Nice to see you got 150,000 miles!
Lots of wannabe ziners are always asking if there are safe cars to buy, reliable trans out there?- I would say thats a very respectable lifespan at 150.

Cost will depends on how well you know/treat the service MANAGER-

the writer is a different job- they process cars in and call to make upsell on repairs- at max price possible- its a sales position in reality.

Manager calls acura corp rep, and wheels and deals for you

MY belief is some initial Goodwill on your part- like a box of fresh donuts `for the shop` or popsicles-ice cream bars on hot afternoons---go a long way to making you new friends.... in the right high places

If you had any service done there before- bought parts, or a few cars from the dealership...that helps when you are way past mileage limit and seeking goodwill.

NOTE:
Did you ever get the oil jet RECALL install done?-
the device that sits in the oil fill hole for trans is what I am talking about.
If that was never done- the dealer does a boroscope exam of trans and finds certain heat damage- you get a free transmission! regardless of miles now
If not sure- open hood and look, see the recent thread on changed trans fluid, in gen3- it has one installed in the pics- look for pinkie finger sized black hose on your car on top of trans-going into trans
If not there- it may be your save!

Otherwise- you know its 2500 at aamco, Acura may match that, AND their trans will come in the updated revised better oil flow case, with the special oiler built inside them now.
It never hurts to ask to speak with the service MANAGER, and see what the acura regional rep will do- thats who can make the cut in cost for you

Service writers are busy all day- what you want to tell him is that acurazine is where common folk learn about the cars and share info on who takes care of you when in need.
You know about survey cards and calls-emails- You would like to give them perfect 10s if they can possibly help you with a partial pay in any way
I know of a dealer that - for a known good customer- did full coverage at 144~

 

we do have a few ~stealth~ techs- service advisors/writers and a manager or 2 that I know of-- contributing to acurazine.
Some are open in their name like acuraservice or acuratech, others like to have a life~ so they add info under ~assumed names~
They are very helpful to us on funky tech stuff and tsb's. warranty stuff,,

YOU guys/gals are very much appreciated here!!--

 

Ok so just to follow up I called my case manager and finally got him! We discussed what I previously posted and I expressed my frustration 3 times about replacing the tranny again, but ultimately I ended up paying the 25% because I was over the 109k limit by 1k miles.

I brought up the fact that there was a recall on honda/acura odometers and he said that my vin was not included (I have yet to verify this myself)

. FYI here is the link: http://hondaodometerclassaction.com/

So as of now I am still out $720 for the third tranny in this TL...hopefully I will have some additional news shortly.

 

Is that including the 3 year 36k mile warranty on the replacement trans this time?
They have been selling that for $300 to out of vin or over mileage-partial goodwill jobs

 

Yes that included the 3/36.

 

thats not bad then!!- less than the 500 labor plus 300 warranty they are charging others
This one will be a winner for sure--3rd times....

 

True, but it hurt shelling out the $. Overall I am satisfied with Honda's response. Thank god I don't have a Ford! I am sure I would be walking right now.

 

I have a few questions. I bought a used 03 TL-S. There are times when my transmission feels like it has trouble shifting in to gear. Usually happens from 2nd to 3rd and the car shakes a lot during that shift.

1. Is that the tranny problem that is RECALLED that commonly haunts our TL's?
2. I bought it used and I'm still Pre-100k miles. Will I be able to take it into Acura dealer for repairs and would it be $0?
3.Would it being a rebuilt-title affect any of this?

 

rebuilt=salvage title= NO warranty on the trans withthe extended warranty
- sorry- You do still get recall coverage on SRS and seatbelt issues with salvage title
but for the trans
you need to look to aamco for help- ~$2500
EXCEPT
If your car was never taken in the recall to install an external oil jet kit - it goes on top of the trans, look for a black rubber hose that would carry trans fluid to the normal trans filler hole.
register by VIN and see if the Recall was ever done http://owners.acura.com/registration...erstepone.aspx
after reg- look in recall section
If that is still available- I mean it was not done yet- and there is certain damage inside the trans found by boroscope exam (read the article there about failure)
THEN they replace the trans as part of the recall- due to specific heat damage
the recall itself was to install that oil jet kit
Look under the hood and if still not sure register and look it up

03s made past mid year- a certain VIN- are not automatically covered by the extended trans warranty- you have to look it up to know- also on the acura site you register is that info

 

burn- any other car with the same type trans dies at 51k miles and you are SOL
no nothing
at least you got some hookup-
yes cars should run forever, for free, but...

