jfordin

hello,

can someone help me i have a 03tl wit 75k on it,
the transmission started to fail recently but only after iv been driving for 15-20 minutes,i did a partial fluid change in trans. specialist shop he said everything was fine with it but it still does the same thing. i called acura and honda and they say there is no recall on my VIN.
someone told me it might be a solenoid ...please help me im freakin out

01tl4tl

what brand fluid did you use on the drain and refill.Honda? .you did 3 qts?

the recall was to install an external oil jet kit- everyone should have it done by now

the trans extended warranty from a court case is based on VIN, but cars after the cutoff often get Goodwill coverage from acura for full or partial warranty on trans.

those `covered vins` get 7 years 9 months or 109kmiles

see DIY section to clean selenoids
but if it slips like a manual trans clutch would on a hill -under hard throttle load-
engine revs up 500-1000rpm without going forward/faster...takes a few seconds to find next gear on accelleration? and thunks hard into gear
D5 light on dash flashes
thats clutch disc wearout

see any of the other trans threads for more help

jfordin

thanks 01tl4tl, iv been doing my homework...im workin on the goodwill thing with a dealership going in tmr ,iv done major work in a acura shop back in 07(waterpump/timing ,4 rotors and brake pads,oil change and complete inspection) maybe that will help...
im trying to figure out if there is a way to fix my problem without a rebuilt.i know its related to heat ...please let me know if you can help or if you have new info/advice on how to get goodwill from acura canada. THANK YOU

jfordin

the fluid change was done by a trans specialist
i dont know what type of atf he used.
when cold the gears shift smoothly then after warm up (15-20 driving) when accelerating from a stop going in the 2 gear it stays on neutral for 2-3 second before shifting bluntly, same for 3rd gear and reverse too(noise when outting in reverse also)
the d5 light was flashing 5 months ago ,i had no prob with the tranny at that point it stopped flashing after a while and a few weeks ago this probleme started...

01tl4tl

j, clear your mailbox before asking for PM help,,annoying to write a detailed reply and it wont go anywhere

are you shifting to N at stoplights? causing it to search for a gear when you want to go,
instead of leaving it in D5,, like normal at a light?

01tl4tl

your trans is well past the point of fluid or selenoid cleaning--it has all the classic symptoms of failure by clutch pack wearout and the km's is right on schedule for failure--acura knows this--
ask the trans replacement tech!

with your good service relationship at dealer, they should get you some goodwill,
at least price match a local rebuilder

jfordin

sorry for the private message im new on the site so im not allowed to use private msg until iv posted 15 post. thanks again for your help...
i always leave it in d5 when i drive. it goes on neutral by itself between the gear shift while on d5

jfordin

so you say i should ask directly for the trans tech not the manager?

01tl4tl

No, you need to deal with the Manager- thats who deals with acura for you

If the symptoms were hard to find, you would go for a drive with the tech to demonstrate

When I said: ask the trans tech about failure miles- that was sarcastic, but true-
`Over 60kmiles is right on schedule for failure`--the head tech at my dealer told that to me!!

goes to Nuetral by itself,,you mean it loses trans grip while stopped- as if it had sliped into N? while you leave it in D5, so it takes a few seconds to engage and go?
And you are still driving it?!?

Try using SS and see if it will stay in 1st when stopped and upshift better for you,
keep the rpm low and throttle easy- if it slips, back off the throttle
But it sounds like you have driven it as far as it will go

If you get stuck somewhere and it wont shift at all, Shut engine off and wait 15-30 minutes to allow cooling of fluid, and allow clogging debris to float free of the outlet screens
That will usually get you off the freeway or to a safe place,,maybe home or dealer

01tl4tl

your PM did get here but reply said mailbox full, must be not activated
get those post up!!

