I read that article for the first time. Personally I don't like the adaptive transmissions. They always put "shift comfort" above reliability and performance. Reset it and shifts are crisp. Drive it for a while and they soften up.

I would take an old vacuum modulated or TV cable transmission with firm shifts anyday over the computer stuff. With those, there's very little guesswork, especially with transmissions equipped with the TV cable. It's going to do the same thing at the same throttle opening every time.

I wish automakers would actually survey potential customers. Ask us what we prioritize, shift quality, reliablity, performance, etc. Honda went overboard with the super friction modified Z1 and the adaptive transmission. It became so soft that most TLs have a bump shift that actually feels harsher than if it just shifted crisply in the first place.

 

Quick qustion ???
01 cls i put a 04tl trans before i knew that goes out as well, i read this DIY for these
011 28500-P6H-013 SOLENOID ASSY. (B) (KEIHIN) 2 2004 TL 30.62 22.97 Qty:
012 28600-RAY-003 SWITCH ASSY., AT OIL PRESSURE (TEXAS INSTRUMENTS)

i did 3x fluid on the trans and the d5 light still blinking
I'm going to acura and buy them when i get paid!!!! is that a good idea or 06 odyessy tranny swap 4th trany on this!!!!

 

Get this.....Norm Reeves Acura of Mission Viejo California 949.347.0500 quoted me $270 to change out both switches. If the pair of pressure switches cost about $100 plus two small gaskets how can a dealer possibly justify an overhead charge of $170 for a twenty minute repair? Guess maybe the misc shop supplies got real expensive since I was turning wrenches.

 

10 minute job probably equates to 30 min on paper x 2 = 1 hr job. I'm guessing the hourly shop labor is around ~$150 tack on add'l bs charges like atf cleanup & disposal, etc.. This plus you consider the average person probably doesn't have the confidence or tools to complete the job.. the price isn't all that alarming.

 

Hey IHC

I changed the 3 and 4 pressure switches about 30k miles ago. Do you think its worth it to swap them again?

 

I would wait until 60K unless you are having issues again. Any problems?

 

No problems, just trying to be as cautious as possible.

I started to notice a very hard shift from 1 to 2 last week and I was getting worried but it turned out to be a broken front motor mount so I was very relieved

 

1 - 2 shift is unrelated to pressure switches. What exactly is it doing? Did you replace the mount yet?

 

Yea I know the 1-2 is not pressure switch related but I thought I was having a trans issue bc there was a very hard shift from 1-2. You could hear and feel a loud thump in between the 1-2 shift when accelerating slowly.

The problem was a broken xlr8 mount. The mounting tab from the front mount snapped off the mount bracket. Its being replaced with a innovative mount

 

Does Innov have a reliable 60A front & side mount yet? Or is everyone running >75A?

 

^What was the problem with the mounts? Was it the bushings?

For now im going to run the xlr8 75a rear and side mounts with a Innovative front mount. I have a 60a bushing in front mount there right now but I want to swap it very soon with either a 75a or 85a.

 

Last I remember the 60A side mounts were getting destroyed. It seemed like it wasn't balanced properly with the bracket allowing too much force to be exerted on one axis. I think Inacc has a thread on it or at least a detailed post somewhere.

 

Check below to see the problem with the "gum ball" 60A mounts. Scroll down in that thread to see the pics in Post #290. This issue is *not* an isolated issue. It is widespread and well known with the 2nd Gen TL and CL members.

Innovative Mounts Review (click here)


I would recommend sending your question to RUF87. He knows more about these mounts than all of the members here combined.

Acurazine Member RUF87 (click here)


Also, try calling Innovative. Just tell them that you got the one single 60A mount from a friend and put it on to reduce vibration. Tell them that the other two are 75A. And that you now like it. Ask them is it okay to have the mismatched bushings. Innovative phone 714-524-5246

 

I just called innovative and they said you can run different bushings with no problems. Now....do I go with 75 or 85...idk

 

This is a great thread-my 05 TL only has about 35K-what happened to me was after accelerating the AT "hung" in 2nd gear for @ 20 seconds (wouldn't shift in manual or sport shift). No blinking lights, no ck engine lite. hasn't done for a couple of days. Could this be a symptom of the pressure switches starting to fail?? thanks..

 

Somewhat common issue. Seems to be a bug in the computer programming. But, we don't know for sure. So, it might be related to the switches

stuck in 2nd gear on the highway? (click here)
07 transmission oddity. What could have caused this (click here)
Type-S 5AT, Tranny refused to upshift! (click here)

And, Welcome to the Acurazine Forum

 

Thanks for the info. and links, InAcCurait!

 

Can someone please give me the link or page # for my blinking D5 and TCS light on ..... the code is P1709... i know is my tranny and i know its in here but i dont have time to be going through every page. so ill really appreciate the help. Thanks

 

To I Hate Cars,

You responded a post of mine asking me to PM you about tranny care and info for the AT. I am very close to my purchase and tried to PM you but your inbox is full lol!

