I have a 2006 Anthracite/Ebony 6-speed TL with about 13,000 on the odometer. Most fun to drive car I have ever owned and I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the class.

That being said I have had some intermittent issues (like a few others) when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. From time to time it doesn't feel like it engages completely and once it popped out of gear. In the past few weeks I have also had a creaking noise when crossing large bumps at low speeds (exiting driveway, speed bumps, etc). So I made an appointment with the dealer (Acura of Brookfield) to have the issues looked at.

I didn't have high hopes for the 3rd gear issue since its intermittent, and of course the constant squeak from the rear passenger side suspension stopped as soon as I pulled into the service bay. But anyway, I dropped it off Monday night and they said they would take a look at everything. About 2pm on Tuesday they called and were very polite and professional. They apologized but were not able to duplicate the 3rd gear shift issue; but, they did say it was shifting a little rough and they are going to replace the tranny fluid with the "reformulated" Honda stuff so hopefully that helps. They did say to bring the car back in if the fluid doesn't change things or if I continue to have shifting issues...kudos to them on this!

They also discovered the source of my squeak, the rear passenger shock was blown and leaking fluid. They had to order the shock and will be installing Wednesday am, I get my baby back Wednesday night.

One question....anyone else blown a stock shock at 13,000 miles? They are covering it under warranty so I don't care too much but it seemed odd that it went so early. But I guess manufacturing defects happen from time to time.

 

that or you must have hit a pot hole pretty hard to blow the shock. The changed fluid is good, but members here get GM Synchromesh Friction Modified Transmission fluid for the 3rd gear issue.

 

The 3rd gear issue is a much written about thing. Some have had success with the new reformulated MTF others, like me, have not. When I switched to GM Synchromesh Friction Modified MTF all issues disappeared. Search it and you will find lots of posts.

Regarding the shock that can happen. It might be odd but things happen.

Sounds like overall they did pretty good for you. Many dealers don't even switch the MTF until you really push them.

 

I had seen the "frequent" reports on the 3rd gear issue and was hoping they would go with the GM alternative but I understand they want to start with Honda parts. They called to tell me everything was completed and left a message saying to let them know if it fixes the issue. If it doesn't they did say in the message they have a couple other simple approaches they can try. I assume that was hinting at the GM fluids before they tear into the tranny which I will avoid at all costs given some of the horror stories here.

 

I have an 04 6 speed. I had the clicking sound in the LF when pulling out of a parking spot. I replaced the transaxle and the sound is gone. It seems like I have seen this one a bunch of times on here.
I now have a clunk when hitting bumps then when the car is going over general wavy roads, you here the intermitent clunk. I have checked bushings. I even took the LF strut off, checked the strut. It seemed OK (no leaks as you mentioned ) nothing real shot. I am past warranty. The lovely struts on my ASPEC are $250 each!!!!!!!! The cars cornering and performance is not affected just annoying on a $35k car!!!!

 

I have the same third gear problem (reported at 7,00 miles but of course could not be re-recreated). Worse, I had my clutch replaced at 13,000 miles (totally fried), and now (at 24,000 miles) clutch is going again. I note from Consumers Reports that transmission (including clutch) are only horrible aspect of this car). I am not the most conservative dricer on earth, but 24,000 miles for two clutches? Also, the third gear problem?

 

All,
Just wanted to let you know I finally had a success with Acura on the ongoing third gear issue. I complained about the 3rd gear issue umteen times and finally today after having new synchros, a new tranny, and an exorbitant amount of time with my car in the shop my service guy told me that Acura is awar of the issue and is planning on putting out a fix for it somewhere around the feb 08 timeframe. I dont know about you but they finally owned up to the issue and I am planning on writing to Acura on this issue as they have obviously known about it since the 04 model came out. THey guy said oh since you car probably will be out of warranty by the time it comes out they will honor the repair. Just thought you may like to know there is a little hope at the end of the 3rd gear tunnel..