Well, I called The # provided in this thread (1-800....x5). Found out that my car has an in service date of 3-01, so it's still within warranty. I haven't had any severe operational problems (high revs between 2-3, some minor slippage during hard acceleration form low speed) with the tranny, so I'm a little worried that the dealer won't see fit to replace it. With only 1500mi left til 109k, this could be a serious problem. Hopefully, the error codes I got (CEL/TCS) will be enough for them to decide there is a problem, and if it fails at 109,001, they'll work with me.
I'm takin it in to Mcdaniels Acura in charleston SC on thurs morn. Cross my fingers it goes all to s**t on the way there so they have no choice but to replace it. It's about 120 miles.

 

if it slips a little now for you- thats a problem that needs to be immedialty looked at by the dealer
Call ahead and speak with the SERVICE MANAGER - explain distance to their shop and can the head tech go for a ride when you get there.
That way they can check it right away and if bad (it is)- loaner car is avaialble
Even if PNF problem not found- they document that for goodwill coverage later

Salvage- acura normally doesnt know or care why its salvage title- that kills the trans warranty
In your case of stolen- you never know until you ask- not the person who answers phone at 800 number- they only answer phones - so ask for a manager to call you about the issue

 

I was kind of worried that would be the reply. However, tell me if maybe I have found a "loophole"?

In the owner's manual, the warranty states "Warranties Do Not Cover:"

"Any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer, or that has been issued a “salvage” or similar title under any state’s law. This exclusion does not apply to the Emissions Warranties, he Seat Belt Limited Warranty, the Replacement Parts Limited Warranty, or any recalls or other campaigns

There is an official recall on Acura's website listed under 2003 Acura TL's Maintenance & Service for "the 00-04 CL & TL A/T RECALL Campaign." This is the link to the actual bulletin. I also realize it is probably just best to ask a manager at the 800 number, but I want to go in with as much knowledge as I can.

Thanks!

 

Have to be logged in for the link to work.....so:


Safety Recall: CL and TL Automatic Transmission Second Gear Inspection Dear Acura Owner:

What is the reason for this notice?

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2001-03 3.2CLs, 2000-03 3.2TLs, and 2004 TLs.

Certain operating conditions can result in heat buildup in the transmission second gear set and may lead to gear tooth chipping. In very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up, and a crash could occur without warning.


etc...

 

link won't work without logging in....The recall bulletin is referenced here.

 

ok lets clear this up for you and others

The RECALL on the trans was to install an external oil jet kit- it fits into the trans oil filler hole on top of trans- very obvious if installed or not

There is an extended warranty on the SRS airbag sensor, and the seat belt latches or something to do with the belts- Im not sure of which part

There is NOT A RECALL on the trans itself!!! for the wear out of its clutch plates- the problem most of us experience (its cause is low oil flow because of design issues)

Sorry- loophole closed on regular trans failures- but since it was stolen - call acura and plead

 

Well, I guess some of you crossed your fingers!! After no major operational problems since the initial CEL/TCS warnings, the tranny suddenly started slipping big time (2-3) about 20 miles into the trip to the dealer in Charleston. At 25 miles, it wouldn't go past 20 mph. Only 1st gear was working right. (PS- CEL/TCS/D5 flashing after first MAJOR slip).

I finally pulled over and called the dealer. They told me to call RSA. Was told that roadside coverage was separate from warranty issues, and expires at 4y/ 50k. So I called the 1-800...x5 (the guy actually remembered me), and he said that IF the tranny had failed for sure, the towing fee SHOULD be covered. I think I may have a problem getting that paid.

But anyway, the car's on the rack now, and getting a replacement under warranty.

I'm now facing the dilemma I'm sure many of you have faced- Trade in and take a loss, or roll the dice and hang on to it. I think I'll drive it til the replacement parts warranty is almost out, then trade up to a '04-'05 TL. ( I would get the TSX, all the ones I've seen have 4 bangers. No thanks). Anyone hear of any problems with those models?

 

All TSX are 4 cylinder, and yes some of the 3rd gen TLs have been having trans issues.