 

My 04 is about to hit 83k miles in the next few days and I've started to notice that the tranny takes forever to shift from 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th. I'll be feathering the gas at 50mph and it stays in 3rd. I've been considering replacing the pressure switches after reading through this thread and also this one:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/110-diy-guide-replacing-3rd-4th-gear-pressure-switch-3g-tl-2004-2006-a-729149/

Do yall think that replacing the pressure switches would help solve this problem? I had to have my tranny replaced in my 2G CL-S and even though Acura covered it, I'm not trying to go through the same ordeal with my 3G TL.

 

Tyler, from the other threads I've read about this I think it will fix it. My car is kinda doing the same thing, except my shifts aren't that long and I am at 101k miles. I would say the pressure switch would definitely help a lot. I plan on doing mine and a 3x3 before my 105k service

Wrenching party at your house?! hahaha

 

I talked to the service manager who I have been working with at my dealer for a while. I told her I'd like to replace these switches and asked for a price and her response was that she had never heard of anyone replacing these and that she really felt there was no reason. I described much of what I learned on this thread and insisted that it was something I'd like to do. She said she would have to charge for 1 hr of labor.

A few questions here:

1) Do we have any solid evidence that these things degrade over time? Someone had mentioned measuring the voltage of an old one and comparing to a new. Anyone do anything like this? I know several of you described how you felt a definitive improvement in shift quality, but I'm hoping for something more concrete than that.

2) Isn't 1 hr of labor too much? Several described this as 20 minutes tops. She said the service manual describes it as 1.4 hr labor and that she was being nice only charging me for 1 hr.

3) How difficult would it be for me to do this myself really? This is coming from someone who is reasonably handy, but at the same time has never done his own car work, never even changed my own oil. (I know, I know... I can see the disappointed looks on your faces.) I have changed my lawnmower oil several times though.

 

My 3g tl's tranny is crapping out on me.... It still runs but the tranny filter is clogged. When I was driving, everytime I made a turn it would jump out of gear or slip. I have it in the shop right now. I assisted on the removal. Lots of work!!

On monday it will get rebuilt, but I'm not sure what to do. Should I go with performance parts or will it not make much of a difference on a 5AT TL?

I will know how much on Monday. I'm only paying for parts and at a discounted price. (the bright side..)

 

It sounds more like it was low on fluid if it was only slipping around corners.

No real performance parts. You can see if Alto makes some of their "blue" or "red" series clutches for this transmission. Very good clutches. Run a DexIII style fluid like Redline D4 or even Redline racing and it will last longer. Don't forget the solenoids.

You can see if they will restall the convertor to something higher. It's usually $100 to $200 extra and it would be very worth it. It would make the TL a tire smoker off the start instead of a torqueless wonder. This would be about the single biggest mod you could do on a 5at next to the turbo. When mine goes out, this is a sure thing. It will also require an aftermarket cooler which is a good idea regardless.

 

I read this entire thread, post by post! I am thankful to all who posted and for IHC for starting it!

Yesterday I received a "blinking D" light on my 2005 RL (~88k mileage) and a transmission error code:
P0872 - Short in 4th Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Circuit, or 4th Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Stuck ON

I took it to the dealership and they replaced the 4th clutch sensor under extended warranty. It is still at the dealership and when they called to tell me they replaced the sensor, they told me my A13 service is due which includes: replace oil, rotate tires, replace transmission fluid.

I asked him about doing a transmission flush vice a change and he said that they can do the A13 and transmission flush for $360. I asked what the flush involved and he said drain and fill of 12 quarters of fluid.

My questions are:

1. Do you think the "flush" is the same as the 3x3 ATF?
2. If I do the flush, should I have the filter replaced too?
3. Is the price fair?
4. How can I verify that the 12 quarts was actually done?
5. Should I have them do the "flush"?

My Car: 2005 Acura RL (~88k mileage) and I do every maintenance!

Oh, please don't suggest a DIY because although I do have access to a lift I am not going to do it. I am a bit of girly-girl...sorry...well, I guess I would do it if someone wants to teach me in the DC metro area!!

I also posted in the regional section but I thought this was the more appropriate place. Please be nice, it is my 2nd post!!

Thanks for your advice in advance!!

 

Thanks for the thanks.

The most important thing is to verify what the "flush" means. If it's a 3x3 (9qts), that's fine.

If it's pulling one of the trans cooler lines and letting it shoot into a bucket while they refill it through the dipstick, that's even better than a 3x3.

If they're using a power flush machine which forces fluid through it, that's a big no-no.

The price isn't too bad if it includes the trans service along with the engine oil change.

If they acknowlege the filter exists and will change it for you, by all means get it done. Some dealers deny there is a replacable filter lol.

 

I hate cars thanks for this great thread and all your tech tips and info you post. I did a three x three change on my 04tl a couple weeks ago as well as the 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches and it shifts like a new car.

