Tranny Failure Thread
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
I have a 2002 TL base that had the first transmission replaced in 11/2005 with 23K miles. I knew the first one was bad because I could feel it slipping when it shifted gears. Of course it took multiple visits to different Acura dealers before one finally decided I needed a new transmission.
I actually bought the car on 11/8/2001, so my 7 year 9 month warranty will be up tomorrow. I sometimes felt the second transmission would shift a little rough (and I even thought it had been my imagination because I kept looking for something to wrong), but nothing like the problems in the first. I took the car to the dealer in March and they said they couldn't find anything wrong. Since the warranty is up tomorrow, I took the car back to the same dealer today just to have them check it again. This time, they told me that I need a new transmission. What's really irritating is the transmission is shifting no differently this time than when I took the car to them in March. So why did they decide today that I needed a new transmission?
The good news is that I get to drive a 2009 TL-tech and I get another 12 months of warranty on this transmission. The bad news is that I'm really disgusted with this car needing a second transmission with only 48K miles on it!
So now for the advice. I'm really toying with the idea of getting rid of this car in the next couple of months because I just don't trust it. Am I over-reacting? What are the chances this new transmission is going to last any longer than the first two? Shouldn't I be concerned that I'm probably going to get a rebuilt transmission with a lot more miles on it than I have on my car? If I do decide to trade it in, should I even consider another Acura since I'm a bit sour over this brand after these major car repairs. How about an Infiniti G37? They get good ratings in Consumer Reports and they seem fun to drive!
Sorry for the long message and the rant. Thanks in advance for any advice you might be able to offer.
I actually bought the car on 11/8/2001, so my 7 year 9 month warranty will be up tomorrow. I sometimes felt the second transmission would shift a little rough (and I even thought it had been my imagination because I kept looking for something to wrong), but nothing like the problems in the first. I took the car to the dealer in March and they said they couldn't find anything wrong. Since the warranty is up tomorrow, I took the car back to the same dealer today just to have them check it again. This time, they told me that I need a new transmission. What's really irritating is the transmission is shifting no differently this time than when I took the car to them in March. So why did they decide today that I needed a new transmission?
The good news is that I get to drive a 2009 TL-tech and I get another 12 months of warranty on this transmission. The bad news is that I'm really disgusted with this car needing a second transmission with only 48K miles on it!
So now for the advice. I'm really toying with the idea of getting rid of this car in the next couple of months because I just don't trust it. Am I over-reacting? What are the chances this new transmission is going to last any longer than the first two? Shouldn't I be concerned that I'm probably going to get a rebuilt transmission with a lot more miles on it than I have on my car? If I do decide to trade it in, should I even consider another Acura since I'm a bit sour over this brand after these major car repairs. How about an Infiniti G37? They get good ratings in Consumer Reports and they seem fun to drive!
Sorry for the long message and the rant. Thanks in advance for any advice you might be able to offer.
2003 TL
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 607
Likes: 28
From: IL
wow
you guys have now scared the living sh*t outta me!. thanks! 
my '03TL just kind of started slipping just a little between 2nd & 3rd recently(146k miles). I only notice it if I gas a little harder than I probably should. I haven't had it serviced since 90k miles. Yeah, I do the oil etc, but I haven't done any belts etc since then. (<- yes, i know)
I need to get a tune-up done prob asap, but I know Acura just rapes you in $$$. Would I be safe going to another mechanic to get that done?
Also, I wonder how much it'd be to get Acura to look at my tranny... (like just an inspection) think they'd charge out the ying yang just so they can tell me i'll need a new one?
my '03TL just kind of started slipping just a little between 2nd & 3rd recently(146k miles). I only notice it if I gas a little harder than I probably should. I haven't had it serviced since 90k miles. Yeah, I do the oil etc, but I haven't done any belts etc since then. (<- yes, i know)
I need to get a tune-up done prob asap, but I know Acura just rapes you in $$$. Would I be safe going to another mechanic to get that done?
Also, I wonder how much it'd be to get Acura to look at my tranny... (like just an inspection) think they'd charge out the ying yang just so they can tell me i'll need a new one?
