A couple years ago I was having trouble with my 1999 TL's transmission (I believe it was shifting harshly). I bought 12 quarts of Red Line Racing ATF to fix it, but I ended up only using 3 quarts since that fixed the problem at that time. Fast forward to 3 weeks ago, and my transmission was having problems again. In the mornings when it was cold outside, it would take up to 10 seconds for the car to shift into drive. So, I rummaged around in the garage and saw that I still had 9 quarts of the Red Line Racing ATF. After researching online/Acurazine, I read that this ATF doesn't have a shelf life. So, I drained my ATF and filled it up with 3 quarts of Red Line ATF (after shaking them like crazy). My car immediately would only go into reverse and **SOMETIMES** go into first gear. I did another drain and fill with 3 more quarts of Red Line ATF. This really didn't change anything, except bring the ATF color to pretty solid red. This time, I drained my ATF, pulled off two solenoids (#9 & #10 in the diagram) and checked the filters on them, only to find that they were clean. Then, I used the last 3 quarts of the Red Line Racing ATF, but my situation didn't improve. I almost gave up on my car (I even posted it on Craigslist), but I kept reading how much 'ziners had great success with Honda's DW-1. Today, I went and bought 12 quarts of it, and after draining and filling with 3 quarts of DW-1, nothing changed. My car still would only go in reverse, and occasionally go into first (taking more than 30 seconds to shift, even after switching between all of the shift selections, revving the engine, etc.). I decided to do another drain and fill using 3 more quarts of DW-1, and the results were amazing! My transmission is back! It shifts as good or better (smoother) than it has in the past when it was working!! Thank you Acurazine for helping me with my car! DW-1 for president!!!!




1999 Acura TL Transmission

 

I have recommended a cold drain and fill before on here, Tried it on a 99 TL about 2 years ago with DW-1 and surprisingly its still running today.
That sounds like the internal filter is clogged so this method will help get some that stuff thats blocking flow.

 

users of redline atf find a mix of racing and regular street atf is required

if you have a trans problem and want to try a fluid fix- honda dw-1 is the way to go

 

Well, yesterday my TL left my family and I stranded. The check engine light (P0740) and TCS lights appeared, and the transmission was slipping pretty bad, so I did another 3 quart drain and fill with the Honda DW-1. It drove great for about 45 minutes, until it wouldn't catch any more and was jerking the car at low speeds (under 20 mph). Thankfully we made it off of I-75 into a gas station parking lot (we had to push it the last 50 feet). I really do appreciate this forum, and I have loved this car. If anyone is interested in buying it for cheap, here is the ad on Craigslist:
Must Sell Today Acura 3.2 TL (Bad Transmission)
I must sell it today, since it is in a BP parking lot that is 30 miles from where I live.

01tl4tl-Thank you for helping me in the past and for helping countless other 'ziners!

 

Why do you have to sell the car just because the transmission went out? There are many things you can do to give the car another 10+ years of life.

1. Get a reman unit.
2. Get a junkyard unit and rebuild it.
3. Rebuild the trans in the car and reinstall.

 

or the smart mans method- a used accord trans from the junkyard bolts in and is a far better unit, total parts (includes trans) and labor to install should run 1200-1500 USD

rebuild a TL trans- why? they suck and we all know it!
rebuilt units cost 2500 and more, have seen 5 grand for a rebuild!!!

 

I know this but it doesnt really apply to the 99. You have to change everything over for the 5 speed. Rebuild original unit is still the best option.

 

sorry- if this is a 99, Im not wearing my glasses! no swap on 99s, time for it to become a boat anchor!
unless you love this car, have kept up on all the important expensive maitenance, and plan to keep it another 5 years

 

The new Honda DW-1 ATF is amazing stuff. I switched out the old ZF tranny fluid on my TL and you can tell that it shifts so much smoother and quicker than it did since it's a full synthetic fluid not a semi synthetic.