Ok so I have read several threads on this site as well as others and I have seen others with similar issues as I am having but I refuse to believe that the transmission is smoked.

I have an '04 TL base AT and the other day I was driving to work rpms spiked to around 5k and quickly dropped back down to around 2 and gave me no other issues on that drive. Let work headed home made a stop at my sisters house and had a hard time getting back out of her driveway but made it. Got down the street and had to stop and couldn't get moving again, seemed like it wanted to at higher rpms but nothing at idle. I got out checked fluid and it was a little dirty but nothing horrific and had enough. I called a friend that is a tech at Acura and he said to turn it off and back on and put it in low and see if it catches. Sure enough did that and worked like nothing was ever wrong. Drove it a few more times and had the same issue with the same remedy.

I fail to agree that the trans is smoked like the Acura techs want to say it is since if I turn it off and back on everything works just fine. It has to be something electrical and not mechanical. If it was mech it would do it all of the time not intermittently. Has anyone had any luck changing out the TCM or anything else short of replacing the trans? I find it incredibly annoying that Honda can build such great vehicles and include such crappy transmissions, I had to replace the trans in my 2000 Accord twice.

 

Honda's transmission don't know about the new ones but the 5AT from like 98 or 99 through like 2008 or something feels weird to me. I mean my 06 is ok even with proper maintenance it's just the tuning of these transmission feels off. Now I did test drive the 2013 Toyota Avalon Touring model really nice car and their 6AT feels well tuned to the engine also the way it shifts as well.

 

I'd start with changing the ATF.. if it seems to get better, follow through with 3 more ATF drain and fills. I don't believe a single control valve would cause all of these symptoms.

What's your Mileage? When was the last time you did a drain and fill of the ATF?

A faulty APP sensor would put you in limp mode, but your dash would light up like a Christmas tree and I don't believe it will spike your RPM or even let you get above 2k (limp mode).

Keep us updated.

 

I did a drain and fill about 3 times about 40k ago finishing with a super lube and Honda ATF before the problem. I did a drain and fill yesterday along with new TC solenoids and a little Lucas trans fluid additive. I took the car out yesterday and beat the piss out of it and no issues what so ever. Today I drove down the street to the 7-11 and it started to act up as I passed someone but started back up after I left and drove perfect for about 5 minutes before the next mishap.

 

Are you cruising in fifth for the most part when it flares?

If not, what gear does it flare or seemingly disengage?

 

Well I was in 5th but dropped down to pass and didn't give me a hassle until after I passed and was going back into 5th I believe. But sometimes it does it from a complete stop like when I got home and went to back into my driveway

 

When you're at a stop, are you saying it will rev but not engage in D and R?

 

Yes, it will not engage anything unless I shut the car down a restart it, and once that is done it works without a hitch for about 5 min or sometimes till I reach the destination.

 

Transmissions slowly deteriorating. You're gonna either have to get a rebuild or replace the tranny with another one. Mine did the same exact thing, gears wouldn't engage so I turned off the car and turned it back on. Would work for another 5-10 mins but ended up the same. On the way to the shop to get it rebuild, it completely died on me so I had to get a towing truck. I also did the pressure switch replace and Redline ATF about 10,000 miles before it died on me. Mine went out at 137,xxx so I got it rebuilt then sold the car. Moved onto a 2-door V8 RWD Lexus, what I always wanted.

 

Was your first time changing your switches at 120k?

 

Same symptoms that happened to my friend's 06 AT. It started slipping and warranty was ending. They gave him a hard time the first time he brought it in so he romped on it and brought it back. Smelled terrible. Kept having to shut it off and back on while driving back to the dealer.

 

By switches do you me the solenoids? I just changed those out the other day

 

yeah your pressure switches are like solenoids you have one for i think every gear there's a diy on replacing the 3rd and 4th switches. that really could be your issue.

 

It does it when I'm just sitting trying to take off.