So, I went to the Acura dealer today to pick up 3 quarts of transmission fluid, and the guy recommended I use Lucas Transmission Fix with my new transmission fluid. I did mention how there was a shudder, or jerk, when accelerating in third gear, not while shifting, but in between shifts. Also, there is a high pitch whine that is speed related, not RPM. After reading some threads about Lucas, people either love it or they hate it. So what's the verdict on using this stuff. Is there anyone that has any experience with using it on a 2003 Acura TL-S, or something similar? I just don't wanna do something that could harm my transmission. Thanks.

 

No, don't do it. If your tranny is dying and you're desperate for a temp fix, go for it. Unless your tranny is toast anyway, don't try it.

I don't like Lucas products.

 

NO on the lucas in the TL!!!!

Go back to the dealer and ask for the parts MANAGER

A: they sold you 3 qts for a drain and refill that requires 3.4,,buy 1 more

B: employee told you to use something that will dramatically increase the `line pressure`
It may force a shift or 2,,then the trans is dead
Anything re: non acura fluids- said by the staff can land them in big trouble,, should you follow their advice and the trans fails for example

you might have some luck with cleaning the shift selenoids and a 1x drain and refill with the new dw1 fluid
whats your mileage on trans? original or replacement?

 

I bought a single quart the other day, so I did have 4 total. I was originally going to put in a little to bring it to the proper level, then decided to do a 1x flush, and that's when I went back to get the other 3 quarts. I've had the car for a little over a week and I wasn't sure if it was the correct ATF in it, on top of the shudder in 3rd and the whining noise. It seems like the shudder may be occurring less frequently, but I'll know for sure with a little more driving. The whining is still there. I did the free safety inspection yesterday at Acura, and the guy went for a ride with me and pointed out that the whining noise wasn't too good. It's my first Acura, so I didn't know if it was normal or not.

When I changed the ATF last night, I noticed that the bolts had the blue paint on them, so I think it's been replaced. I'm not sure of when though. Is there a way to find out? The car has 114k on it.

At the safety inspection, I was told the front lower ball joints are worn, and the right front CV boots are leaking. Are these worth being concerned over at the moment? Or can I fix these within the next couple of weeks? Also, should I do a couple more drain/refills, or is this one I did enough? As for the Lucas, I'm going to return it.

Thanks for all your help, this is the best place to go for Acura owners!

 

blue paint on bolt heads = warranty replaced unit
try cleaning the shift selenoids
the trans holds a total of 7.3 qts, half of which hides in the TC at any given time

cv boots are bad news- requires new cv axle- get NEW ones from NAPA auto parts.
the boot tears- grease leaks out- road grit gets in and grinds the otherwise smooth surfaces of the cv bearing

lower ball joints also big safety issue- some labor overlap on change axles and ball joints

I would get the trans figured out first- thats a 2500$ problem,,
less if you can get a junkyard oddessey trans and drop in

 

the tech didnt want to be the bearer of bad news,,
unless you ask for a trans diagnosis, they are only looking for certain things on the safety inspection,,
things they can sell you right now,,brakes, steering parts, exhaust etc

 

I have a 3 yr./36k mile extended warranty with my car, but it only covers parts that are broken. I was thinking about just riding out with the tranny until it dies, to get it covered that way, unless I can manage to save some extra cash for another replacement tranny. The joints are covered unless failure is from a neglected CV boot. Not sure if ball joints are covered. They must be though. Sometime soon, I would like to have all these problems taken care of, so I can really enjoy this car for what it is! Would it be worth it to take it to Acura and see if they can somehow work with me through my warranty?