So I have an '00 TL with 151,950K miles and I believe the original transmission (no signs of being replaced). When I throw it in drive, it feels like it catches but the car won't move, and then a second or two later you really feel it catch and the car will start moving. Any ideas on what the issue is here? Thanks in advance!

 

First, try to drain/fill 3x3 and replace the spin transmission atf filter, and see if that helps.

 

Welcome J32A1Bobby !!!
Check the fluid's level and condition. How was the tranny been shifting prior to this situation ?

 

are we talking 1-2 second delay after selecting D that it actually engages and gies forward movement?
or more than that or doesn't hook up at all?

how long have you had the car?
Blue paint on bolt heads of bolts on transmission indicate warranty replaced trans- many of us got one or two

 

use ONLY Honda DW-1 atf from acura or Honda dealers or import parts store
I don't care what the zone counter guy said or the aftermarket bottle claims to be Honda compatible

 

color and smell of atf? reddish- brown- black?
smell of burnt toast, burnt fluid or other?

I would not throw a full 3x3 fluid changeout at it till we know what condition the trans is in,,too much of a good thing all at once~

a 3 ounce sample of atf to blackstone labs with 20 bucks will tell you exactly whats happening for internal wear and possible damage ie: 3rd gear clutchpack wear out as we often experience

 

Thanks all! Transmission is other wise fine it's just a 1-2 second delay before the car starts to move. I check the fluid once every 2 weeks and it's been fine.

 

If the fluid hasn't been replaced in awhile, ya may wanna try a single cold "Drain & Fill" using Honda DW1 fluid. Check the magnetic drain plug for residue. Consider replacing the top in-line spin on ATF filter and cleaning the solenoid screens. Check the "DIY" sticky for more info.

PS: When were the mounts last replaced ?

 

good call on ck the mounts 3.2, our front mount is vac boosted and failure prone every 60-75kmiles leads to other weirdness because it causes mystery vac leak
Rear engine mount also vac boosted

1-2 seconds from N to D engagement is perfectly normal according to acura, and what most of us experience
Does the car move after then or still sits with no va!?
Leave it at idle as it changes gears
Plan 3 point turns on crowded road carefully!!

Open the hood and look at trans- any bolt heads holding things onto trans- like brackets or main trans to engine bolts- painted BLUE ??

How long have you had the TL? first TL?

 

are you cking the atf level per owner book method? and it reads BETWEEN THE DOTS not at either- between= at spec temp for your car/year
fluid temp causes changes in level on dipstick

free download copy of owner book from acura at Acura Owners Site | Exclusive Knowledge, Service, & Benefits
lots of good info and things there, need cars VIN to reg

also reg as owner with acura care 1 800 382 2238 x5 gets a human
ask if all recalls are taken care of, a few regarding airbag are still open (needs fix) on many cars

 

I bought it in July of 2014 with 147K. Just rolled over 152K last night. I don't mind the delay its just an annoyance when you have to rush a 3 point turn. I'll definitely have the mounts checked, thanks 01tl4tl!

 

ck those bolt heads for blue paint- that will narrow down if its been replaced and tell us a few other things- better to guide you in fluid change- amount and number of times
the trans holds 7.3 qts but only gives up 3 to 3.5 on a draining- not like old American cars where you drop the pan

its likely got the old formula atf- no longer avail, the new stuff is a semi synth iirc

but sadly that 1-2 seconds as it fully engages is just there, as long as it goes!!! after then- all is well = you are already versed in the cautious 3 point!

register with both those places- download the owner book if car didn't have one, lots of good info there and special operating tips
You can store the radio and nav codes there too

 

If its a 5AT, Although the design engagement is around 1.6 seconds before 1st clutch is fully engaged, it will appear longer or less positive if the 3rd gear Pressure switch has drifted. At that mileage it would not hurt to replace it along with the 4th Pressure switch.

 

that's sounds reasonable at the indicated mileage
a little bit of new fluid to start, a new external FILTER (much cheaper from online sources)
and replace those 2 external pressure solenoid/switches,,see DIY

this car may have gotten a freshie under the old special warranty and only have 50k on it- need to know about that

 

So I did some research and the trans was replaced under the recall. Not sure when. Also, when shifting from 1-2, I can feel the car vibrate a little but it shifts fine, what could this be?

 

acura dealer service desk can tell you when and miles of the replacement trans by the cars VIN

low throttle shudder shift 1-2 can be needs some new fluid or a front motor mount which will also cause a slight engine vacuum leak/miss that no one can find~!

 

try slightly more rpm/throttle pressure- does that help smooth it out?

 

Also for the slight shudder I would add a tube of lubegard red

 

let him get it clean solenoids and on new fluid before adding anything to the mix~

 

I have a 2003 acura TL with the same problem and I've done all the above except for replaceing the trans.It just started 2 yrs. ago. I drive it like it is and live with it. Thanks

 

Welcome Davedas90 !!!
So if you could better explain your car's tranny issues and what all you've tried up to this point,
it'd be more helpful to know if there's anything that you may have missed along the way.

2 years and living on the edge = "AV6" to the rescue.