrical contacts is important- as is making sure ALL ground wires are good- there are more than just the main one at battery