alana106

We have a 2006 TL purchased new with only 45k miles. Upon exiting the highway last night the car would not pull. Acted like it had been placed in neutral. Same condition in reverse or drive, engine revved with no movement. No lights on dash or codes exist in memory.
After stopping and restarting the engine it seemed to run and shift just fine for a short while, and then the problem returns. Shutting of the engine and restarting seems to correct the problem, but only for a few minutes.
Placed a quick call to the service dept of my dealer. He thought the transmission might be gone, ($6800 for a remanufactured) but also mentioned an APP sensor. From what I read the APP sensor seems to be related more to shifting problems.
Would appreciate hearing from anyone with experience/info related to the problem.
Thanks!

truonghthe

APP will cause random down shift or eradicate shifting, it seem that the AT on it way out the condition you described is call "slipping". When was the last time you do the ATF drain and fill.

alana106

Trans fluid has not been changed Cant remember ever changing fluid at 45k miles or less.

truonghthe

Oh my goss did you said "it never been changed"? I take it as you bought the TL when new? if so the Z1 fluid def way past due. Honda recommend service is 60k miles but I would def do that before 60k miles, also the pressure switches needed to be replace every two years or 60k miles. I did 5x3 (drain and fill five time with DW-1) before replace the switches and pour in new fluid, my AT shifting so smooth, from now on I would replace the ATF every 15k miles.

Jason917

I would do a 3x3 drain and fill with the dw1 fluid. My car had that neutral feeling between gears and jerked after the fluid change and transmission filter change its been smooth. I would also take it to a local transmission shop to have all the sensors tested. P.s some transmission shops will tell u something totally diffrent and expensive have them check the car then get a 2nd transmission shop opinion before commiting to any work.

alana106

Thanks Jason,
The transmission shop I used in the past has been closed. I intend to call them in the morning and see what they say. Not sure if I trust trying to drive there. (will depend on my mood when the time comes) Also thought I might contact the service manager at my Acura dealer. With only 45,000 miles thought I'd see if they would offer any good will help. I currently own 2 Honda odysseys and a Lexus that came from the same family of dealerships.

csmeance

It's a problem with the valve body or the electronics not allowing pressure to build. If there is a clog in the valve body trans will need to be disassembled.

Turn on the car and put it in Drive. Does the D light in the gauge cluster blink? If it does, a code should be stored in the car's Computer that can help pinpoint the issue.

45K is low mileage, but fluid is not meant to last 10+ years without being replaced. Engine oil needs to be replaced 1x year minimum as it becomes acidic. Coolant needs to be changed every 10 yrs/105K miles.

alana106

Thanks,

I have no blinking D or other lights and no codes come up. Probably have the car towed to have it looked at tomorrow.

coolconb

I had the same exact problem with my 06tl with 70k on it (fluid change done at 55k). I end up needing a new transmission. I was able to get goodwill and had the transmission, all the mounts trans and engine , water pump timeing belt and tensioners ext..., and the Rms done for little over 4K.
Ps.my transmission fluid smelled like spoiled milk.

alana106

Glad to hear you received goodwill assistance. I was disappointed when my request was refused. I own 2 Honda Odysseys and an accord, but still no help from the factory.. The service manager at my dealer estimated $6,500 for the transmission, and offered 10% off.
I had the transmission rebuilt at an independent shop I've used in the past for $2,600.
Estimates ran as little as $1,800, but I didn't have any experience or confidence in these shops. The transmission shop I used said that this is a common problem for Honda / Acura, but usually with higher mileage, He said that updates now exist for the valve body that provides pressure to the torque converter that should prevent this from reoccurring. I have been a big fan and supporter of Hondas for the last decade, and many friends and relatives have purchased these cars on my recommendation. I will no longer do this since goodwill assistance was refused. I know people with domestic cars, (Ford etc) that were taken better care of with similar problems. Good luck with your car. I believe this former loyal customer is done with Honda. I feel foolish for all of the recommendations I made in the past.
Alan

musiclevelz5

If you think Ford or another American car manufacturer cares about their customers you will be surprised. It is substandard at best.

Honda cannot goodwill everything based on many variations. One cannot go on one bad experience to sour an otherwise good relationship.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

This has been around for years and the most common problem with the transmission is overheated converters. If you don't want to watch the entire video jump to the 9 minute mark and it will show how to ensure flow to the converter.
Posted by Hiram Gutierrez (Transmissions Unlimited-Texas)

daviddln

I have a 2006 acura tl. about 200k miles had the same problem where the car would drive fine and randomly would go into neutral and I'd have to restart the car for it to run fine. I did a transmission fluid chamge and filter. You should of seen the chocolate color of the oil, it was low aswell. Its ran very good since a month ago. It started doing that last night again checked the transmission oil and looks about right. Engine light is on and will be checking on it once in out of work. Could it be I need to change the transmission fluid to flush the old oil out? Or maybe a sensor