So after ~9 months of leaving the car undriven due to broken transmission, finally found a transmission and swapped it. The transmission that I got had a code "MGSA" as that was the only one available and inexpensive. The swap was done and every sensor/wiring came from the original transmission...

Now, I noticed with the "new" MGSA transmission, the rpm is a lot higher on highway speed, 2.5k rpm at 70mph which is about 500rpm higher than before and consuming a lot more gas... I also notice the transmission shifts at a higher rpm now compared to the old one and need to step on the gas a bit more to get the power needed to accelerate than before...

Anyone have any idea what the cause might be for the higher rpm? This is a 2002 Acura TL-S with about 188k miles, on it's 3rd transmission.

 

I don't know what mgsa is..isnt that the bad stuff on food?

did you do the accord trans swap? if so read its thread for most answers on rpm changes
Did you install a new/rebuilt torque convertor?
Are you using Honda Dw-1 atf? and the level is correct?

 

MGSA is a Japan transmission off an Acura TL (or Honda Inspire), just having a different torque converter I believe. (something similar to this: 01 02 03 Honda Acura 3 2TL 3 2CL Type s Automatic Transmission JDM J32A Mgsa | eBay)

It's not an Accord swap
No new torque converter, using the old one.
Yes, I'm using DW1.

 

Just a quick note on this ~

I bought my car in '06 and the trans died in '11. From purchase to repair I had an occasional-to-common shudder from 1st -> 2nd shifts. Before it died I noticed that in 5th at 70mph the RPMs went up to 2.5K and my mpg suffered as a result.

I wish I had the rebuild sheet but if memory serves I do believe the shop said I had an issue with my TC (I was basically clueless about cars back then). My guess based on what I've learned over the years is that material shedding from my failing 3rd gear clutch pack clogged up the TC lockup mechanism (solenoid or otherwise).

Anyway I'd check your fluid levels, pull your solenoids off and inspect their (tiny) filter screens. Since you say you're using your old TC I'll bet the thing is full of sludge from your original trans failure(s). The only thing I can think of with higher RPM under clutch lockup at cruise would be a problem with the TC and related components on the trans.

Do a 3x3 drain/fill and attach pics of the fluid. 01tl4tl has a place where you can send your fluid for analysis for a small fee. Does it smell burnt?

If you can I'd send it back and get an AV6 from the '06-'07 accord and be done with trans issues for the remaining life of the car.

 

blackstone labs does the oil analysis for 20 bucks
the oil tells all
I am in agreement that the old torque convertor was probably loaded with clutch particulate matter, that gets flung outwards and clogs the screens for the outflow port = the trans wont shift or operate once warm!!
let it rest 30 minutes and it acts like nothing is wrong, then suddenly....

 

Pretty out of luck then... Paid about $450 for the transmission and $300 for installation. Couldn't find a decently price AV6 transmission... and the MGSA transmission from Japan TC doesn't fit, so had to reuse the old one.

 

reviving super old thread,

recently did this swap to mine also, curious to know how the MGSA trans held up? 😬