Hey,
I purchased my 05 TL about 2 weeks ago, loving it so far. Anyway, I'm 25 and this is the first AT car I've owned since I was 16, my last car was an RSX-S and I'm trying to decide if I have anything to worry about with the TL Auto tranny.

I noticed that the transmission seems a little jerky sometimes, if I accelerate hard the shift literally jerks me out of my seat, under normal accelerations sometimes there's a little jerk, sometimes there's not, and sometimes there's a thud when it goes into gear... but most of the time there isn't. I came here to search for ways to smooth it out... then I saw all of the transmission threads.

My 05 has 45k on the clock and the warranty just ran out in May of this year. I bought the car from a Honda dealership who gave me a 1000 mile warranty for free which is almost up. These transmission problems aren't really bad enough for me to care, but I don't know if they're signs of what's to come and if they are, should I do something now while I have a Honda warranty and am still a good candidate for Acura to replace my tranny even though it's out of warranty. Can some of you who have experienced these problems shed some light?
Thanks,
Justin

 

First, I'd do the 3x3 trans fluid change, see if that help.

 

^^Agreed--do the fluid change.

Also, at 45K you should seriously consider replacing the 3rd & 4th gear solenoids:

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

With the symptoms you are describing, it does not sound too bad. Its a shudder you want to avoid---once you get that, the damage is done. A hard shift is actually a good thing on an auto.

The 05-08 models supposedly were redesigned somewhat to beef up the tranny. The real demons were the 2G models---I had one go bad in my 00TL. Not fun.

 

Thanks for the info, do u have a link on a DIY 3x3 change handy? And I was worried because I was under the impression that '06 was when they beefed up the tranny, but they're is definitely no shudder, no hesitation to shift, just a jerk every once in awhile. Thanks again.
Justin

 

3G Garage:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-service-department-aka-garage-questions-answers-check-here-first-553557/

 

Thanks!

 

They're not the solenoids, they're pressure sensors / switches. Solenoids should not be used interchangeably with the switches. The jerking may very well be related to the hydraulic line pressure.

OP, check the 3G Garage for the 3x3 ATF.. I think Road Rage has a nice thread on it.. It's a no brainer. I would definitely do the 3x3 followed up by changing out the 3rd & 4th pressure switches / sensors.

 

don't forget the ATF filter

 

My bad on the switches---thanks for the clarification.

As for the ATF filter--I thought they were not replaceable without a teardown of the tranny??

 

It sits off the heater unit on top of the tranny towards the intake resonator chamber. The securing bolts might be painted blue or white.. Real easy to get to, just remove intake.. teardown definitely not needed.

 

#7.. just open the hood, remove intake.. Looking down you'll notice the big round heater unit (#1).. to the right of that is the filter. The filter is $12 from acuraoemparts, also replace #21 & #22 (gasket & o-ring). You guys might want to consider running an ATF cooler with a magnefine inline filter as well.

 

thanks maj...

 

Gotta balance out my typical sarcasm with some genuine useful help..

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-112/transmission-cooler-732505/

 

the 05 tl also has a 6yr 70k powertrain warranty so it should still be covered