So it finally happened my 03' tranny gave out at 157k! I just got off the freeway and was at a stoplight and the car wouldn't move. After i turned off the car and turned it back on i was able to move it off the street. So I thought it may have been low on fluid but it was fine. Once it cooled off I drove it home and it actually ran ok for like 5 min but then it downshifted and it wouldn't go past 25mph. Then it stalled again. I was able to get off the freeway and take the streets home( around 25 miles). Every time the car would stall I turned it off and back on again and it would run ok(only up to 25mph). CEL came on but I haven't checked the codes. So what do you think the best options are? Rebuild? Used tranny? I would love to do the 6spd conversion but i'm on a budget. The best quote I got was 2400 for a rebuild. Is there anything than can be done to our trannies that would prevent this kind of failure?

 

I had the similar problem on my 2000 3.2TL. P0740 code: Torque Converter Circuit Malfunction and the VSA light came on during my problem. It was slipping/shuddering going into 2nd-3rd gear and once in awhile 2nd-3rd. Took it to a local independent transmission shop to see how much. Cost was about 2100-2200 to rebuild the damn thing. Found a transmission with 60k miles for $700 and some change. I'd go the auto salvage yard route. Replacing was easier for me. If I knew how and had the time to rebuild the transmission, I'd do that. Since I have a busy schedule replacing it was the option. Took me 3-4hours max.. That's my 2 cents.

 

Sorry to hear.
$2400 for a fix to an '03 TL is a lot of $$$.
If its in great shape otherwise go for a salvaged used trans
otherwise look for new wheels and trade or list on Craigslist.
Those trans are kinda considered made of glass and resale before its time is like a ounce of prevention before the pound of cure.
I sold my TL at 103K.

 

thats a great lifespan especially for the roads in your area

kevlar clutches help -installed at rebuild, but otherwise not much you can do to improve it
2400 is average rebuild price with new torque convertor (its needed)

an option some ziners are doing is a used LOW MILES auto trans from newer honda oddessy
it requires drilling 1 hole iirc otherwise easy fit and better trans than TL
See thread

I would NOT buy a junkyard TL trans with 60k,,thats right where they start to fail
Anywhere after 50 is right on schedule to fail,,is what the techs say at acura

 

What's the link to that? i couldn't find it