 

thanks for the help i shall register and look into that now

 

Which is exactly why I am not bitchin' about the service I received. I know I am lucky to have gotten away with $720. I mean I could have spent that much at the dealer getting new motor mounts and a water pump!!!!

Thank God for this forum! Knowledge is power people!

 

Thanks alot for the advice Tom i totally forgot about the oil jet kit that gets you a new one free

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...s+oilsquirters


its in the second pic right? i should be able to see it looking from the top down? im gonna check first thing in the morning. pray for me lol

 

burn- if you can get motor mounts and a Water PUmp! for 700- I want your shops name!!!-
the water pump timing belt job is normally about 1200~

On trans:
There are other members getting majorly jacked by the dealer this week-so stories of a good resolution help them too! more to show that acura is stepping up!

Note for gen3rs- according to an insider: Change the trans fluid at least once after 30k miles. Acura is now cutting down on their goodwill- their warranty limit is 50- so if you want goodwill over that- you have to show you did a trans oil service- even though its not listed in the book as required! Catch 22!!

 

WOW i got lucky

now i have to make some heat damage

 

I have 200k miles on the first tranny and its still going strong

 

Well it was quoted about $700 WITH the tranny work. Since I only did the tranny work, the quote for water pump, motor mount and timing belt was over $1k.

 

What year?

 

if your trans is working good now- do not come on here and proclaim so~
It will start the azine curse transmission coutdown clock

 

Brought my '01 3.2tl (120+k miles) into the dealer yesterday because the tranny was slipping between 2nd and 3rd. They quoted $4500 for a new tranny, plus another 1500 for brakes, motor mounts, and ball joints.

Before I left the dealer, I figured I'd remind them about the recall, (my car was over 125k, so it's not really covered), and all the business I've given them, to see if they would contact acura of america, and see if they'd cover me anyway. The service manager said they'd call acura and call me back in a day or two.

So... today I get a call from the service rep, saying Acura agreed to a 50/50 split, or, if I agree to have all the other work done, they'll do it all including the tranny for less than 50% of the 4500.

Sounds a little "fishy" so I asked the service rep if Acura was really telling me that the discount they're offering me is contingent on the amount of work I'm going to let the dealer do? They quickly changed their story, however, I still haven't found the truth.

I called Acura of america, they said they don't know anything about it, it's between the zone rep and the dealer.

So the question is: Do I take:

Door number 1: have them do all the work, pay the $

Door number 2: Demand the truth (prob won't work, this dealer is pretty slick)

Door number 3: Get a customer liason from Acura to deal with the zone rep to find out the real deal (Will this tick off the dealer and compromise future work I have them do?)

Is it possible that acura of america really offered me the 25/75 split, and the local dealer is trying to fleece me for 1200 more? (Or, am I just being a cynic?)

 

get the info right or they laugh you off as another freebie trans wanting PITA

- the 2004 issued RECALL was to install an external oil jet kit- if that was never done on your car- its not time or miles limited and you may still get replacement by it!

the court case ordered `extended trans warranty` is 7 years plus 9 months or 109k miles

As part of that RECALL oil jet kit install- they do a borscope inspection of the trans thru the filler hole
If heat damage to 2nd gear is observed- its free replacement trans!!
Look at the top of your trans- is there a bolt marked ATF, or is there a black rubber -finger sized hose going to a bolt that enters the top of the trans??? its one or the other
Guess which one is the external oil kit

If the trans was ever replaced on warranty- it will have an internal oiler now

Look at the bolts that hold the trans together- are the bolt heads painted blue- thats a warranty replacement unit
Acura 800 number can also tell you if trans was ever replaced

If it was replaced- you can get that one rebuilt at AA--- for 2500 with 3 year warranty


Since you are barely over the limit on mileage- many of us are also covered under the `odometer error vins` and covered to 114,5 miles now- check that out
My dealer admits to full coverage for a good customer at higher miles than yours
and would get 50/50 or better for most customers

You spoke with the service ADVISOR at the dealer? is that correct?
they are they are to make money- as much as possible- they are sales of service/repairs,
its the end of the month- sales quotas to be met is very important- look at the date-
oh my- one last car to put my into the bonus pay round!!! brakes ball joints muffler bearings ham sandwich

the SERVICE MANAGER is who talks to acura corp for you- its their regional zone warranty rep that is the initial contact, but things can go higher up the food chain
thats who you need to speak direct and in person with- much harder to bs someone in person

think of this like a car sales deal- lots of bs from the writer (sales) about the boss says this and that- i cant do it for that! etc etc