2003 TL
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 607
Likes: 28
From: IL
....passed the 5min edit limit. nvm on that last question. dealership quoted me up to 95$ to run diagnostics.
so what about this, do the diagnostics run any more strain on the tranny than should be put on it?
so what about this, do the diagnostics run any more strain on the tranny than should be put on it?
Last edited by webmastir; Aug 10, 2009 at 02:12 PM.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 845
From: NJ
you guys have now scared the living sh*t outta me!. thanks!
my '03TL just kind of started slipping just a little between 2nd & 3rd recently(146k miles). I only notice it if I gas a little harder than I probably should. I haven't had it serviced since 90k miles. Yeah, I do the oil etc, but I haven't done any belts etc since then. (<- yes, i know)
I need to get a tune-up done prob asap, but I know Acura just rapes you in $$$. Would I be safe going to another mechanic to get that done?
Also, I wonder how much it'd be to get Acura to look at my tranny... (like just an inspection) think they'd charge out the ying yang just so they can tell me i'll need a new one?
my '03TL just kind of started slipping just a little between 2nd & 3rd recently(146k miles). I only notice it if I gas a little harder than I probably should. I haven't had it serviced since 90k miles. Yeah, I do the oil etc, but I haven't done any belts etc since then. (<- yes, i know)
I need to get a tune-up done prob asap, but I know Acura just rapes you in $$$. Would I be safe going to another mechanic to get that done?
Also, I wonder how much it'd be to get Acura to look at my tranny... (like just an inspection) think they'd charge out the ying yang just so they can tell me i'll need a new one?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
yes, they try to stress the 2-3 shift to maximize slipping, if present
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Merrimack, NH
Don't wait too long, in any case. My TL started slipping on Monday and was essentially dead on Thursday. I nearly had to push it the last 500 feet from Manchester to Sunnyside Acura in Nashua.
2003 TL
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 607
Likes: 28
From: IL
i know. i don't have the cash to fix it anyway. so i'm kinda SOL either way you look at it. that's what i get for buying an expensive car. i've learned my lesson, and i will learn even more soon enough i'm sure. i guess i should be lucky i'm still on my original tranny @ 146k miles. at least i brought my car in, in 2005, for some transmission recall fix, which may have helped prolong the oncoming transmission problem(s). *sigh*
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
My car died in middle of a busy 4 lane road while I was on my way to the dealer to ask them to look at the check engine light(CEL) that came on the day before. It was a mess, but luckly a tow truck was driving by and got me off the road. Just got call back from service advisior that I need a new transmission. My car is 02 3.2 TL type S with 126k that was brought on Nov of 2001. He told me there is no coverage for me cause I am out of the extend warrenty on milage and age. He told me to call Acura to see if they can do anything. I am on my second transmission already. The old one was sliping at 60K, I got that replaced free of charge. What you guys think is fair for me to request from Acura corporate? Wish me luck..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
i know. i don't have the cash to fix it anyway. so i'm kinda SOL either way you look at it. that's what i get for buying an expensive car. i've learned my lesson, and i will learn even more soon enough i'm sure. i guess i should be lucky i'm still on my original tranny @ 146k miles. at least i brought my car in, in 2005, for some transmission recall fix, which may have helped prolong the oncoming transmission problem(s). *sigh*
you probably got the oil jet kit, which fixes an issue rarely seen in the TL...of course if it does happen, there's a high likelihood of an accident due to the front wheels locking up. the oil jet does NOT solve the more common slipping issue
My car died in middle of a busy 4 lane road while I was on my way to the dealer to ask them to look at the check engine light(CEL) that came on the day before. It was a mess, but luckly a tow truck was driving by and got me off the road. Just got call back from service advisior that I need a new transmission. My car is 02 3.2 TL type S with 126k that was brought on Nov of 2001. He told me there is no coverage for me cause I am out of the extend warrenty on milage and age. He told me to call Acura to see if they can do anything. I am on my second transmission already. The old one was sliping at 60K, I got that replaced free of charge. What you guys think is fair for me to request from Acura corporate? Wish me luck..
