bigvortex

I need to replace my transmission again. This is going to be the 3rd one. I was wondering about doing it myself. I have done plenty of stuff like that before but was wondering if it is a weekend job or not.

Also, what is going to be my best deal on a transmission? The last one I got was $800 from a junk yard. It looks like it will be about $1200 now.

Thanks,
Will

fsttyms1

the job can be done in less than a day first time. (dealer in and out 4 hours)

I honestly WOULDN'T buy a used trans. It will just have to be replaced again. I would either have it rebuilt or get a new one from a dealer that has the updated parts to keep it from failing again (with the new ECU)

Bob_F

What year is your TL and how many miles are on it?

Are you sure that you didn't have any coverage under the extended warranty on the transmission?

pearl tls

Hey get your trans rebuilt so that way you get warranty. A used trans will not solve your problem. Rebuilt might cost you about $2500 to $3000 including the warranty. I got mine rebuilt from Aamco Trans and it really drives like new with 2yr warranty. Think Ahead...

bigvortex

It is a 99 TL with 170 k. That is a good point about getting one with a warranty. I may think about that. We don't plan on keeping the car that much longer but I don't feel right just passing a problem on to some else.

Back to the original question though. Changing it is a day job? I don't have a book for this car yet. Is it just pulling the CV joints, fluid lines, some misc electric cables and unbolting it? I have removed a transverse manual transmission without too much trouble but I don't want to get in over my head here.

Bob_F

Well if you are going to change it yourself, be sure to pick up a copy of the Helm factory manual.

http://helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp?r=

Bob

Mike B

It can be done in a days time with a friend. Working off the ground is tough on your body. Having the correct tools is important too.

You will have to remove the axles, which means you have to disconnect the lower balljoint. From there, you pull the axles out, and of course having a drip pan available for the fluid to come out. Disconnect all plugs and lines from the automatic transmision. Drop the transmission. Automatic transmissions are heavy, especially FWD.

Are your driving habits aggressive to have been through 3 transmissions?

bigvortex

That is just the info I needed. I will get the manual and the steps are about what I thought. It sounds doable.

My wife drives the care 95% of the time and she is not that aggressive of a driver. The first on lasted about 140k. The second one was from a junk yard and has lasted about 30k. We took it to the transmission shop and he said that because the check engine light was on do to the EGR valve low flow then that can reduce the life of the transmission. I would have never made that connection and still am not that sure about it. Regardless I cleaned the intake manifold and replaced the EGR valve. It was an easy job. I wish I would have got off my lazy butt and done it before.