Did they even mention the motor mounts are much cheaper labor to replace while the trans is removed? 3 hours labor versus 20 minutes! part is front mount 120$ side mount 35, and 30 minutes to replace it regardless of trans in or out
May even be less labor time for ball joints, as they have to pull a lot of stuff apart to remove the transmission

Look for a private owned honda acura import car shop and let them check the brakes and ball joints out for you
You wouldnt get surgury without a 2nd opine! treat the TL the same way

ball joints do wear out- have you had any knocking or loosness in the steering?
motor mounts- its the rare TL that doesnt need a front mount!! and its found at trans time becasue the tech knoews to look for its leaking fluid!

Have a 2nd place give an opinion on those items

Yes the dealer is trying to screw you-in a major way- I hope I described it well enough that everyone now can go get covered without hassle
read the last few pages of this thread for tips and results from others in similar situation'
A `Goodwill` deal would be: you pay 500 labor and acura pays for the trans,
or maybe you pay a thousand, and buy the 3 year 36k mile warranty for extra 300
thats been happening a lot-

go back a have a little read- bob F and I have a lot of experience with helping people get warranty coverage in some form

calling acura 1800 382 2238 x5 and filing a complaint will get a real acura regional manager involved- the phone person only takes messages and reads from `The Book Of NO`
tell the phone person how unhappy you are to be getting severe bending over at the dealer- and the part about 1500 in other work will reduce the trans bill? wtf?
everchanging story- you want to speak with a manager

Acura wants perfect 10s on its survey cards the dealer gives with receipt, and the email and phone surveys Acura conducts after you have been in for repairs
Anything less than perfect 10s is failing grade
Leave in your message `that with the double talk and changing story- you cant even give them 1s!!`
mention your long service history with dealership, and other car purchases-
and make sure to say how much you LOVE your acura, even belong to acurazine.com to learn about the cars~
acura loves you back!

the corp manager will call the dealer and the regional rep and say 4500? +1500 wtf is wrong with you!
didnt this customer mention belonging to acurazine.com!!

Someone is letting a good long time customer go online and spread the unhappy story

A happy customer tells 2 friends. an unhappy customer goes online and tells Millions~

In cases like this- where more phone calls had to be made and decisions--whatever they said
OFTEN (think good thoughts)
IN the morning you get a call with good news, maybe even great news!
Who doesnt like to play the hero- they worked hard for you!! and convinced acura to hook you up yadayada

one ziner left a message on the service managers voicemail saying the things about love the car- loyalty- shocked by the failure--etc
The regional rep happen to come to the dealer in the morning- manager played the message for him- 100 percent coverage granted--
yeah!!

 

Call to corporate worked. Didn't even talk to one of the actual claims people, just the dude that answers the phones. They called the dealer and they covered everything. I think letting them do the mounts and the 100k service helped, but nice to have the tranny and labor covered.

 

That's great news! Thanks for the update.

Best of luck with the new transmission.

 

75,380mi. Original tranny on my 03TLs (not covered by the ext warranty) bit the dust today as my wife was coming home from work. I had been reading this thread the other day and decided to take it to the dealer where we bought it and see what they can do for me. I talked to both the service writer and service manager who both said they would try to get Acura to match some of the other goodwill stories here, so my fingers are crossed.

 

^ - That is a much better response than I got from my dealer. They basically told me to fuck off. Calling the 800 number was the best thing I've done.

 

the dealer is a private franchise- but they report to Acura Corp
Its corps money for the trans replacement- not the dealers- remember that when you deal with them
Corp want happy customers!!

Corp does the survey cards-calls-emails- anything less than 10s is a failing grade, and gets back down to the manager and writer in the form of bonus,, or no bonus pay
Your comments and calls count
Amazing things happen when you reach the smart guy at 800 who used to work at the dealer. He can hook you up!

 

^ - The 800 number is the way to go. Thanks for all your help. Before the claims guy called me back the dealer called, apologized, and said everything was taken care of. Huge turn around from what they told me initially.

 

Well, we find out Monday what they were able to get for us. Since I've done all the service on the car since day one, I was really surprised that the dealer appeared eager to help us with corporate since I hadn't spent a dime there since I bought it 5 years ago this month.

If they turn us down, I'll probably call the 800 number and try and have a rational discussion with the folks on the other end. At the end of the day, it is what it is, and I still have enjoyed this car.

