dirkhouzer

Alright, so after some research and having my mechanic check it out, I took a gamble and picked up a 2004 automatic TL with 206K for $4400. I've put my first 200 miles on it no problems however I do have 3 quick questions I'd appreciate your guys input on.

1) The worst thing I feel that could happen right now would be a failed transmission. At the moment it's shifting good(in town there can be a slight "jump" from 1st to 2nd at slow speeds but nothing uncharacteristic of an automatic) and periodic checking of the fluid shows a nice pinkish color, though there is a very slight hint of brown, but it smells like transmission fluid should. I've read a couple things about replacing the second and third pressure sensors. Would that be something to consider as kind of preventative maintenance whenver I replace the timing belt? Also idk when the last time the transmission fluid was changed, how should I go about it? flush, 3x3, will there be any indications of when to change it other than every 10K-15K miles?

2) When accelerating there is a very distinct sound (like a high pitch whine that goes hand in hand with the velocity of the rev) Honestly I think it sounds awesome, but I didn't know if it was a natural sound for the TL. Is there a belt I may need to check?

3) What do you guys think? Premium all the way or could I get away with a 89 octane mid grade? If some of you guys are doing fine with regular unleaded that would be interesting to know too?

My last car was a 1987 toyota celica so this is a totally different animal, I just want to make sure that I'm doing everything I have to to keep it running for another 3-4 years at least.

05_NBP_TL

iTrader: (1)

When do you plan on doing the TB change?

Do the pressure switches...those are easy and cheap

If you do the transmission fluid, drain 3qts and add 3qts (1x3), then drive around for a while like that. If that does OK, then I would proceed to do another 1x3. Dont do it all at onc with that kind of milage and no know service history.

The "high pitch" during acceleration is normal. I have it too and I only have 47k miles.

And I run 93 octane All Day, Every Day.

Nice pick-up, my brother-in-law just bought a high milage TL also.

And welcome to the forum.

dirkhouzer

I'm gonna get the timing belt done in around 2-3 weeks, about how much extra will it cost to do the pressure sensors?

05_NBP_TL

iTrader: (1)

DIY:

Materials needed:
x1 3rd Gear Pressure Switch (28600-P7Z-003) $48.54
x1 4th Gear Pressure Switch (28600-P7W-003) $44.40
x2 sealing gasket (90471-PW7-A00) $1.92


Here is the thread about the switches... CLick Here

Contact Tim (vendor here on azine) at hondaacuraworld@AOL.com or call 1-866-347-8355 and he can fix you up with the parts needed.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

I'd run premium in it instead of mid-grade. I've run premium in mine from day 1 simply because of the accounts of everyone around here. It's pretty much established that mid-grade or regular will result in pulled timing due to possible detonation due to reduced octane thus resulting in less power resulting in more fuel used to obtain the same amount of power resulting in lower fuel mileage.

Domino effect yo! So you're either going to pay for it with reduced mileage or a premium at the pump. Might as well give the car what it wants to maximize economy and power output.

SpiderX1016

Make sure the transmission isn't whining. Could be a ticking time bomb.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Congrats on your new ride, Dirk.

truonghthe

welcome to the site, you can register your color here https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/tl-owners-please-chime-855960/ thnx.

GeaugaDog

like said before, don't be a cheap wuss and just throw in 93 octane in

premium fuel only here