I have a 03 TL, and recently the transmission is not as smooth as it used to be. Especially the second to third gear, I always can feel some kind of stuck.

I brought the car to the dealer, and they suggested to replace the whole transmission assembly, which will cost over 4000. And they did not recommend to do flush or fluid change, since it will make the problem worse. (???)

Then I brought the car to an auto shop. The guy there suggested me to do a transmission flush and fluid change. He checked the fluid, it was black and level was low.

Now I am kind of confused. Should I do the flush and fluid change? Will it further damage the transmission?

Please give me some advice.

Thanks.

 

$4000? You're getting off lucky! My shop suggested I replace the whole car!

Start off by draining the trans. 3 quarts will come out. Put three back in. Drive a few miles.
Repeat two or three times. You can do it yourself with a few tools and a case of Z-1 Honda fluid.

 

thats incorrect info

the trans will drain between 3 and 3.4 quarts
dont refill at random, measure amount removed!!!

did the shop know how to ck the fluid level to say its low?
must be driven 15 minutes from cold on freeway= then ckd
anything else is a misread

while you can try changing some fliud- the fact is was black and very old,
with hard shift 2nd to 3rd= indicates clutch pack wearout- our normal problem
All the fluid in the world wont restore lost friction material

acura cautions against a massive fluid change when a problem exist- as that may wash away the remaining friction material off the clutches,, then you are really stuck!

please describe your symptoms in more detail , shudder shift, rpm rises before shift, rpm rise after shift and get on throttle etc