I'm saying my prayers and keeping my fingers crossed.

 

I've been reading the very informative posts on this thread with interest because I am concerned that my tranny may be acting up. I have a '99 TL with 250,000 km (just over 150,000 miles) with the original transmission. The problem is a delayed shift from 1st-2nd gear, sometimes so bad that I worry that it may not shift at all. 2nd-3rd is better but clunky, and 3rd-4th is ok. Strange thing is that it's bad when the car is cold in the morning, but after it has been driven for a bit the problem is no longer apparent.

I had the atf changed at my last service visit, but it didn't make any difference. Could my tranny be going?

Thanks!

 

Well, I just got off the phone with Acura of Pleasanton. Acura will be covering 95% of the cost of the transmission replacement. I guess I should consider myself extremely fortunate-and maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket.

In all seriousness though, I'm glad to see Acura owning this in my case. I'm sorry if in other cases people haven't been as fortunate.

 

just to update, i ended up getting my tranny rebuilt with new torque converter, front and rear motor mounts for ~$2300, and shes workin good now, the new mounts have made the car vibrate more than when i had the busted oem ones, but these are solid. so that should be normal right?

oh and for some reason my exhaust sounds deeper now not complaining tho

and thanks again Tom for all your help

 

solid poly mounts will transfer more vibration to the car and cabin - yes
Make sure to keep a check on all the bolts on the car to be safe
I would torque check key things- then paint a stripe across the bolt/nut, and the body- so if it moves,, they lines will not line up! instant pre-flight check with just a visual~

IMO:
Take it easy first 500 miles- ok to test a little, but be nice, as there are many new and some used metal and graphite who knows parts getting to know each other~

next 500 normal driving with some rev testing in the gears but no redline racing
no track days yet!
1000 miles drive it and enjoy

I dont care what the service writer said about it being ready to go right away- break it in and it will perform and last longer- like any mechanical device

 

I posted this elsewhere but can't find it now!

My 2000 TL with 107,000 miles had a tranny tantrum yesterday where it decided not to shift and it let the rpm's spin up. I pulled over and reverse was slipping too. The green D5 light was flashing and the Check Engine light came on. I turned it off and checked fluid (OK) and started it up again and it slipped through 3rd a bit but made it into the higher gears. I drove about 200 miles home, mostly interstate, and made it. I drove it today to check it out and it shifts! What gives. This tranny was serviced way back by the original owner.

Is the tranny gone again? If so, why is it shifting today after giving me major problems? (I called Acura roadside service and almost had them come get it right there. But I was a long way from home and figured I'd drive it till it died). Will it be warranteed since it is under 109,000 and was "fixed" once before?

 

^ - Call corporate and talk to them once your dealer tells you they won't cover it.

 

First off, a big THANKS to 01tl4tl. Your advice saved me around $1k!

Warning, this is long. I want to share my experience in hopes that it will help others.

Here's what happened after I read the advice from 01tl4tl:

1) I called the Service manager at the dealer and told him I thought the numbers didn't add up. ($2k total NOT EQUAL to 50% of tranny plus all the other work). He was very pleasant, looked it all up, and said "Yup, 50/50 is what Acura offered you". I told him I'd like a break down of the numbers, and he said he'd contact Acura to see if they would give me a greater discount, and call me the next day with the numbers.

2) Never heard back from him. I called at least 2 more times, each time getting his voicemail.

3) On a Weds evening we brought the car in for the service. Whether or not I would get the truth about the numbers, I figured for a maximum of $1700 (I didn't let them do the rear brakes), I needed to have the tranny done either way. They said it would take a week, and they gave us a nice newish 08 TL loaner car.

4) On the following Monday, I received a call from the service advisor saying the car was on the lift being worked on, and it would be ready on that Wednesday. I again inquired about the numbers, and she told me she'd have the service manager call me.

5) On Wednesday, I called Acura of America and asked for a customer liaison. He was absolutely shocked as I told him the story. He couldn't believe the service manager wasn't returning my calls, and that they weren't giving me a breakdown of the numbers. He told me not to pick up my car until I had heard from him again.

6) On the evening of Weds I called the dealer and was told that they hadn't received the transmission from Acura yet, so the car wouldn't be ready. I informed them that I had received a call from a service advisor saying that the work on the car was being done on the previous Monday. They said they'd have another service manager call me. (Never happened)

7) I got a call back from the Acura of America liaison. He wasn't having any luck in getting the service manager to return his calls either. He said he'd continue to try, and that I shouldn't pick up my car until he had cleared this up.