 

they trans problem was not fixed in 03- they simply needed a cutoff VIN to settle the court case
The 04 and 05 have the same trans issue you have now- except they got chumped on warranty length- and no one has gotten it to court yet~~

 

UPDATE:
So I went on a drive with the shop foreman at the Acura dealer and had a discussion with the service manager. It's all agreed that the car's problem is indeed the tranny issue that everyone else is having. My car is 5 months past the extended warranty date. They have decided to goodwill the transmission and the ECU, and have me pay labour + the cost of the transmission fluid... This totals $1296 out of my own pocket. Is labour really THAT much?
It's gonna be at the shop for 6 days since they have to order in the parts, and I'm left with no loaner car, and an option to pay $35 per day to have them rent me a cheap economy car (suzuki swift) from one of their rental companies.
I thought they should have better customer service than this...

 

I don't know what the labor rates are in Canada, but here in the US, $120-$140/hr is the norm for Acura dealerships. Transmission R/R is 8 hours, so figure $960-$1120 for labor alone. Transmission fluid is $7-$8/qt, and you need 8 quarts for a dry fill.

 

anyone know if there is a certain date at which they starded to fix the tranny correctly? reason im asking is im doing some research for a family member that might want to buy a used tl. 02 or 03. i heard somewhere that if the tranny was replaced sometime after 3/2005 in the car it should be ok. nething prior would just break again. can neone verify that? he used to drive a 02 cl-p and had 5 trannys put in it. plz help

 

there was a change approx 2/05 but it took a while for the trans that were already on the shelf to get used, and then the improved case with better oil flow came into the replacement units by mid 2005. The problem with the replacement units after mid 2005 is less than before,,, but some will still fail.
There is no perfect gen2 trans, never will be
the best you can do is buy an extended warrranty past the 7/109- since many of them are pushing the time or miles limit soon or already

 

exactly what i wanted to know. appreciate the feedback

 

Hey guys,

so my 01 TL has occasional (very rarely) slippage around 20-30 mph...that's the only symptom at this time and the mileage is 100.5K

I would like to take it to the dealer but the problem is not very reproducible? Any suggestions?

 

AcuraDriver89-
Haha! I could've written that exact same thing, Milage and everything; minor slippage around 20-30mph, first noticed around 100k. Then, one day, around 107k, the check engine & TCS light came on. 200mi later, complete failure. 2 pieces of good news for you- 1st, you should get an error once the tranny gets bad enough but you'll still have enough life to get home (mine went about 200mi like i said). 2nd, if the warranty went into effect ("in service date", read back a page or two to find the 800 number) after today's date in '01, they will replace it no problem, as they did mine.

I have to say, most Acura authorized repair facilities have enough experience with these trannys that they will probably be able to replicate any problems you've been having. Take a chance and take it in. At least get on record that you're noticing slippage, that way if it fails at 107,001, you'll have a bit of leverage to bargain for a discount. Good luck.

 

acura care is 1-800-382-2238 x5 everyone should be registered there

The techs have enough experience and knowledge on what the symptoms are- they can test drive it with certain speeds and full throttle romp requiring trans to downshift and accellerate- thats a real test!- if its going to slip- thats when it will do it-
smell the dipstick- check the codes and if at all possible to replicate---
and replace the trans- they do!

If they dont find anything, its recorded that you tried and they tried, so if failure past limits- those are 7 years PLUS 9 months from the first date in service, when it sold new.
The 800 can tell you that when you register, OR 109,000 miles whichever first
So get in there now- if you can feel it slip- probably when its hot and a hill may be involved? or full throttle getting on freeway.... they can usually get it to do it for them

The dealer is not out to screw you or hassle you- they get paid by aura to do the job- so they are happy to do it for you. There may be a front and passenger side motor mount broken- thats very common and easy and way cheaper to replace with the trans out for replacement, so they make a little money from you on the deal- ~200 and you get a $4000 trans from them.

 

Okay, like everyone else, our 2003 TL Type S OE tranny was just replaced under warranty. Six Years, 125,000km /78,000 miles. No issues there.

I just did a search through these 41 pages of posts for "synthetic tran" to see if anyone else is gambling on synthetic transmission fluid? I decided to use Amsoil ATF this time since the OE fluid did me no good the last time and synthetics have proven themselves to me time and again.

Anyone else have experience with that?

