Markus28

My transmission slips going from 1st to 2nd gear only when I have started to drive. After it slips that 1st time, it's fine the rest of the drive. Anyone know what it could be??

ErickUa5

Its the transmission going out the door.
Try putting the shifter in 2 while parked and see if it moves or bumps into gear or just slips. Whats the history or any work recently done ? whats the condition and level of the ATF ?

Markus28

No known work done. I was low on fluid but it wasn't too low. I just added half a quart. Any way I can prevent it from going out?

Yikes

Sounds like it might still be low on fluid.

To take an accurate reading, ensure the fluid is up to operating temperature and park on a level surface. Shut the car off, and take a dipstick reading.

If you're really unsure, post a picture of the reading on here, or just go to your Honda dealer and buy 9-12 bottles of Honda ATF DW-1. Only use Honda fluid in the transmission. Here is a link from the DIY thread about how to do the 3x3 drain and fill fluid change:

https://acurazine.com/forums/8390438-post/

If, at the end of the day, the problem isn't resolved then it is safe to say that your transmission is probably toasted. Slipping 2nd gear is a very common problem with these transmissions.

Best of luck. Keep us updated.

Markus28

Thanks! I'll try that!

3.2TLc

Welcome Markus28 !!!
Our 2nd Gen TL tranny's are unfortunately prone to problems. Many have been replaced or rebuilt previously.
If you don't know the car's past history, it's best to start from scratch with the following :

~Read some of the previous threads posted that are relevant to our weak TL tranny's issues.
~Check the fluid's condition, level and also for any apparent leaks as Yikes suggested before.
~Are there any other problems concerning the tranny or any warning lights/codes displayed ?
~Consider performing the "Drain & Fill" procedure using only Honda DW1 fluid, also replace the filter.
~If this doesn't help, then do another D & F and try cleaning the solenoid/pressure switch screens.

01tl4tl

what fluid exactly did you put in the acura trans?
was it dextron? that's the death fluid!!!!!!!!!!!!!
other `acura compatible` fluids are not much better and wont help in a slipping situation
slipping is often the friction material is worn away - try using SS mode to get it in gear and moving- SS has higher line pressure
you may have a simple problem of clogged solenoid- we can hope!!
usually slipping from bad clutches happens when hard on the gas pedal, like getting on the freeway trying to beat a semi (simulate this without pulling in front of traffic!)
A flashing light D5 may appear on dash or D4 if a 99

the real trans internal parts wear gurus will be in later- its holiday weekend so don't count on everyone being home to help

I would get a 3 ounce sample of fluid and send to blackstone labs (look them up)
20 bucks gets a mass spectrograph test and human interpretation of whats in the fluid- excess clutch material - fluid problem,, bearing material etc
will know if its toast or possible save

Do you drive a 2000 or later with the 5 speed? then a certain year accord or odessey trans will pretty much drop in -junkyard unit fine- total for parts and install 1000-1500$
If you have a 99 with 4 speed, sorry dude that swap don't work

01tl4tl

get the free owner book download with specific trans fluid warming procedure for your year www.owners.acura.com
the dipstick has 2 holes or dots- its BETWEEN the dots that we want the leveal at spec temp- indicated level changes with temp so follow book for your year

can ck recall section of that site, and store radio nav codes there too
lots of good info- its Hondas site
also register with them at 1 800 382 2238 x5 gets a human- ask if all recalls are done
need cars VIN for both

Markus28

I drive a 2001 TL 3.2. I DO NOT use dextron! OnlY DW1 fluid. I just checked the fluid after I drove to work and it was below the bottom dot. I have a quart of DW1 fluid. How much will it take?

Markus28

Thanks for all the great help everyone! Glad I heard about y'all!

3.2TLc

Probably less than 1/2 quart. Don't overfill !
Was the fluid recently changed ? Ya may want to inspect for leaks if unsure.