I have a 2003 TL type-S with 138K on it. I has never been driven abusively. it has the oil jet installed, and the blue bolts.
unfortunately it started shaking between gears, and I remedied it a year ago by doing the 3X3 with Castrol Transmax Import Multi ATF. since the 3X3 it has been doing well until last week. it started banging into first gear, and going weird and slipping coming out of 2nd and 3rd. If I let off the gas, it then bangs into a lower gear hard. seems very confused.
I replaced the 3rd and 4th pressure switches and did another 3X3 yesterday. everything is fine until it heats up, and then back to the old tricks!
I have read all the trans posts on here, and have decided that a rebuild is inevitable.
Am I crazy? If not, can anyone recommend a good honest trans shop in the Atlanta area?
I found one willing to drop, rebuild, and install for $1500 - $2200. I am assuming it will end up on the lower side of the estimate, because the thing is not completely shot.

Thanks!

 

Autozone recommended, adding LucasOil transmission treatment, but I am not comfortable using additives. has anyone tried it?

 

Did I "Screw the pooch" by using the Castrol product?

 

Basically Yes.
The only thing that you must use besides Honda Z1/DW-1 is Redline...
NO on the Lucas additive! That sadly sounds like a tranny on its way out, Its time to go Manual or swap a AV6 Tranny.

Hope that helps.

 

So, would it be wise to 3X3 with the Honda fluid. or just ride it into the ground before a rebuild?

 

I think its already too late to do a 3x3 once it Starts slipping your wasting your money on Band Aids.. You need a New Transmission.

 

OK. I got my new (rebuilt and improved) trans from Willow Creek today. Can anyone point me to a DIY for pulling the engine/trans?
I tried the advanced search, but could find nothing. I am going to do the timing belt/water pump while the assembly is hanging on the hoist.

 

I used that fluid too. Didn't have a tranny problem just old fluid (70k miles). I'm headed to thr dealership to buy DW-1 right now and change it again.

 

once the trans is going,, its all band aids,,,
getting a year out of it after probs is pretty impressive!

dont expect low end on rebuild price,,you dont understand what all wears out, not just a single plate for a gear...
there are many parts to be replaced, and some of your parts- like gears- get reused

for the prob of 30 min drive and it acts up,,thats usually material from the clutches in the TC--as it spins the crud gets flung outwards onto the fine filter screens that protect the pressure lines- that make the thing shift and work

the screens clog - no fluid flow= loss of trans operation

Park it 15-30 minutes and you can usually get another 30 minutes at a time from it,,to get off the freeway for example --to a safe place and wait for tow truck

 

honda dealer sells the exact same fluid for 1-2$ less per quart

NOTE on fluid change--trans will give up 3 to 3.4 qts at a time
measure and refill carefully,,

do final test drive per book next morning and verify level is `between the dots` at 15 minutes from cold-freeway drive

 

Any help for the DIY swap?

 

Just get the Service Manual its pretty easy to Remove Engine + Trans if you have the Right Tools.. I dont think I have seen a DIY for Engine Removal.

 

look in the main section of gen2 at top of list,,kris posted pics and help for his 6speed swap
that should cover everything to pull eng and trans together

but, you dont have to remove both for trans replacement

I can see how it feels easier to remove engine,
than to make large hands fit in the tight space for the 105~