...and i didn't
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
Are you in the East coast? Which dealer did you take it to? What was the mileage on your car when your transmission failed? My service manager is on vacation and the service adviser is trying to ask me to document all my service records cause I didn't do the 105k service at the dealer. He wants me to obtain all the records before he makes the decision to call the Regional Manager. Do you mind to share what is your approach to get your transmission replaced for free?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
Are you in the East coast? Which dealer did you take it to? What was the mileage on your car when your transmission failed? My service manager is on vacation and the service adviser is trying to ask me to document all my service records cause I didn't do the 105k service at the dealer. He wants me to obtain all the records before he makes the decision to call the Regional Manager. Do you mind to share what is your approach to get your transmission replaced for free?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
the replacement transmission should be much more durable than the original one, but still not a "world-class" transmission. 30k in a year means highway though, so it should be in fairly good shape. all service records present--this includes the EXPENSIVE 105k service right?
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
the replacement transmission should be much more durable than the original one, but still not a "world-class" transmission. 30k in a year means highway though, so it should be in fairly good shape. all service records present--this includes the EXPENSIVE 105k service right?
good deal?
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Hi everyone. I just have two quick questions based on what Ive read so far in this LONG thread:
1) My car shifts 1-2 and 2-3 rougher than shifting to other higher gears. This is just normal driving. Upshift in higher gears is so smooth that it is barely noticeable. I dont notice any downshifting problems and no lights are lit up yet. no slippage yet as well. There is no significant noise when shifting in and out of reverse but I do feel a jolt when doing this. I also did the drain/fill of transmission fluid and fluid was still pinkish compared to the dark colored fluid i saw when my first tranny failed. The question is, am I headed to a tranny breakdown or this unsmooth upshifts from 1-2 and 2-3 is a normal thing? i have an 03 tl-s with 95k miles =)
2) based on experiences of other members that ive read, can it be concluded that it is easier for those TL owners that were NOT offered EXTENDED WARRANY to get goodwill like 50/50 from the dealer?
T.I.A.
1) My car shifts 1-2 and 2-3 rougher than shifting to other higher gears. This is just normal driving. Upshift in higher gears is so smooth that it is barely noticeable. I dont notice any downshifting problems and no lights are lit up yet. no slippage yet as well. There is no significant noise when shifting in and out of reverse but I do feel a jolt when doing this. I also did the drain/fill of transmission fluid and fluid was still pinkish compared to the dark colored fluid i saw when my first tranny failed. The question is, am I headed to a tranny breakdown or this unsmooth upshifts from 1-2 and 2-3 is a normal thing? i have an 03 tl-s with 95k miles =)
2) based on experiences of other members that ive read, can it be concluded that it is easier for those TL owners that were NOT offered EXTENDED WARRANY to get goodwill like 50/50 from the dealer?
T.I.A.
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
the replacement transmission should be much more durable than the original one, but still not a "world-class" transmission. 30k in a year means highway though, so it should be in fairly good shape. all service records present--this includes the EXPENSIVE 105k service right?
Its had all services
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Merrimack, NH
I would feel comfortable getting it, if I were you, especially considering the fact that the transmission was fairly recently replaced and the high proportion of highway miles. I bought a nearly 100% highway-miles Mercury Sable with 71,128, and even though it was a Ford it lasted me another 70,000 miles before I sold it for a very good price. My 2000 TL tranny gave out around 85,000, and I'm up to 110k now, so you've got some good leeway there.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Just got my 3rd tranny thru Good Will process which is thru Acura not the dealership. However, the serv rep helped me and called Acura himself and got a 40/60 split for the cost of a rebuilt tranny. I have 154k, 2001 TL. Driving like a champ now.
One thing I didn't do for the 2nd tranny was change the fluids every 30k. Stupid me.
One thing I didn't do for the 2nd tranny was change the fluids every 30k. Stupid me.
