There was a Q and A section the the automotive section of the Boston Globe this past sunday asking why acura/honda has not been more public with their tranmission issues. They went on to explain how they do voluntary recalls etc.

But they did say the problem was clear across the product line and impacted all products that has the 5AT. TL, CL, MDX, Pilot, etc. From 01-04 and was a lubrication problem. There was no comment on the 05, but the year is still young.

If you consider buying a 5AT, make sure you investigate what was done on the 05s to alleviate the problem, if anything at all...

 

Got a copy or link for us? Thanks?

 

Last year the LA Times had a cover page article on Honda's woes with these automatic transaxles.

The Pilot's recall involved inspection of heat damage to 2nd gear (replace if needed), and installation of an auxillary oiling line to 2nd gear for increased lubrication.

 

It was a hardcopy article, if I have the time (and can find a scanner), I will scan it and post it.

 

http://www.boston.com/cars/articles/...answer_a_need/

Scroll down

 

Q: Why don't I ever see mention of the problem Honda/Acura is having with their automatic transmissions? The only two MDX owners I know have had their trannys replaced, and the one Odyssey owner I know is on his third.

A: Car companies do not go out of their way to make sure I write about their problems. Frequently, it is only when a bunch of readers call me with the same problem, or a reader lets me know he or she has received a recall notice, that I learn of the problem. Honda launched a recall of Honda and Acura vehicles several months ago. The problem was poor lubrication in the 5-speed automatic transmissions of certain models: 2003 and early 2004 V-6 Honda Accord coupes and sedans, and the same model year Acura TL sedans and Acura CL coupes. Also on the list were 2002, 2003, and early 2004 Honda Odyssey minivans, 2003 and early '04 Pilots, and Acura 2001 and 2002 MDX SUVs. Owners were to have been notified starting last July, and damaged elements were to be replaced free of charge, and with no damage, the lubrication problem was to have been fixed, also free of charge.

For the complete article, click here and scroll down
http://www.boston.com/cars/articles/...answer_a_need/

edit by mod Ron A

 

I think the problem with the 5at has been fixed. I haven't heard of anyone having any major problems.

I have seen more complaints on here about the 6mt than the 5at. 1st to 2nd gear change when cold grinds, clutches going out our slipping.

I know I am going to get flamed by the 6mt people now for this post.

 

Yah, I heard it was fixed to. Can't be worse then my dads 97 taurus.

 

Thanks...




No question, hybrids answer a need

By Royal Ford | March 20, 2005

''Saving" with a hybrid; getting into gear on transmission recalls; the ''sickening" side of drivers; and, for once, I ask a question and you provide the answers -- it's another day for Q and A.

Q: You have said that fuel savings don't make up for the extra cost of buying a hybrid gasoline/electric vehicle. Isn't this nonsense when you consider the almost unpriceable cost of breathing all that exhaust and the needless exhaustion of world oil reserves?

A: I have always said there are several ways to weigh the ''savings" when buying a hybrid. One is simple gasoline/money savings. Does the savings on gasoline overcome the $2,000-$5,000 price premium you pay for the vehicle? I have also said repeatedly that many people think the premium is worth paying for environmental reasons and, sometimes, for the social status that driving a hybrid conveys.

Q: When does the new Toyota Highlander hybrid gasoline/electric SUV go on sale?

A: In June. Expect to pay as much as $5,000 over the standard $25,000-$35,000 price.

Q: A Consumers Union lawyer asked ''Where is the outrage?' in your Feb. 28 piece on the dangers of backing up and the lack of safety equipment to prevent such accidents as the doctor backing over his own son. Shouldn't the outrage be aimed at people who blame their automobiles for their own ignorance and/or stupidity?

A: I agree, drivers do stupid things that often lead to tragedy. I am sickened as I watch SUV drivers move in and out of traffic at high speed in vehicles that are not meant to handle speed, sudden stops, or emergency turns. But I don't know what to do about that. I am sickened, also, that dealers sell vehicles and give their customers no clue as to how to use ABS, a real lifesaver. I am sickened that many manufacturers lump safety features, such as side and curtain air bags or stability control, with expensive options like leather, navigation systems, or sunroofs. And yes, it made me sick to talk to the doctor who backed over his own child, and yes, we all need to be careful. But I doubt that many people realize how far behind a car a child must be before you can see him or her in the rearview mirror, and I doubt that few realize the technology to prevent such tragedies exists and would be inexpensive if mass-produced and made standard in our cars.

Q: Why don't I ever see mention of the problem Honda/Acura is having with their automatic transmissions? The only two MDX owners I know have had their trannys replaced, and the one Odyssey owner I know is on his third.