8) On Thursday, around noon, I got a call from the original service manager. He told me that he had spoken with the Acura liaison, and then looked into the case. He said he had realized that Acura had agreed to a 75/25 split, but still couldn't give me an exact number since the transmission may have come with a computer, and he had to find out. I told him I was waiting to hear from the Acura liaison, and I'd get back to him if I had any other questions.

9) About an hour later, the liaison called me and gave me the exact prices. ~$700 for the tranny. It was 25% of the warranty rate, not the rate the dealer had quoted me. (I was very happy to hear that!)

10) On Friday evening we were in Boston watching the warm-ups for the head of the charles, and I hadn't heard from the dealer. I figured that since we were so close, I'd call the dealer and see if the car was ready. The evening service manager said "I was just about to call you, come on over, the car is ready". We waited about 1/2 an hour, and then drove over.

11) Needless to say, they asked me to be kind during the acura survey. I paid my bill. (They had charged me ~$100 to "inspect" my car when I first brought it in, and had told me it would be taken off the bill when I had the work done. However, they had "forgotten" to remove that fee...) One last slap: They had gotten grease on the front floor mat, and they forgot to reset the code for the radio. I decided to just get out of there, I couldn't bear the thought of being at that dealership for another 10 minutes.

On the plus side, the car runs like new, and we still love it. Paying for 25% of the tranny means that we get a 3yr warranty with it. (If they cover 100%, then it's only covered for 12 months. I don't understand the logic of that, however, that's probably a topic for another thread)

I still think Acura is one of the best auto's out there. It's unfortunate that dealerships find it OK to be dishonest to customers. If I were the Acura corporation, I'd do something to improve the image that the dealerships create, it's clearly 180 degrees from the image the corporation is trying so hard to maintain.

Thanks to everyone for your advice and for sharing your experiences.

 

The transmission in my '99 TL went out at 143k. It was replaced at the Acura dealer for $2400, I talked them down from $3000.

 

Hi all, I bought a 02TL-s last week with 115k on it. It was a 2 owner carfax certified car that I bought from my local acura dealer, it turns out a friend of mine works with the previous owner who's owned it since 80k miles iirc. She babied the car and said she never head any trans problems and I haven't noticed any slipping. I have had the trans shake/vibrate for a second or two when shifiting from 2-3 but I've only noticed it a few times.

It this anything abnormal that I should worry about? Would my car be covered by the acura warranty?

I also bought an additional 2yr/24k mile warranty with the car because I have heard of the trans problems

 

go immedialty to the dealer and ask for the Head Tech to take a ride with you
Demonstrate exactly how you make it happen

It was fine for your friend- thats nice-- but does not change the facts or whats happening now- welcome to the replaced trans club~

 

First time poster. 01tl04tl & Others thanks for the info. Bought 03 TL-S in May 07 with 47K. Haven't had any problems until the other day. Have 65K now. Tranny started searching for gears, mostly between 2nd and 3rd. Tranny died on the way to dealership (within 5 miles) Had car towed to dealership. Was told by service advisor that my car wasn't part of the warrantee extension based on my VIN #. I mentioned that per My Acura website that my car should be part of the 00-04 TL A/T recall and that the oil jet fix had not been done. The service advisor told me that the recall only applied to certain transmissions that they determine had heat damage to certain rings/gears/clutchplates. A few questions to be answered:
1) If they tell me that my car doesn't have that specific damage how do I refute it? Only a certified transmission mechanic can diagnose damage like that. I am sure I will end up paying through the nose if that is the case.
3) The Acura Rep requested me to provide the vehicles maintenance history prior to me owning the vehicle!!! I wasn't able to get any records from the prior owner who I contacted. Will the dealer/Acura Rep be able to hold this against me? I provided the maintenance records I maintained since I owned the vehicle, which included a transmission flush at 48K.
3) Will Acura client services help or get involved if the dealer/Acura Rep doesn't rectify the situation to my satisfaction? I have already spoken with Acura and have been assigned a case number.
4) I have been dealing with a service advisor, should I skip up to the service manager even now or wait to see how they handle my case?

Any responses or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

the problem with that is that I can't make the transmission shake when shifting into 3rd; it's completely random! It did it again today. I haven't been counting but I think it's happened 4 times since I bought it a week and a half ago and I've put a little over 700miles on it.