 

a few brave souls are running it

BUT
since you have the new and improved replacement trans- which should have come with its own warranty- stick with the honda special fluid.
dont even change it until 15k miles, if you insisit on doing it at all

 

Well, we brought it into the dealer today...100.7K miles, 7years,7 months after first date of service...

went on a test drive--could not find any major slippage--just rough downshift and some mild slipping in 1st and 3rd gear..once the engine was warm (by the time we got back to the dealer)....sadly.

they said they're going to run more tests until monday...and let us know. in the meantime, we have a 08 TSX loaner

 

if you look at the list of known symptoms and reason for warranty replacement- is has rough shifting, slipping...

If you are already in the loaner, the only thing they need to do is order one on monday after the Trans specialist guy checks the codes- writes the repair and parts order for it, and looks at the motor mounts.
The front mount and passenger side are ofter bad on a TL and eaily replaced with the trans removed- not 700$, they forgot to change the labor - should run 150$ front about 50 side

 

I have a 2002 TLS with 87K. The transmission has been noisy only in second gear for awhile (sounds like twin turbos spinning up) and is louder going uphill or under higher acceleration. It's been getting louder, and I've noticed occasional slippage going into third. This is only once in awhile, and a couple hundred RPMs.

I went to the dealer to have it test driven. Although the trans didn't slip during the test drive, they're ordering a replacement at no cost. I have to say that the service manager and chief tech were very professional...

Other postings indicate that transmissions replaced after a certain date have an improved case design. The trans they're going to put in my car is rebuilt. Does this mean the case could have been manufactured prior to the improvement, or are they only rebuilding the improved version at this point? Can I tell from the serial number on the trans?

 

All the trans they put in the TLs are rebuilt. Nobody gets a new one. Basically the shell is old but everything inside is brand new. The improvement was on 02/05, which almost 3 years ago so I think your car should be fine.

When you get the new tranny make sure to go easy for the first 1k.

 

Based on what I've read on this forum, the casing (or shell) is actually new for the 5 speed transmission. The additional oil flow paths that were part of the "oil jet" recall kit are incorporated into the redesigned casing.

Of course, if you get the transmission rebuilt outside of Acura you may not get the new case design.

The casing is re-used for the 4-speed transmission used in the 1999 TL.

 

go back and read this the 100 times its detailed before

In 2005 they started using a new case design with better oil passages.
Everyone gets the same ~rebuilt~ trans on warranty.
The internals are a mix of good used parts from other returned transmissions, and many new parts- the stuff that wears out.
Your old one goes to the place that acura has rebuild all their transmissions-it gets taken apart- the good parts go in the re-use pile, the rest in the garbage
The new case incorporates the former recall installed external oil jet sprayer to 2nd gear.
Its built inside on the replacements.

The tech and manager were able to feel enough to document a claim- so they did.
Acura pays for the trans and the labor- its not costing the dealer money, other than acura warranty pays less the customer retail rate...but work is work~
A happy customer tells 2 friends, and may come back for real service. They may also get to install some motor mounts while its in the shop!

 

As I mentioned in a previous posting, mine has been noisy in second gear for awhile. I went to the dealer last Friday shortly after I noticed it very rarely slipping on the 2-3 shift. I'm still driving the car while waiting for the replacement transmission to come in, but it's going downhill fast. It's slipping more often and is starting to make other bad noises. I wouldn't wait to have it looked at...

 

Houston, we have a problem, lol

Here's what recently happened, and I dont really know what to think of it...

Was driving the car the whole day, everything seemed fine, then on my way back home my Pioneer Z3 suddenly shuts off and like a second or two later turns back on again. I look at my dash there were a bunch of lights that went on, VSA, the triangle with the ! in it, and a few others that I cant remember. The thing I do remember is that the green D5 light did NOT flash. Now this happened like 3 times in a row within like a minute.

At first I thought I could've been a bad battery, but then I remembered that I just got an Optima Red Top about 2 months ago.

I decided to pull over and shut off the car for a couple of mins, and then when I turned it back on, all the lights that were lit up disappeared...

Another thing is that when my car is like on an incline going up a hill or something, and I shift it from Park to D5, it rolls back for like 3 seconds, makes a couple of weird sounding clonks, and finally engages into gear, is that normal?

Overall, I've went to the dealer a while ago asking them to check out the tranny, and they totally flipped the script on me and said that I had bad engine mounts, which I replaced just recently.

Anyways, I dont wanna waste my time going to the dealer if they're gonna give me their crap again, I wanna have some real good proof that the tranny is showing signs of failure.

What should I do?