 

Thank you IHC!!! Great questions and I will ask the service manager verbatim since I know I would mess it up if I tried to remember by memory!

Yeah, I specifically remember him saying 12 quarts. He said the transmission fluid change would take 4 quarts. Hmmm, does that sound right? Anyway, I am just fearful they will tell me they did one thing and I will have no way of knowing if it was done or not.

I wonder if they will let me watch

Well, at least I feel good going in asking the right questions!!

Thanks again! I really appreciate it!

 

Damn 101k on your car? I can't tell

It sounds like I need to get these pressure switches asap. I notice it every time I drive my car and it's making me go crazy. I'll probably do another 3x3 before I do this as well.

@ wrenching party. I don't mind opening up headlights and such but I don't trust myself when it comes to working on the tranny or engine. Lights can be replaced easily (and somewhat inexpensively) compared to crucial motorized parts. For that reason alone I'll be taking my car to a trusted local mechanic to have these put in.

 

Update!

Replaced both pressure switches for 04 MDX about 5k miles ago, car has now almost 60k miles (59.5k).

No degrade
No issue so far.

Slighly worsen MPG (1~2mpg drop). I am not sure if it is because of this pressure switch chase or something else. could be tire though.....

So far so good.

 

I had my dealer change out the 3rd & 4th switches yesterday. I highly recommend this change to anyone who is not experiencing smooth shifts!

Background: I have 122k on my '04 and have been experiencing poor shift quality since about 100k. (Note: I did nothing to service the trans fluid prior to 100k.) For the last 20k miles I have been trying to maintain my trans by doing several long-needed drain-and-fills. These helped a bit, but I still did not have smooth shifts, especially the 3rd to 4th shift. After swapping out the sensors yesterday, my shifts are nice and smooth again.

Thanks much to IHC for sharing the info here and for the suggestion! I owe you a beer.

BTW, dealer said the service manual shows 1.4 hr of labor for the change, but she only charged me $50 cause she felt it didn't require that much time. I bought the switches from Delray and saved about $40 over what the local dealer wanted to charge me for parts.

 

Are there any codes thrown when the switch start to fail. I have a 04 under extended warranty still. I have a slipping issue, but it random and my dealer isnt much help unless there is a code or they can replicate the problem. Thanks.

 

I had no codes being thrown, but I didn't have any slipping. My trans was just shifting a little hard, particularly the 3rd to 4th shift. It's day 4 with the new switches and I haven't had any recurrence of poor shifts. I'm thinking this did the trick for me.

 

Has anyone ever replaced an 04 TL tranny with a 06-07? Maybe a dumb question, but seems the newer ones don't have as many problems.

 

07-08 is a different AT. 04-06 should be interchangeable. The 07-08's have their own problems so that's a moot point plus they don't have serviceable filters.

 

So, I read this thread all the way through and I think you guys rock. I have this shuddering problem when my AT shifts from second to third, but its not all the time. I mentioned this to Acura and they said they couldn't detect anything wrong. They had the car for 3 - 4 days and said they couldn't feel the shuddering, which is BS because it happens every day for me. I don't race the car, but drive it reasonably. This has been going on for about 2 years. Not sure if its getting worse, but I notice it more now??? I have 70k on the car, and my extended warranty has either til February or 100k, so I need to figure out how to get the dealer to believe these are the issues and get THEM to replace the sensors.

Any ideas or suggestion???

 

This is happening to me right now and i have 82K. Its been going on for probably 10K miles so i will probably do the switches. But is it easy to do the 3X3? the dealer wants to charge about 70-90 dollars and if i can do it for 40 that would be awesome? What about the seal to the transmission, after the refill do they seal it up pretty good? Can i seal it up good by myself?

 

very informative thread..

I posted a thread few days back regarding "automatic transmission reliability" and was really worried about my automatic tranny.

I hate cars, you gave me some major tips about this issue, and I would like to thank you for that. My 04 TL has 72k miles on it and I do feel a very strong and jerky shift from time to time. its tho as the RPM stays at around 3k and takes a little while to shift and when it does i feel a strong jerk. Hope no serious damage is done..

going to order these sensors and change them asap.

cheers..

 

just to confirm the parts before i order them today, are these the ones people got on this thread? or should i go to my local dealer and get em?

28600-RAY-003
28610-RAY-003

its off acuraoemparts.com for 33.51 a piece...

thanks guys..

 

I just called the acura dealer in my town, they got both sensors in stock. figured instead of ordering them online and going through the hassle of shipping and waiting for them, i ll pick them up after work and install them this weekend..

Just FYI:
dealer price them at 44.68 a piece and 2.48 for the gasket. so total price of $94.32

at acuraoemparts.com they are sold for 33.51 a piece and the gasket is 1.86 a piece after shipping and handling for a total of $79.69. after shipping and handling.

you save $14.63 if you buy online..