01tl4tl

Call and speak with the service manager in advance- ask when is a good day and time the tech can actually look at your car, not have it sit 7 hours,, to bring it in for trans prob,,not driveable

Dont take the appointment girls time-they just fill spots in the book without regard to who is working on what
if you have to-- go in person and find the manager- do it!,,with a box of donuts never hurt--
goodwill gets goodwill

That gives them a chance for the right tech to be able to run diagnostics and test drive if needed
and the SM can look up your records to see you are a valued customer they want to keep, and keep happy
remember all 10s on the survey cards for taking care of you!!

01tl4tl

find out what fluid was used at the change
The wrong fluid will destroy your trans -making that shop liable for its replacement
(they have insurance for mistakes)

jfordin

i have no problem to engage its the 2dn and 3rd gear that slips while accelerating ,there is a delay ...i release the gas so it still shift smoothly ...i had the probem before doing the fluid service so i know its not that.
tmr i will call the dealer to make an appointment with the service manager ,il bring him the biggest box of donuts along with my service records...hope that will work!! its christmas time and im broke its just such a bad timing anyways thanks to people like you who have big hearts ,thank yoiu for your time and help

01tl4tl

its hard to get an appt to actually see the service manager - other staff are supposed to handle problems but this is different
call and speak with them about your appointment or go in person and catch them at a desk is better

Mondays often bad in the morning- shop meetings

jfordin

hi 01tl4tl,
i just spoke with the service manager he told me the first step is to do an inspection(100$) he told me im not covered under extended warranty...he said he was gonna talk with acura after inspection and that if i had proof of trans fluid change it would help me alot.
the appointment is wensday morning
am i on the right path???

jfordin

should i tell them about the trans f luid change i did last week or not also i dont know if the previous owner did one before i bought it no way to find out

01tl4tl

they are looking for fluid change done at the dealer, but a receipt from other shop will help show you tried to take care of the trans
A receipt from 2 years ago trans service is even better

yes they have to diagnose it first, then look at your repair history with them and call corp rep

If its found to be warranty or goodwill warranty- they cover the diagnostics charge and try to hook you up with a loaner car for a few days

Make sure your repair history at that dealer is known to the manager!!

If they come back with a partial offer- press gently for more help- christmas and all- excellent customer...

jfordin

i do have a service history of trans change in august 2008(116000km) from Mr.Lube
but whats buggin me is that in the factory recommended maintenance doesnt tell you to change the fluid at anypoint just to inspect it...

jfordin

should i give them both service history i did on the trans

august 08 and last week???

jfordin

they say i have to pay for the inspection...
what exactly is a goodwill warranty?

01tl4tl

like I said before- you agree to pay for diagnostics so they can find whats wrong

then if it gets warrantied, the diagnostic charge is on the warranty- you dont pay it

goodwill is when acura thinks you are a good customer they want to keep happy.
So they agree to extend a waranty limit- like out of vin range on trans warranty or past miles/time limits
They may cover 100% or 25%,,you cant be sure till you ask

often the goodwill trans is 300$ for a 3/36 warranty, and maybe $500 labor to remove and install trans,, so the dealer makes a little something off it
retail on the job is over 4000

01tl4tl

yes on having fluid changed if you have proof- show you took care of it above book
They like to see at least one change of 3 qts honda atf
Shows you were trying hard to maintain the car

01tl4tl

ask the manager if they are familiar with acurazine.com (most are)
This place spreads the word of happy customers to millions of acura owners

jfordin

thanks i will keep you updated , the appointment is in 2 days...

01tl4tl

a free fresh transmission for christmas/holiday of your choice!!! yeah!!!!!!

remember the donuts~

jfordin

happy holydays!!!!!that woulb be nice

jfordin

just got back from the dealer

Diagnostic is : need new transmission
need new engine rack(front center and front upper right

i talked to the service manager he told me to call acura myself to tell them about the situation.i did and the guy on the phone was an asshole...he told me he was gonna contact the dealer and then call me back before 4pm. the guy at the desk charged me for the inspection and told me they will call me when they have response from corp...i brought the doughnuts and all my acura receipt and atf change receipt...i am anxiously waiting for the call!!!!