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
No updates on my 2002 TL Type S with 126k with the bad transmission. The dealer(Davis Acura) did help me call Acura after seeing all my service records. Just wait to hear back to see if Acura will stand behind their product.
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I would feel comfortable getting it, if I were you, especially considering the fact that the transmission was fairly recently replaced and the high proportion of highway miles. I bought a nearly 100% highway-miles Mercury Sable with 71,128, and even though it was a Ford it lasted me another 70,000 miles before I sold it for a very good price. My 2000 TL tranny gave out around 85,000, and I'm up to 110k now, so you've got some good leeway there.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Hi everyone. I just have two quick questions based on what Ive read so far in this LONG thread:
1) My car shifts 1-2 and 2-3 rougher than shifting to other higher gears. This is just normal driving. Upshift in higher gears is so smooth that it is barely noticeable. I dont notice any downshifting problems and no lights are lit up yet. no slippage yet as well. There is no significant noise when shifting in and out of reverse but I do feel a jolt when doing this. I also did the drain/fill of transmission fluid and fluid was still pinkish compared to the dark colored fluid i saw when my first tranny failed. The question is, am I headed to a tranny breakdown or this unsmooth upshifts from 1-2 and 2-3 is a normal thing? i have an 03 tl-s with 95k miles =)
2) based on experiences of other members that ive read, can it be concluded that it is easier for those TL owners that were NOT offered EXTENDED WARRANY to get goodwill like 50/50 from the dealer?
T.I.A.
1) My car shifts 1-2 and 2-3 rougher than shifting to other higher gears. This is just normal driving. Upshift in higher gears is so smooth that it is barely noticeable. I dont notice any downshifting problems and no lights are lit up yet. no slippage yet as well. There is no significant noise when shifting in and out of reverse but I do feel a jolt when doing this. I also did the drain/fill of transmission fluid and fluid was still pinkish compared to the dark colored fluid i saw when my first tranny failed. The question is, am I headed to a tranny breakdown or this unsmooth upshifts from 1-2 and 2-3 is a normal thing? i have an 03 tl-s with 95k miles =)
2) based on experiences of other members that ive read, can it be concluded that it is easier for those TL owners that were NOT offered EXTENDED WARRANY to get goodwill like 50/50 from the dealer?
T.I.A.
still may be under warranty. if not, you can ask for a goodwill assistance thru Acura.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl
I got a 2000 Acura TL and it has 146k miles on it it still has the original tranny thank god (knock on wood) but i have jus started to notice that when i go from 1st 2 2nd or 2nd 2 3rd it kinda jolts/shakes a lil bit... but it only does it sometimes not every time im in the car... Now reading this im kinda scared that its the start of my transmission failing.... let me kno if i should do something or if this is a sign for disaster in the future lol...
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Hi everyone. I just have two quick questions based on what Ive read so far in this LONG thread:
1) My car shifts 1-2 and 2-3 rougher than shifting to other higher gears. This is just normal driving. Upshift in higher gears is so smooth that it is barely noticeable. I dont notice any downshifting problems and no lights are lit up yet. no slippage yet as well. There is no significant noise when shifting in and out of reverse but I do feel a jolt when doing this. I also did the drain/fill of transmission fluid and fluid was still pinkish compared to the dark colored fluid i saw when my first tranny failed. The question is, am I headed to a tranny breakdown or this unsmooth upshifts from 1-2 and 2-3 is a normal thing? i have an 03 tl-s with 95k miles =)
2) based on experiences of other members that ive read, can it be concluded that it is easier for those TL owners that were NOT offered EXTENDED WARRANY to get goodwill like 50/50 from the dealer?
T.I.A.
1) My car shifts 1-2 and 2-3 rougher than shifting to other higher gears. This is just normal driving. Upshift in higher gears is so smooth that it is barely noticeable. I dont notice any downshifting problems and no lights are lit up yet. no slippage yet as well. There is no significant noise when shifting in and out of reverse but I do feel a jolt when doing this. I also did the drain/fill of transmission fluid and fluid was still pinkish compared to the dark colored fluid i saw when my first tranny failed. The question is, am I headed to a tranny breakdown or this unsmooth upshifts from 1-2 and 2-3 is a normal thing? i have an 03 tl-s with 95k miles =)
2) based on experiences of other members that ive read, can it be concluded that it is easier for those TL owners that were NOT offered EXTENDED WARRANY to get goodwill like 50/50 from the dealer?
