Hey All,

Last week I started getting a blinking D5 light. The car runs and shifts smooth and I see no real issues other than the blinking D5... Here is the rundown...

1. Starts after the car has been running for 20 mins or so at any speed.
2. Auto Parts store ran code and got P0705 and P0710.
3. Fluid looks decent and has not odor outside of transmission fluid (no burnt smell or stuff)
4. If I didn't look down and see the blinking light, I'd never know it was on, as the car seems to be solid.

What the mechanic said...

"Codes from auto parts stores are worthless and I need a diagnostics ($115)"
(Then add the part w/ markup ($125) and another 2 hours of labor ($230) makes the bill around $470 IF he determines its the temp sensor). He also suggested it may be a silanoid

What the internet says...

"You have a 2003 Acura?!?! Kiss $3,500 goodbye because your screwed and need a new transmission"

What some others have said...

"You can get a new temp sensor for $75".

I travel for my business and will need to drive 300 miles next week. So on top of advice you can give me, answer me these questions please...

Can I drive the car without causing a worse problem?

Should I dump the car for something else before I have major problems? (I can't afford this options but I can't afford to not have a car either.)

 

The codes of death for these transmissions are P0730, P0740, and P0780.

Your code P0705 relates to a problem with the range switch circuit and P0710 is for the trans fluid temperature sensor circuit. Since both of these are very close to each other on the transmission, the first thing that I would do is check for any wiring in that area that may have gotten cut by something. If that checks out, I would then look at replacing the temperature sensor. Two hours of labor is crazy for that job, BTW.

Does the dashboard indicator show the correct gear(s) when you move the shifter?

 

Thanks for putting my mind at ease... I thought it was minor but you never know. They internet can make you really start to doubt many things...

Yes.. even when it is blinking, it will display the proper gear whether I shift to D4 or put it in autostick. I can go to D4 and then D4 display is solid and D5 remains blinking... Even when I go into park. In autostick it will show 3 when its in 3, 4 when its in 4, and 5 when its in 5.

The only problem is the blinking D5 light... If I had tape over it, I'd never know it was blinking.

I have NO mechanical aptitude and no tools so there is NO WAY I can repair this myself, is there?

BTW... Mechanic only quoted the diagnostics fee... I added the other erroneous fees out of frustration.

 

Also... Can I put about 300-400 more miles on this car before I fix the problem? All highway miles but I must drive to a clients location next week since the blinking D5 scared me too much to do it this week.

 

I would rent a car for work use until this is sorted out! Do you like getting stuck on the road?
When the trans warms up, the WORN CLUTCHES particulate matter that's sitting in the Torque Convertor gets flung onto the outflow oil screens and shuts down oil pressure to trans = it stops shifting
That is trans death, the clutch plates have lost friction material to the point of no return
If it happens on a trip- pull over for 15-30 minutes and let car sit so crud flows down off the screens
Start engine and get another 15-30 minutes of trans use to reach safety

Normally D5 blinks--- for a few seconds---when you are hard on the throttle going thru 2-3 gears, like trying to beat a truck on the freeway as you are going up the on ramp- then sudden slippage of clutch and D5 flashes several times = same feel as manual trans with bad clutch-
engine goes vroom vroom but the car does not accelerate

For this car - it may be something less dramatic. Im not familiar with flashing D5 that stays flashing? without slipping of clutches mentioned.

for real knowledge of what the parts inside trans are doing:
Drain a 3 ounce sample of atf and send to Blackstone labs with 20 bucks for a mass spectrograph analysis and human interpretation of the results. Neighbor kid can do the work for you- its simple

Knowing whats in there, in what amounts, is important information - you will know for sure what is the best way to proceed
hopefully only a sensor replacement
Or its time for a 6 sped manual trans swap for $1500, A used Oddy or Accord trans swapped in about the same $1500 total
or rebuild current trans= a fools choice!

Maintenance History:
How often do you change the auto trans fluid? 3 qts or full capacity change?
using Honda dw-1?
It may look ok to you, and be worn out

 

^ I agree, check for connection problem... visual. If thats ok then replace the ATF temp sensor and/or range switch and hope for the best. What other choice do you have?

I recommend oem parts only.