01tl4tl

the phone person is just a phone person who reads from the Book of NO
not a real acura manager who makes decisions--

case will be reviewed, corp rep calls dealer, then corp person calls you to discuss,,
`out of vin` but low miles and 2 trans fluid services is a lot of weight on your side

mention acurazine as a source of your information about Goodwill and the out of vin cars
Acura didnt fix it- they picked a number to settle the court case--no fix until 2005 and even then its not perfect

thats messed up manager wont call on your behalf
Report that behavior to corp,,, after you find out whats going to happen (wait till done if they do comp you- dont throw a wrench in the proceedings)
they are supposed to HELP you --especially customers known to be on the internet spreading the word about the prob and the dealer

paying diagnostic and waiting on a decision is total BS,,they are looking to make their christmas bonus and figure making you do the work will result in you coming back and paying 4 grand full retail replacement

smart consumer goes aftermarket repair at that point and pays 2500
then bad mouths acura online~ corp hates that

01tl4tl

do you mean engine mounts/motor mounts front and passenger side?
normal to find those bad at trans time
but
they used the full labor rate With trans installed
If the trans is removed for replacement its 3/10 of 1 hour, 15 minutes to replace front mount vs 3 hours when trans installed,, and part cost about $150

service writers ~forget to change computer~ and overquote
if you dont catch it,, they make big money for doing nothing = bonus!!!!


right side is pass side- it fails after front is broken a while
part cost 50 dollars and labor 30 minutes regardless of trans position, not related labor

jfordin

i didnt tell them about acurazine im gonna write a email to the service manager

jfordin

they never called me back
corp told me before 4pm and dealer before 5h30pm
neither called...its very annoying to be left waiting like that with no car to drive

jfordin

im still waiting on them to call me back...

01tl4tl

thats ok- it means time is being taken to look at your file
Did you fax all the info to corp special trans division, or the regular 800 382 2238x5
So far you only talked to the first phone person-with no authority and a bad attitude- correct?
the real corp manager is reviewing things, has to speak with the SM at dealer, who may have been gone or in meetings..

its past the service manager at this point- he doesnt care about the outcome or putting any effort into helping you..and after you brought donuts--did I mention they should be a dozen fresh good donuts??

Turn on your inner positivity about how much you love your acura while you're waiting, and when they call..with great news! let them know you appreciate it

jfordin

yes i brought fresh donuts , i gave the receitp to the SM he made photocopy... i called back acura the guy was nicer this time he told me it was the holydays and service was closed til next wedsday.
anyways MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

01tl4tl

so thats why no loaner car-- was going to be a week till anyone was back in the office to make a decision

Well,, let them return generous and happy to assist you

jfordin

i received a email from honda it was survey asking about the service i got at the acura dealer, i put all 10/10...the SM called me 30min later to tell me he didnt speak with corp yet and that as soon as he will he ll call me he said it was a good thing that i am patient that it will probably rewarded.will posdt wedsday

01tl4tl

I would have held off on that survey,,,you are not really happy with that particular visit to the dealer

but
it never hurts to generate some goodwill on your part--

jfordin

corp called me to tell that a new transmission cost 5000(without labor just the part)
he told me they would pay half 2500
so basicaly i have to pay 2500 for the tranny plus the labor!!??!
the SM at dealer told me it would come up to 3200 +taxes
i ask im if there was anyway he could lower the price by asking corp he said he was gonna try to talk with them im waiting for him to call back

jfordin

he called back and told me he managed to get it down to 3 162 tx inclued with no warranty.

i can get it rebuild for 1840 tx included with one year unlimited km warranty. what should i do?????

jfordin

i called corp to ask for more help and to tell them i cant afford 3200...
the rep refused to do anything else and even hung up on me after i asked to talk to his supervisor or the manager that made decision in my
case...i dont know what to do, im affraid i will have to turn my back on acura fuckin ass holes cant even pay for the parts that are defctive and they know they fucked up...help me out here..