A: Car companies do not go out of their way to make sure I write about their problems. Frequently, it is only when a bunch of readers call me with the same problem, or a reader lets me know he or she has received a recall notice, that I learn of the problem. Honda launched a recall of Honda and Acura vehicles several months ago. The problem was poor lubrication in the 5-speed automatic transmissions of certain models: 2003 and early 2004 V-6 Honda Accord coupes and sedans, and the same model year Acura TL sedans and Acura CL coupes. Also on the list were 2002, 2003, and early 2004 Honda Odyssey minivans, 2003 and early '04 Pilots, and Acura 2001 and 2002 MDX SUVs. Owners were to have been notified starting last July, and damaged elements were to be replaced free of charge, and with no damage, the lubrication problem was to have been fixed, also free of charge.

Drive-in movies
On Oscar night, I gave you my favorite lines from car and road movies. Now I'm turning the tables and letting you answer my question, posed at the end of that column: What were yours? Your answers:

# Steve McQueen in ''LeMans," when a woman asks him why he races: ''When you're racing, it's life. Anything that happens before or after that is just waiting." (Rick DeMeis, Needham)

# In ''The Godfather," Clemenza has Paulie killed in the front seat of a big black car, then says to hit man Rocco: ''Leave the gun. Take the cannoli." (Joseph Cascio Jr., Stonington, Conn., and others)

# In ''Dazed and Confused," Wooderson extols his Chevrolet Chevelle, nicknamed Melba Toast: ''Let me tell you what Melba Toast is packin' right here, alright. We got 411 Positrac out back, 750 double-pumper Edelbrock intakes, bored-over 30, 11-to-1 pop-up pistons, turbojet 390 horsepower. We're talking some . . . muscle." (Chip Henderson, Stow)

# In ''Raiders of the Lost Ark," Indiana Jones has spent his day driving Nazis off the road. A woman notes the years are taking a toll. His reply: ''It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage." (Rich Howard, Mansfield)

 

This article isn't saying too much, but only indicating there is a recall for the tranny, TSB 04-020. He isn't aware of the great history of 2GTL's trannies or hesitated to speak up. He wrote the articles based on what he's seen or learned, not what he read from Internet. Otherwise, he would know that from AZ...

 

Since I joined the board, for 5AT, there are a few ppl getting tranny replaced. 2 for 6MT.

brahtw8 Due to the 6MT gear slippage.


2004MT6TL Due to the 2nd gear popping out, with 9k miles.



SparkAF Due to the leaking of the tranny, with 10k miles.


peacefrog Due to the 2nd gear is worn out, with 19k miles.




This one makes me confused... https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/useful-product-listing-detailing-98773/






https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...72&postcount=4

 

Here is another 6mt problem from Chazy777

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111864

 

It's not the tranny issue... ... not to replace the tranny...

 

i think acura just used the same 5AT they used in the previous gen TL/CL and the 6MT is the same as the one from the CLS. so any problems that can occur with these trannies should be similar to previous gen TL/CL experiences. the 2nd gear oil jet is suppose to fix the issue with the 5AT but only time will tell if its absolutely fixed. i hope for acura's sake and all members who have the 5AT that it is not an issue anymore.

 

I also think it's the same tranny. I have an 02 MDX that currently has 20K miles and no problems. The oiler recall was done on mine about six-eight months ago. The shop saw no indication of damage. I hope some things have been improved in the transmission and it has been beefed up internally. Honda has replaced transmissions on some cars up to three times at mileage as high as 150K+-. It is my understanding that most problems were with 02-03 Accords, TL's and CL's. Some Pilots and MDX's were also affected. Initially, Honda was not sure what the problem was and an improper fix was done. There is pleanty of information on the forums for each of the mentioned models.

I can't fault a company or an individual for making mistakes, I make plenty myself. The real measure is how well they take care of the problems. Honda does seems to be doing this though not as fast as we might like.

My vote of confidence in Honda currently equals a little better than $70,000 over the last three years. I plan not to be disappointed.

 

recently i just noticed that after i go reverse (to back out from the lot) then put it on drive, there's like a small grinding noise for a split second... not sure if it's the tranny (seems like when it moved from 1st to 2nd)... It happens only from time to time, but it starts to make me worried...

 

IMHO... it's not the same tranny...

Based on what TSB says, I think it's not the same tranny. Prolly most of parts are similar to each other, but, when processing the replacement of tranny, 2GTL/CL needs to replace PCM and fuel pressure regulator, too... this could mean dealers have to make change in order to put that 3GTL tranny into 2GTL/CL engine bay... maybe I'm wrong here...

 

My 94 Legend has the similar sound since Day 1... it's kind of like the trait of FWD... if you park your car on slope, it would be even louder...

 

but I was reversing for a while (going out of the lot), then put it on a drive and rive maybe 2-3 meters before i hear the sound...

 

Umm... it seems you're talking about that infamous ABS self-checking grinding sound...


Make sure if that noise you've heard takes place when you reach 10 MPH...

 

I think that might be true (since I usually hear the door locks since I set it to lock at 10mph). I notice it more when my wheels are not straight (making a turn) while accelerating. It only happens the first time I drive out and don't notice it anymore anytime after that.

EDIT: I guess it might be that infamous self check