Getting rid of my 2000 Maxima for a 1999 TL? Is the TL reliable!
07-09-2016, 03:07 PM
#41
Racer
Thread Starter
So first of all, the 4 speed has transmission fluid lines that run to the radiator. 5 speeds have a heat exchanger on top of the tranny that coolant runs to. I imagine the "lines" that got damaged that the OP is referring to are these. To check the fluid, there is a dipstick, and it must be checked warm, after driving the car. The fluid should be red. Generally speaking the 4 speed does not have the issues the 5 speed does.
I would make sure all the solenoids are in good working order, fluid is fresh and at the correct level, and go from there. Getting the 4 speed rebuild is not a bad option IMO.
I would make sure all the solenoids are in good working order, fluid is fresh and at the correct level, and go from there. Getting the 4 speed rebuild is not a bad option IMO.
07-09-2016, 03:11 PM
#42
Racer
Thread Starter
The Maxima isn't all that great... I'm assuming your budget is in the $4-6,000 price range...
I kind of hate Maxima's, except the 2009-2014, I like those other than the CVTs...
Really, if the TL's transmission fails get a rebuilt with a lifetime warranty, or maybe find a trustworthy service contract (if one exist)...
The 2nd generation TL has three big issues...
1 - Transmission failure, some are on their fourth or fifth now...
2 - Auto dimming rear view mirror has a tendency to leak and go black... (Replacement may also require a new windshield when it gets broken when they, or you, have to hit the mirror to get it to come off) odds of this happening is 1 in 3...
3 - Paint delamnination!!!
The 1999-2001's have a four speed auto and they "tend" to hold up better...
ONLY EVER use Honda Automatic Transmission fluid, change it at its required intervals, and NEVER EVER EVER EVER power flush it!!!
OK, that's the basics...
According to CarComplaints.com, the 1999 Acura TL has a "Beware Of The Clunker" status, and not the "Avoid It Like The Plague" status..
You *should be ok, but have it checked, maintain it correctly, and be good to it...
Really, that's all there is with the TL, it's a great sedan otherwise and if it weren't for the transmission issue I'd buy one in a heartbeat!!!
On the plus side, the seats are so comfortable!!!
Best of luck!!!
I kind of hate Maxima's, except the 2009-2014, I like those other than the CVTs...
Really, if the TL's transmission fails get a rebuilt with a lifetime warranty, or maybe find a trustworthy service contract (if one exist)...
The 2nd generation TL has three big issues...
1 - Transmission failure, some are on their fourth or fifth now...
2 - Auto dimming rear view mirror has a tendency to leak and go black... (Replacement may also require a new windshield when it gets broken when they, or you, have to hit the mirror to get it to come off) odds of this happening is 1 in 3...
3 - Paint delamnination!!!
The 1999-2001's have a four speed auto and they "tend" to hold up better...
ONLY EVER use Honda Automatic Transmission fluid, change it at its required intervals, and NEVER EVER EVER EVER power flush it!!!
OK, that's the basics...
According to CarComplaints.com, the 1999 Acura TL has a "Beware Of The Clunker" status, and not the "Avoid It Like The Plague" status..
You *should be ok, but have it checked, maintain it correctly, and be good to it...
Really, that's all there is with the TL, it's a great sedan otherwise and if it weren't for the transmission issue I'd buy one in a heartbeat!!!
On the plus side, the seats are so comfortable!!!
Best of luck!!!
07-09-2016, 03:44 PM
#43
Racer
Thread Starter
07-10-2016, 03:50 PM
#45
Racer
Thread Starter
07-10-2016, 07:38 PM
#47
Team Owner
You need to do a 3x3 drain and fill. If you replace the fluid once, you're only replacing about 2/3s of it, or so.
Search "3x3" here on AZ and you'll likely find more information than you'll need.
Search "3x3" here on AZ and you'll likely find more information than you'll need.
07-10-2016, 09:40 PM
#48
Null and proud of it
Do that... I'm sorry, I forgot, it doesn't apply to me...
