Shipit

05 Acura TL base Nav AT
I have maintained the car regularly doing AT fluid changes every 50K and changing the pressure switches at the same interval.
This morning I was driving my kids to the bus stop and the car wouldn't shift to the next gear would produce very little power and high RPMs.

Had to limp it back to my house when I finally got there couldn't put it in the drive no power was being transferred to the wheels, except reverse, and that was spotty.

I know whis subject has been discussed, but my question would be is it the torque converter or the transmission, or both???

I am open to suggestions, thanks!!!

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

that sucks... :/

roof2006

My thought is that if it's the torque converter, it would work (or wouldn't work) the same no matter if you're in D or R.

Shipit

update: car had check engine light code P0741 torque converter clutch circuit stuck off. I checked the transmission fluid and it was dark and has burnt smell....fml.
Checked all engine mounts while i had it lifted all 6 are done, and steering rack is leaking, wait for it cracked bushings on the control arms...good times!
Acura estimate for all the work including labor $6634.94.

libert69

iTrader: (7)

i doubt its the actual tq converter itself but likely a sensor.

however, i have 2 tq converters for sale if it turns out you need one and want to save some money.

acura gets that insane number from all the labor to remove the trans, swap in a new or remanufactured one and installing it. a private shop will charge much much less

Shipit

DO you think I would be better off switching out all the solendoids and pressure switches at that point I am at about 570 in parts vs 2200 for acura reman with new 3yr/36K warranty. I also was weighing the option of just trying to do the parts 570 parts and if worked dumping the car that way not to much is invested. Let me know your thoughts.

roof2006

Save yourself $3,000 - $4,000 and take it to an independent shop. My local Acura dealer (I took it by to see if I could get it "goodwill warrantied") wanted $6,000 to install a rebuilt transmission only. Local shop did it for $2,500 including tax.

Shipit

@libert69 I took out the torque converter solenoid, it tested bad. So I was looking at your DIY https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/116-diy-transmission-cooler-5at-magnefine-filter-lots-pics-754752/ , but some of the pics are gone could you PM them to me. Couple other questions when you put the inline filter in did you remove the stock filter or do you still service it? Thanks for your advice!!

libert69

iTrader: (7)

^sorry, dont have those pics anymore.

i replaced the stock filter with a new oem filter but kept it in place. the additional filter did not affect flow

Shipit

I concede defeat, I have confirmed an internal failure of the transmission, now decision time rebuilt AT....AT to 6 MT swap????? or new ride?????
I am leaning towards getting a DD and sourcing the 6MT and doing the swap

pohljm

if you were not going to do the trans work yourself you do not want to do the swap. The only way it would be at all cost effective is if your doing the wrenching. also research the swap it entails replacing the ecu, gauge cluster, adding of course pedals, etc not an easy change.

libert69

iTrader: (7)

so whats the actual failure point?

sbstnce

this happened to me, p0741. full rebuild with new updated sensors for $3k, the filter inside the tranny should be changed every 30k miles as it was clogged with debri from my ripped up second gear. the reman from acura will pose the same threat and cost around the same if you get it straight from the acura dealer assuming your core is good. I got it warrantied for 3yrs/36k miles. what really is the failure point if we are on top of maintenance?

Shipit

@libert69 the failure point was initiated by 2nd or 3rd gear clutch wearing away quickly and with the contamination of the ATF the torque converter probably is a secondary failure.
@pohljm I would be doing the work myself if I do the AT to MT swap. I would get a donor car from auction if possible so that I could have the majority of the parts, new mounts for sure and clutch and flywheel would be new.

As far as what should have been done well I should have changed over to Redline type F and not trusted Acura DW1, reason being I did both 3x3 changes at the same time which when I checked my records it was 16,154 ago for both my 03 TL and 05 TL. The 05 went transmission went first, less than a week later the 03 threw a code P0740 starting to exhibiting the same symptoms as the 05. When I drained the fluid on both it was black like motor oil. The moral or the story is don't use DW1 Acura ATF use redline Type F or D4 and change your 3rd and 4th pressure switches every 50K (I didn't know to change the pressure switches).
I am working with Acura to see if they will do good will on the 03 cause it seems challenging to find an CL-S MT for a donor and there would be much more wiring involved plus my wife hates MT ...... On my car if Acura owns up to it I may have them do the work, otherwise I will find a MT donor car and swap it myself.

roof2006

There's no way Acura will goodwill your transmission after 164,000 miles. I think that's a good, long life for an AT - really.