T.I.A.
but i know im getting the 1-2 and the 2-3 shift problems...just in regular day to day driving, its laggin some..is this a sign of tranny failure number 2??
what should i do?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
Hi everyone. I just have two quick questions based on what Ive read so far in this LONG thread:
1) My car shifts 1-2 and 2-3 rougher than shifting to other higher gears. This is just normal driving. Upshift in higher gears is so smooth that it is barely noticeable. I dont notice any downshifting problems and no lights are lit up yet. no slippage yet as well. There is no significant noise when shifting in and out of reverse but I do feel a jolt when doing this. I also did the drain/fill of transmission fluid and fluid was still pinkish compared to the dark colored fluid i saw when my first tranny failed. The question is, am I headed to a tranny breakdown or this unsmooth upshifts from 1-2 and 2-3 is a normal thing? i have an 03 tl-s with 95k miles =)
2) based on experiences of other members that ive read, can it be concluded that it is easier for those TL owners that were NOT offered EXTENDED WARRANY to get goodwill like 50/50 from the dealer?
T.I.A.
1) My car shifts 1-2 and 2-3 rougher than shifting to other higher gears. This is just normal driving. Upshift in higher gears is so smooth that it is barely noticeable. I dont notice any downshifting problems and no lights are lit up yet. no slippage yet as well. There is no significant noise when shifting in and out of reverse but I do feel a jolt when doing this. I also did the drain/fill of transmission fluid and fluid was still pinkish compared to the dark colored fluid i saw when my first tranny failed. The question is, am I headed to a tranny breakdown or this unsmooth upshifts from 1-2 and 2-3 is a normal thing? i have an 03 tl-s with 95k miles =)
2) based on experiences of other members that ive read, can it be concluded that it is easier for those TL owners that were NOT offered EXTENDED WARRANY to get goodwill like 50/50 from the dealer?
T.I.A.
jolt going into reverse--have you checked your engine mounts lately?
as for #2, i'm not sure what you mean. if you mean "is it easier for people not covered under the 7 yr 9 months/109.5k warranty to get goodwill?" then yes, because goodwill only applies to people not covered under the aforementioned warranty
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
Just got my 3rd tranny thru Good Will process which is thru Acura not the dealership. However, the serv rep helped me and called Acura himself and got a 40/60 split for the cost of a rebuilt tranny. I have 154k, 2001 TL. Driving like a champ now.
One thing I didn't do for the 2nd tranny was change the fluids every 30k. Stupid me.
One thing I didn't do for the 2nd tranny was change the fluids every 30k. Stupid me.
maybe change the fluid every 15-20k miles--that's what i'm going to do with my new transmission...i know i'm paranoid but better than the alternative
friend's rx300 transmission died....no sympathy
the car market may not be all that good right now--bad economy, what cars that are selling, many are through the cash for clunkers program, i doubt most acuras qualify for that...i get 17mpg in my tl
I got a 2000 Acura TL and it has 146k miles on it it still has the original tranny thank god (knock on wood) but i have jus started to notice that when i go from 1st 2 2nd or 2nd 2 3rd it kinda jolts/shakes a lil bit... but it only does it sometimes not every time im in the car... Now reading this im kinda scared that its the start of my transmission failing.... let me kno if i should do something or if this is a sign for disaster in the future lol...
good to see that worked out for you.
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
Got my new transmission. However, after I drove the car home and parked the car, i notice transmission fluid on the ground. I tighten the drain plug as much I can. Will see if that fix it. What other area can cause a leak? Where else should I look?