07-10-2016, 11:45 PM
#49
Cool, accident was on the driver side also, forgot to mention that. So far, I found the 2 solenoids that are on top of the trans right under the intake, my next move is to remove those, have them tested and I might clean them really good. Are there any other solenoids around the trans other than the 2 I already found? how could I test them for proper function?
07-12-2016, 12:31 AM
#50
Racer
Thread Starter
So pretty much, drain than refill, drive for a few, drain and refill, drive, than drain and refill again for the final time? I got it, god that's gonna be a lot of fluid i will have to buy! And what a 12v? I guess that what I need to check the solenoids.
07-12-2016, 12:51 AM
#52
Racer
Thread Starter
I'm gonna have to also toss out a lot of fluid! Will do 2mor morning. Trans downshifts good, but what really puzzles me is that if I'm making a turn when it's time to shift, it shifts ALOT smoother than it would if I'm going straight! But still not perfect, could anyone explain that??
07-12-2016, 12:59 AM
#53
Null and proud of it
I'm gonna have to also toss out a lot of fluid! Will do 2mor morning. Trans downshifts good, but what really puzzles me is that if I'm making a turn when it's time to shift, it shifts ALOT smoother than it would if I'm going straight! But still not perfect, could anyone explain that??
That's a mystery right there... Let's see what anyone else has to say...
07-14-2016, 03:39 PM
#54
Racer
Thread Starter
<br />YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, I FIXED MY TRANS!!!!! I removed the old solenoid off the top of the trans! One side was completely bent up from the accident!!!! I went to the scrap yard and grabbed another one, trans is shifting like new! I also did a 3X1 yesterday with Castrol import tranny fluid. Thank you all.
07-14-2016, 03:39 PM
#55
Racer
Thread Starter
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, I FIXED MY TRANS!!!!! I removed the old solenoid off the top of the trans! One side was completely bent up from the accident!!!! I went to the scrap yard and grabbed another one, trans is shifting like new! I also did a 3X1 yesterday with Castrol import tranny fluid. Thank you all.
07-14-2016, 04:13 PM
#56
Senior Moderator
glad that fixed it!
I would have stuck with Honda ATF though
I would have stuck with Honda ATF though
07-14-2016, 05:45 PM
#57
Racer
Thread Starter
07-15-2016, 11:40 AM
#59
Racer
Thread Starter
Its been a little over 80miles since the solenoid swap and nearly 200 miles since the 3X1 with the Castrol import fluid and trans is still shifting like new. I did LOTS of research on this tranny fluid, and it appears that lots of people with TLs use it with no problems, I will change it out if I see ANY slippage at all. BTW, why is the TL so much quicker than the Maxima I just sold? Similar power and torque and the TL being over 200lbs heavier you would think it would be slower but NAHH. That was just a off topic joke.
07-15-2016, 11:51 AM
#61
Racer
Thread Starter
I kinna agree but I overall disagree. That was my 4th maxima, its a great car, reliable as brick(mines had 309k on original engine&trans!), its quick and there are really no problems with that car. I always been a Nissan man and would never consider a Honda. But for some reason I always loved this body style of the TL but I know nothing about Honda like I do Nissan so im still learning. I accelerated hard last night in the TL from a stop, it burned the tires in 1st gear, going in the 2nd gear and pulled like a bat on steroids! this car went to 60mph in well under 7 seconds! And wayyy faster on the highway than the max, I wont abuse this car at all, but I had to test it lolololo.
07-15-2016, 11:55 AM
#62
Racer
Thread Starter
I think your dreaming just a little bit, a 2000 Maxima is nothing to sleep on even stock, especially if bolted on and tuned, But I dnt see a bone stock maxima taking down a 2006 mt TL, you have 270hp and a MT, the 2000 Max is 222hp. Im guessing you raced a 2002 Max(same body but got the newer and much more powerful VQ35 3.5 engine) and you assumed it had the older VQ30 as the 2000 Max. BUT, I already the missed the VQ!!!
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justnspace (07-15-2016)
07-15-2016, 12:08 PM
#64
Racer
Thread Starter
Aw ok I got you, the 2002 Maxima will most defly keep up if not straight up smoke you. Those are believed to bet the fastest Max to this day, same 3.5 motor in a MUCH lighter body. I had an 03 GLE last spring and it was a force to be reckoned with down the highway! I destroyed the motor though!! piston blew through the cylinder wall.