Any good dealers you guys could recommend in the NYC area? Queens, Manhatten, Brooklyn? Long Island?

 

So to be clear- you went to the dealer before, and it actually needed motor mounts- they said the trans was ok back then?- How was that a switch?- they foud the real problem and told you it needed to be fixed.
And how long until you did replace the mounts?-
They are commonly found in need when the trans goes- its not a directly related failure- that just the first time anyone looked at saw the fluid leaked out of them.

When you are parked on a hill- why are you letting the car roll backwards-keep you foot on the brake until you feel the gear engage- how many seconds does that take?
It should not make bad noises', but what you are describing is not just trans-
The D5 light flashing is ony 1 signal and not the only one or even one you will get
That other warning lights are a sign something is up.
New Optima- so what- new parts fail all the time
You could have a bad ignition switch from the description~

whats they year and current miles on the car?
!
Get it to the nearest dealer right away!!!

 

you could read the first few pages of this thread-- and see the list of symptoms that acura knows and accepts- if the dealer can get it to act up- they are happy to warranty it.

try this
drive at 25 and 35- light throttle- just cruising in D5....stand on the gas, and it should make a positive downshift into 2nd and launch forward
If the engine revs and the car doesnt go faster- thats call clutch slip
If that happens- back off the gas and make your way to the dealer

 

i have a 02 Tl with 106k miles and couple days back I started experiencing transmission problems with it....does any one know that if the transmission would be still covered warranty or Honda transmission settlement....i read on some websites that the transmission warranty is extended to 109k or 7 years.....please HELP!!

 

whats it doing exactly
you are still covered- its been extended to 7years plus 9 months or 109k miles
If its flashing a d5 light or slipping getting on the freeway or what?
get to dealer asap!

assuming you have good title- not salvage or rebuilt title- and its an american version car?

 

the gear is slipping when going form 2nd to third and 3rd to fourth...dosent really have any indication on the dash...not slavage, clean title..and north american

 

guess where you need to head in the morning?

 

My car has been in a transmission shop for 16 days now, when I went in to pick it up today they said it still was not ready but that they had just "power flushed the cooling system" and that it "checked out fine at 5 quarts or gallons per second"

My question is this... Should they be "power flushing the system and what damage if any could this do to the oil jet kit that was installed per Acura recall?

The manager had no idea what I meant when I asked about the oil jet cooler.
he just said they replaced a speed sensor.

Could someone kindly explain? The guy at the shop becomes irritated when I ask him questions. For $3,700 you'd think he wouldnt mind.

 

'02 TLS 74,000. Thought I was going to skip the tras mess. It is in the dealership now with them testing. What a pain.

 

Better now than later.

 

Im new to the forum but from what I see, the 5 speed is a badly designed transmission. The fixes that acura put out prolong, but do not prevent the failure mode from occurring. Once these cars exceed the 109,000 mile transmission coverage they become practically worthless.

I own a 2003 3.2 TL and am currently on my second transmission which seems to be shifting abnormally (slippage when accelerating and hard downshifts when coasting downhill). I have 89,000 miles so am still covered under the warranty. However, I have grown attached to the rest of the car, and am desperately trying to find a fix that will allow me to drive the vehicle well past 200,000 miles.

The transmission fix has to be:
(1) relatively inexpensive compared to buying a new car of equal value and...
(2) permanent enough so that the transmission is not the limiting factor on the life of the car.

I have heard of 6-speed manual honda transmissions being put into some 2nd generation TL's. If this is possible, are there any mechanical issues or side effects related to the swap? What would an operation such as this cost (parts + labor)? What kind of warranty would be supplied with this, and would an acura dealership be able to do the work for good-will?

Are there any other fixes for the 5-speed automatic? Is it worth pursuing a fix or is it better to get rid of the car?

All inputs are welcome and appreciated...

 

go in and get another warranty replacement for free while you can!!~! you have symptoms why drive with it like that????

Its a big job for the DIYr to swap a motor and trans from a 6 speed- acura wont do it- there is no warranty- cost somewhere between $2500 and 8 grand!!
No car is perfect- all parts wear out- see other cars with same trans as acura and NO warranty past 50 k

Sell the tl and get a prius~

 

got the bad tranny bug, i think, replaced tranny under warranty and 10K later, still great!

 

got the bad tranny bug, i think, replaced tranny under warranty and 10K later, still great!