rcg851

Looking at other posts on how bad these transmissions are, wish I knew this site was here two months ago. I understand that the AV6, 06 and 07 accord is a good replacement tranny, also the Odessey . Are these a drop in tranny with no modifications or do I need to do major things to make these work? Which is the best of the two. Right now I have a big shutter between 20-25 mph Between second and third. Are there any other fixes?

01acls

Yes, add 2 shots if XADO AT EX120. This will rehabilitate the trans and torque converter. However, ensure the ATF and filter is in good condition before you add the XADO.

Do a 100% ATF exchange if your ATF is dirty.

Change the AT external trans filter if it's never been change.

rcg851

Thanks: 01asis
That sounds reasonable. In the process of moving this next week so it may take me a while to fine the right guy to do this for me. Did talk to one transmission mechanic couple of days ago. He acted like he was the only one in the country that knew anything, but was not quite sure about Acura tranny. LOL Do you believe Honda fluid should be used?

01acls

Actually no because there is no evidence that DW1 is a superior fluid than an after market fluid from a reliable stand point. I'm currently using Vavoline Max Life full synthetic and so far it is doing the job and have no concerns of any kind.

You can change the ATF yourself just buy a Mityvac 7400 fluid evacuator... $70. Change the fluid through the trans dip stick. No need to get under the car.

If you want to spend a little more money then buy the nicer Mityvac fluild exchanger that can vacuum and dispense through the dip stick. No need to mess with the filler bolt.

Vacuuming the ATF will yield about 2-2.5 quarts. Repeat and rinse 4 times to exchange around 2 gallons of new ATF. The trans capacity is 7.6 quarts.

I wouldn't worry too much about changing the external ATF filter if you actually do a 100% ATF exchange. Long as the ATF is 100% clean that's what is most important.

Google some YouTube video on the Mityvac and see how easy it actually is. On a scale of 1-10 it's less than a 5.

Good luck.

​​​​​​

01acls

BTW... You can change your motor oil this way too through the dip stick.

And the oil filter only needs to be changed with every other oil change. In other words 1 filter for 2 oil changes.

rcg851

Thanks again:
Great info, I will try that. Most all driving in town with stop and go at slow pace. Today though I thought I would try going faster through the gears. Surprise it cleanly shifted, no shutter what so ever for a dozen times. After exchange still use XADO? Trying u-tube on vac.

01acls

Yes definitely use the XADO because it conditions the metal and reduce friction. The first will help regain some loss tolerances and the later will help reduce heat. Heat is the number one enemy against the 2g trans.

1 dose for maintenance and 2 doses for maximum reconditioning.

rcg851

I do believe you may have saved my bacon. Just ordered from amazon XADO EX120. Really believe this is going to be a good fix. Let you know how it goes after full flush.
Thanks again

01acls

I hope you're right.

BTW

rcg851

That sounds great. I'll go through that procedure for sure. I appreciate all that info. If this works I'll be a very happy guy.

rcg851

That sounds great. I'll go through that procedure for sure. I appreciate all that info. If this works I'll be a very happy guy. Beats some garage trying to sell me a transmission new or used. If not I'll go to plan b. What that is.

Chojun

For what it's worth, I had shudder between 2 -> 3 just as you describe. My trans failed at 96K.

I would do the fluid exchange as 01acls described but I also am beginning to think there's real merit to 01acls' ideas that solenoids could also be bad. I would consider cleaning/inspecting or replacing yours because you have to swap them to the AV6 anyway.

rcg851

Thanks,
It's always worth something to get more input. Going through with 3x3 flush, filter, and additive. Then if I still have shutter I will start looking at the rest of Tranny. It' a nice running car, just wish Acura would have designed a better
transmission. Right now don't think I would ever buy any Honda, Acura Auto.

Homestead12

Do the 3x3 drain and refill ASAP. I had the same issue and it resolved my shutter immediately, and giving me better gas mileage also.

frankjnjr

Hey Chojun, do you recall approximately how many miles elapsed between the time you first noticed the 2-3 shift "stutter", and the time the transmission actually failed?

TheMightyQuinn

I've had that 2-3 shutter for 4+ years now. Drain and fill usually solves it, and I do that now with every oil change (~9-12 months). However the shutter seems to be more frequent lately.

Chojun

I picked my TL ('03) up in '06 at just under 50K miles. My memory is pretty fuzzy about how it drove but I do remember feeling impressed with how smooth, responsive, and powerful it was (previous car was an '01 or '02 Honda Accord V6). The first time I recall having the shudder was around '08 or '09. It failed in '11 (at the gate to an Air Force base no less - guys with M16s standing around wondering WTF I was revving my engine and wasn't moving my car lol). Mileage when I first noticed the shudder would've been around 75-80K.

I was a severe ignoramus then and did nothing to address the shudder. Fluid changes may have extended the original life of the transmission.

rcg851

01acis
Thanks for all the info. Finally got around to change out fluid with Mityvac and my car shifts great now. You all have probably saved me big bucks through your method. Thanks again