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justnspace (07-15-2016)
07-15-2016, 12:53 PM
#67
Senior Moderator
if you say so OP.. multiple people on here have had issues using non-Honda OEM fluid but you seem to know better so keep us updated on your status then 
07-16-2016, 03:14 PM
#68
Racer
Thread Starter
Not saying I know better, I just did lots of research around the net and saw that guys with TLs were using the Castrol tranny fluid with good results. I will keep you posted.
07-17-2016, 03:52 PM
#69
Racer
Thread Starter
Well I got some real bad news, after 3 complete days of driving, last night the started back shifting and jerking hard like it was when I bought it, its throwing code P0740 again. I don't know whats going on, I took it apart again this morning and looked at everything. I saw that I Grossly overfilled the tranny fluid level. I had to drain 2 quarts to get it to the right level, im guessing the overfilled fluid caused the solenoid to clog up, Its still shifting hard. So I guess I will take apart the solenoid and inspect it again, any clue to whats going on? Car was perfect until late last night.
07-17-2016, 04:33 PM
#70
Senior Moderator
07-18-2016, 02:30 PM
#73
Senior Moderator
07-18-2016, 02:40 PM
#74
Racer
Thread Starter
So you guys really believe its because of the fluid? Car ran great for 3 days than P0740 returns, ughhhhhh. I noticed the top tube under the solenoid connected to the trans seems to be very stuck in there, you have to use a good amount of force to get it out. also, I suck at checking the fluid level lol, sometimes it seems to be fill but other times it seems low. I was thinking of going to the scrap yard and get another solenoid since I got it for cheap, any advice on what should I do next? please.
07-18-2016, 02:48 PM
#75
Senior Moderator
well.. I'm personally saying you're not helping the case of an very common failure point (the transmission) by putting in other stuff. If i were in your shoes, i'd clean all the solenoids again, maybe even look into getting a new OEM one (rather than a used one) and drain/refill with Honda OEM ATF fluid .
07-18-2016, 02:54 PM
#76
Racer
Thread Starter
well.. I'm personally saying you're not helping the case of an very common failure point (the transmission) by putting in other stuff. If i were in your shoes, i'd clean all the solenoids again, maybe even look into getting a new OEM one (rather than a used one) and drain/refill with Honda OEM ATF fluid .
07-18-2016, 06:45 PM
#77
Racer
Thread Starter
well.. I'm personally saying you're not helping the case of an very common failure point (the transmission) by putting in other stuff. If i were in your shoes, i'd clean all the solenoids again, maybe even look into getting a new OEM one (rather than a used one) and drain/refill with Honda OEM ATF fluid .
07-18-2016, 09:37 PM
#78
Null and proud of it
Can someone tell me whats going on with this car? I took everything apart, cleaned the connectors and REUSED the SAME solenoid and the car is back shifting like brand new! The spring part on the solenoid was kina stiff so I stuck a razor in it and freed it up. Its running good now, I just hope Im not gonna have to keep doing this every 3 days.
07-18-2016, 10:53 PM
#79
Racer
Thread Starter
Yeah your right, I'm gonna do an 3X3 with Honda fluid this weekend, even though I honestly believe Castrol import fluid will do the trick. My car is very young with only 107k! Some of my friends envy how buttery smooth, fast and sexy my TL is, even with the front end damage which I haven't finished fixing yet! It's much smoother than the Max the TL replaced. I'm gonna keep this car in tip top shape.
I will keep everyone posted on the tranny. You all have been a big help.
I will keep everyone posted on the tranny. You all have been a big help.
07-19-2016, 09:02 AM
#80
Mr.Helpful Diagram
Those year Maxima also have transmission issues like 2-3 slip, Not to mention rust by the front mount and quarter panels.
Find a 4 speed tranny and install a cooler with inline filter done deal.
Or you try cleaning the solenoids and change out the ATF with Honda ATF DW-1
Find a 4 speed tranny and install a cooler with inline filter done deal.
Or you try cleaning the solenoids and change out the ATF with Honda ATF DW-1