I have a 2003 Acura TL and the green drive light started blinking about 3 years ago...I brought it tot the shop and when I got it back he said I needed a new tranny but the following day it started driving fine. Then about two weeks ago I was driving and the check engine light came on and brought to the shop and he said I need a new tranny. The car drives good for the first 30 min and then starts banging into 2nd and 3rd gear. I brought it to my mechanic and he said some valve could be getting stuck and had to take the tranny back out...what should be replaced inside the tranny when getting it rebuilt? I would like to know what should be replaced so when I go back I can make sure hes doing it right...and what components in the tranny are known for problems? thanks so much for the help guys

 

I wouldn't rebuild a 2nd gen TL trans. Replace it with a used one.

 

OP, what was the CEL/DTC code or codes?

Parts should be replaced according to the problem or problems. At a minimum all the clutch packs, internal filter, and new torque converter.

The valve body clean and polished.

Upgrade the Clutch Pressure Control Valve to a Sonnax Oversized CPC Valve Kit.

I would change most if not all the solenoids if they're the original ones.

 

3535 Did you get the recall installed `external oil jet kit` on top of the trans?
or are there bolts on the trans with BLUE paint on them?

a popular option by ziners is a used accord/oddy trans! about $750 parts
and labor $500-750 to remove and install replacement trans at shop.
Its a better design than the gen2TL and will keep your baby on the road a long time = for a realistic cost

rebuilding your current trans gives you another trans with the same issues
Should last a long time, but there are options these days
Figure actual total cost at shop 2300-3000++, I have seen 4 and even 5 thousand dollar bills!!! that's insane~
You can buy a Honda rebuilt unit in a plain white box on ebay for less than a rebuild of yours!!
No kidding- search Honda White Box Trans
None of that stuff comes from Honda- its rebuilders contracted to do the work- thousands of alternators or trans or ...

Guy at home doing it or buddy mechanic better have done several of these exact trans before- or expect to do the job 2 or 3 times before its right- that's trans in and back out when it don't work! Some special tools and a good skill level are required.
Its NOT an old Chevy trans, rip- slap- Go Race!

 

I realize some ziners are able to rebuild this trans in their garage- first try! and its perfect
You Sir, or Ma'am- posses above average skills and tool box contents~
The average mechanic who never saw one before, they don't regularly rebuild anything- just change parts!
and its not their car,,, a missed measurement is all it takes!
My understanding is these are ~not normal trans~ in years gone by standards

 

Dont waste your time or money on getting it rebuilt. Get an 06-07 Accord V6 trans and swap over the few sensors that are different and call it a day. It will be reliable.

 

FYI mine currently has 307K+ on the odometer all original tranny, well other than a filter I changed and the recall change that is.