Luke7

I have a 2003 TL Type S. Manufactured May 2003. Has 193,000 on the odometer. Bought it 5 1/2 years ago with 128,000. Transmission was replaced (blue bolt) before I bought it. Not sure when.
1. Transmission shifts perfectly some of the time. In the last week not a single issue. Perfect up shifts and downshifts catching every gear.
2. Occasionally the shifting will be bizarre. Slip and slide especially up shifting to 3rd.
3. I've noticed when it's wet/raining the problem disappears sometimes. No rime or reason to it.
4. Any suggestions? I'm thinking it's a harness / electrical issue. I cleaned several shift seloniods at around 140,000 just to see if they were dirty. They were not.
5. I change the Transmission fluid every 10-15k. Also have replaced the inline transmission filter on the oil jet mechanism.
6. I have the Acura repair manual so I could probably find where the connections are.
7. Any suggestions? Been doing this for awhile and it's a weird situation due to some bizarre shifting stuff. I've reset the computer several times. Doesn't seem to change what's going on.

I've owned 3 2nd TL's 99 TL and 2 2003's Type S's First 2 were totaled = no fault of mine. This one is the best probably since it was made the very end of the 5 year production. Runs perfect. I've taken the intake manifold off and cleaned it (IAC) etc. Also removed the manifold cover and cleaned the intake butterfly valves and the dirty cover. It's been a great car with the exception of the tranny issue.

whitetiger5

That 2-3 upshift is a very common symptom when these transmissions go out. to see that you were able to get that much time/mileage out of it is a good thing. I had mine replaced at 105K miles just below the warranty expiration and it went out in a similar way right at 200K miles.

Apparently the 3rd clutch material when worn out( which is why there is some slipping) contaminates the ATF, and populates throughout the entire transmission and prevents valves and passageways from properly functioning, accelerating the problem and creating other problems.

Most will tell you to source an Accord V6 (AV6) transmission (model BAYA) from a 2006-2007 Accord due to their robustness and low cost. Many salvage yard have these with decently low mileage on them and even those with 80-100K miles are capable of lasting twice that.

Luke7

Thanks for the reply. I've owned 2nd gen. TL's since 2006. I'm very well aware of the problems. The issue is is inconsistency. The transmission is doing Crazy Stuff occationally. Why I'm thinking it may be Electrical. .

whitetiger5

Well, mine was occasional when it first started as well but sure, it could be electronics.

Did you look at testing any pressure ports, or impedances on the shift solenoids as the manual suggests? that would tell you which components are bad.