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl
im not 100% postive but i dont think tha rpms r goin up at all n it only shakes sumtimes i can go a whol day wit out it doin it at all but then it can do it tha next day like 3 times in a row... im gonna watch the rpms the next time im in the car to make sure but ive never notice them jump up high
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
im not 100% postive but i dont think tha rpms r goin up at all n it only shakes sumtimes i can go a whol day wit out it doin it at all but then it can do it tha next day like 3 times in a row... im gonna watch the rpms the next time im in the car to make sure but ive never notice them jump up high
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
BTW.. I feel that the car idles rougher when I am stopped at the lights. Does this have anything to do with the new transmission? I alrady replaced all 3 of my engine mounts at 109K service. Anything else I should look at?
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Hey guys noob here. Just got my car exactly a month ago. 03 type s 68k. Original owner had serviced it up until 50k. Then the last owner didnt really have any records. Basically i called the original dealership in LA they told me the car isnt under warranty anymore.As far as i know there was a recall done with the tranny before. And the jet cooler was installed.So far so good until today once i come to a stop i can feel the car stutter a little. The stutter would go away once i start driving. On the highway about 65 i can feel the speed lowering quickly rather than slowly deaccelearting. This is starting to alarm me.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
I just bought a 2002 Acura TL 3.2 Sedan. It is barely outside being covered by warranty.
The week I bought the car, I noticed long delays in upshifts, especially from 2nd to 3rd or 3rd to 4th. If I tried to accelerate quickly, it would fall directly into neutral. When I let go of the gas, it would fall into 2nd gear and stay there. I would have to park and then start accelerating again. I drove the car numerous times before purchasing it and this never happened. It literally started acting up the day I bought it.
A week later I'm coming home from work, I notice it teetering from 4th to 5th at 55-60mph. D5 started blinking and now it's stuck in 4th. It will not shift down or up. If I put it in D4, nothing happens, D5 keeps blinking.
I called Acura and from the VIN number, they told me it got the oil jet "fix" in 2005. They're replacing it under good will, paying half of it. The previous owner is covering the other $2,000.
If it already got the "fix", why the hell is it failing again? And is another tranny failure imminent? I hear of people blowing through 3 to 4 trannies in a matter of 100k miles.
I love the car, but from what I've heard and already experienced, I feel like I just paid for a migraine.
Has anyone out there had any good experiences after getting a recent tranny replacement in a 2002 TL or should I just sell it after the replacement?
The week I bought the car, I noticed long delays in upshifts, especially from 2nd to 3rd or 3rd to 4th. If I tried to accelerate quickly, it would fall directly into neutral. When I let go of the gas, it would fall into 2nd gear and stay there. I would have to park and then start accelerating again. I drove the car numerous times before purchasing it and this never happened. It literally started acting up the day I bought it.
A week later I'm coming home from work, I notice it teetering from 4th to 5th at 55-60mph. D5 started blinking and now it's stuck in 4th. It will not shift down or up. If I put it in D4, nothing happens, D5 keeps blinking.
I called Acura and from the VIN number, they told me it got the oil jet "fix" in 2005. They're replacing it under good will, paying half of it. The previous owner is covering the other $2,000.
If it already got the "fix", why the hell is it failing again? And is another tranny failure imminent? I hear of people blowing through 3 to 4 trannies in a matter of 100k miles.
I love the car, but from what I've heard and already experienced, I feel like I just paid for a migraine.
Has anyone out there had any good experiences after getting a recent tranny replacement in a 2002 TL or should I just sell it after the replacement?
Last edited by Jaymon; Aug 29, 2009 at 12:36 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
2003 TL models with the last 8 characters of the VIN 3A000001 to 3A019558 EXC Type-S and 2003 Type-S models 3A000001 to 3A019061 all have the same transmission problems as the 2002 models.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 845
From: NJ
Oil jet was never a fix, it was supposed to address another problem which was not the main reason for transmission failures. I don't know if you read transmission threads, but people say that transmissions replaced after Feb 2005 are less likely to fail, and that their reliability is improved. There is some data to support it, you will see a lot less people complaining about post 2005 transmission failures. I got 70K miles out of my original transmission in 8 years, then it started leaking...