andywags

I have an 2003 Acura TL with 62,000 miles and the Transmission is shot. I'm getting the transmission replaced and Acura suggested getting a new ECU with that as well. While the new ECU is not required, it is suggested. Has anyone else with the same transmission problems had their ECU's replaced as well? Is it worth it? I don't feel like shelling out more money if it isn't needed. Please help. My car isn't under warranty anymore so its been quite the headache!

Thanks,
Andy

ChrisQ1980

I have heard, but don't know for sure that when they do the replacement they also replace the ECU. My guess is that the shift points are different for less stress on the transmission. Ask them for more details and report back, becuase I'm sure more are interested in what the "new" ECU acutally does.

01tl4tl

you should be getting GOODWILL coverage- acura does it for cars out of vin and over miles!
since the court ordered 7 year or 109,000 miles warranty 99-03s - but late 03s were not included but still have the problem
GOODWILL policy applies
which means acura pays the trans and you pay 500 labor
Go speak with the service manager
Unless your car has salvage title---

fsttyms1

They should be replacing the ECU no matter what if its the first trans replacement and not even recommending it. Its something they replace to change the shift mapping to make the shifts easier on the trans.

Also read the post above mine. Try to get them to goodwill it, dont pay for it. Also you may want to contact acura client services

andywags

Unfortunately I have a salvaged title so all this will be coming out of my pocket. Just trying to determine if I need to sink my money into a new ECU when it may not be needed.

Thanks.

indoMFP

Happened to me... Acura was able to goodwill it, but they told me that i would have to pay a small percentage. I agreed to pay for the ECU (~$150) and be on my way. No need to argue with them and have to take the car to another shop and shell out ~$3,000 to repair my car... https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181459

To answer your question, you do have to change the ECU, but see if they will goodwill it, if not, take the vehicle to a local shop and have them repair the tranny. Acura is gonna charge a lot to do it. Good Luck.

01tl4tl

SALVAGE title- I wish there was a disclosure rule here!!!

See what they will do for you on the ECU price and get it- another ziner paid 150 for it, since they are probably getting 4g on the whole job~~~

andywags

Thanks guys. I had originally taken my TL to an Acura dealership who quoted me $5000 to replace the tranny and the ECU! Got my car and a Transmission Shop now who quoted me $2700 to replace the transmission alone. $3500 to replace the transmission and ECU. That's the connundrum I find my place in. I'm leaning towards replacing the tranny alone and forgetting about the ECU. Let me know what you guys think or experiences with the same issue.

01tl4tl

call acura dealer and ask how much for the ECU- then ask the shop why they want 500 profit on a part!
They are rebuilding your trans most likely- not replacing it

chiarlei

andywags... Be VERY carefull who you take your car to. Make sure they have knowledge of these particular transmissions. I'm going through hell with a transmission shop right now. I made it 3 blocks from the shop and my car was acting twice as bad as it was when I brought it in. If I were you I'd either pay the extra $ and have the peace of mind that its done right,
or find a shop that specializes in Honda/Acura cars and has done one of these before.

01tl4tl

thats a great idea
BUT
the problem is that if an ordinary trans shop has not seen one of these- you certainly cannot expect a honda/acura shop to rebuild them!

Honda/Acura has a company that does most, if not all, their transmission rebuilds for them- thats where the warranty death units go to be recycled and become fresh units

Ask the shop how many Tiptronics they have done- if less than 3- you are their test subject
Aamco seem to know what happening on these units