Hello -

My 2005 Acura TL w/170k automatic transmission has been sitting for a few weeks... went to start it and it wouldn't start, went to jump it with a portable jump and it started right up. I fixed the battery issue with a trickle charger (new alternator/starter so not too worried there) but the big NEW problem:

After the dead battery / jumping it, I now have a blinking D and check engine light. I drove it around the block and noticed that it revs high before shifting into 2nd but it seems OK after that. I ran a scanner on it and it came up with:
P0980 - Shift Solenoid Valve C open
P0974 - Shift Solenoid Valve A open

Thoughts? Could this be related to the battery issue and will magically go away or am I dealing with bigger problems coming up? Recommendations on next steps? Did a search but don't see much on these specific codes with CEL.

Thank you

 

The first thing I would do is load-test the battery.

 

Will try this today... if the CEL/Blinking D don't disappear after the load - test, is there anything else I should try? Does it take X miles for the light to reset? Thank you

 

All depends. The TLs are very sensitive to the electrical system. Start there.
Did you reset the CELs?

 

Quick update: load test at auto store passed without any issues - battery/alternator/starter all good.

Diagnostic tool at the auto store tried to reset CEL but it wouldnt reset. I tried it with a FIXD device - same thing, it says it would reset it but it never actually reset.

I drove the car > 50 miles so far - same symptons but the dashboard is still lit up (blinking D light, CEL and VSA).

Thank you

 

The best thing to do is inspect the live data and see if the computer can command the switch to on/off. If it cannot command the change, then there is something wrong with the switch (solenoid) or the wires to it. When cars sit for a while, it is usually mice that like to create issues and eat wires.

The reset is probably not functioning as the codes are re-triggered with every key cycle as part of the startup checks.

 

I appreciate all the help! How can I see the live solenoid data? My ODBII adapter is a FIXD and I didn't see an option for Solenoid status. Is there a menu in the TL? If it helps I have a navi unit...

 

Per their Amazon description,and Q&A from other customers, it can be accessible from the Toolbox > Live Gauges section of the app:

 

Under live data, there should be an option for transmission solenoid status for A, B, and C (I believe 3 for 04-06, 4 for 07-08)
If you can't see it; it may not be supported via the little dongle and you may need a higher end scan tool. You can always email FIXD and see if they have a code/formula for the data if it's not easily available.

 

@dpace32 A couple of members in this thread had your codes and a few others, so may be worth checking it out:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-p...-right-805973/

There was a solution for all of one members' codes in the last 4-5 posts in the thread. @peter6 and @synchro were the heroes and nailed the diagnosis.

Keep us posted!

 

Following up on this, solution solved: took it to a local transmission center and they diagnosed a corroded ground cable on the transmission: $300 and it runs like a dream again.

 

I'm glad your car is back to 100% but damn $300 for a ground cable is a tough scene. I suppose you're also paying for the diagnosis too, as none of us here would have likely guessed that was the source of the issue.

 

which cable??

But I didnt think anyone can get out of a dealership service center for less than 300, let alone have troubleshooting done. Sounds like a good deal to me.
But according to HELM, the blinking D is flashing codes. And it flashes when the data link connector is connected to an HDS and in SCS mode.
It also notes that this code is caused by an electrical problem and not by an internal transmission problem.
Then it gives you a step by step process to start measuring resistance values at the solenoids and the PCM, and continuity checks...and blah blah blah
Somewhere in there they probably did not get continuity or superhigh resistance.