01tl4tl

the computerization and shift logic systems on the cars of today were not compat with a basic `on the lift` fluid change- Sir or Maam

so out of nothing more than pure boredom and job preservation, some engineers came up with the new method. It states- since it has been some time since the last method update...

or some such service writer type bs

AcuraVic

Dropped off the TL this morning. Got a loaner car (08/TL). Car is supposed to be ready Friday evening, however they promised to give me an update call on Friday sometime.
Side Note, I bought my 04/TL new, and this 08 feels 'stiffer' and a little jerky compared to the 04 when it was new. Not a bad thing, and the 08 is not broke in yet.

Xpditor

I was speaking with Acura Client Services today about recalls.

She told me I needed to have the recall letter to get the work done on the windshield wiper motor and power steering hose and those letters haven't been sent out yet.

I told her I would soon be out of warranty but that I only had 12k miles on my car which had been meticulously maintained including two auto tranny drain and fills.

I asked if I had a tranny problem after the warranty was up, could we talk?

She said, "Of course. We often make after warranty adjustments if the customer is a good one, the car has low miles, and has been maintained well."

It's nice to know that's their policy.

She also told me, after asking for my VIN, that my TL had the factory mods on the tranny and was good to go.

01tl4tl

factory mods to trans completed LOL probably meant the external oil jet install was completed that is all
Does not fix the real trans problem
Never trust the 800 number people- get it in writing- oh we will cover you later - riiiiiiight

trans drain anf fill- what a scam!! change 3 of 7.3 qts- yeah thats gong to do a lot of nothing

Hromit

[QUOTE=AcuraVic]One More thing.....


If you do it yourself, you'll need an impact driver to get the ATF bolt off.

Why will I need an impact driver? No wrench or cordless screwdriver will do the job? I have to confess when I changed the oil the first time after the dealer everything was tightened super strongly!

Hromit

BTW, what is torque converter lockup and how is it achieved? I am about to change the fluid in my 2004 TL with AT at 45K. But boy, according to the news article the fluid should be drained and refilled four times. Does it mean I will need between 12-16 quarts? How much is the OEM trans fluid? Maybe it is worth taking to the dealer?

Xpditor

They did it for Vic.

A thorough drain and fill is 3 X 3 quarts and gets rid of the metallic junk on the drain plug and replaces the additive package and friction modifiers and replaces about 90% of the fluid.

I think I agree with the people who build the tranny that is better than nothing.

Rinsing your laundry doesn't get rid of 100% of the dirt or detergent but we still do laundry because the alternative is unacceptable.

Xpditor

I paid $6/qt for Acura AT fluid.

01tl4tl

search for 3x3 fluid change
3 qts is all the trans will give up at one time- the rest hidden in the torque convertor and other places-
drain3 refill with 3 new- drive 5 minutes- drain 3 qts and refill- drive 5 minutes-drain refill
most do it so a total of 9 qts is used, and the trans holds 7.3- so that as good a job as possible. The old fluid gets pushed along its path and towards the drain with gear shifting.
plug torque spec 29 ft lbs, same as the oil drain. Get a new washer for the drain plug at honda when you buy the fluid. Dont try other fluid brands, use the honda stuff

AcuraVic

Yes, My wife (04/Mercedes E500) is very impressed with they 'love' I am receiving from Acura.

Side Note, my TL has the factory fixed Tranny (the one that is being replaced). If you start hearing whining or you car sounding like its supercharged, it could be the start of the tranny problem.

AcuraVic

[QUOTE=Hromit]I was speaking of the ATF drain and refill, not the Oil change. I could not get the ATF bolt off to do the drain and refill. I believe there is a sealing washer on the ATF bolt which has to be replaced after every refill.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

the ATF bolt is usually a b!tch to get off... i had to use a cheater bar to get more leverage to get it to break loose...

SodaLuvr

Yup.

Get a two foot section of PVC pipe from Home Depot and slip in over your ratchet's handle. Works great, especially for that darn fill plug!

Xpditor

It wasn't THAT bad. LOL I just used my torque wrench. But a 1/2" breaker bar will work, too.

Just watch your knuckles.

It's an aluminum crush washer on the ATF drain bolt. In fact, I think it is the same as used on the oil drain bolt.

The top crush washer at the fill opening is much bigger in diameter, however. But, it can also be reused safely if it's not damaged. It's not covered with fluid inside so not much chance of leaking like the drain bolt.

AcuraVic

Got the car back and its running (shifting) like new. The supercharger like whining is gone, and the shifts are seemless like it shifted when new.
Only thing left is for Acura to find my lock nut key. I'm sure they had to take off one of the front wheels to replace the tranny.
The service was great (SONS Acura in Jonesboro).

Xpditor

Thanks for reporting back, Vic.

Too often, all we hear is the bitching.

It's just as important to hold up the good guys, too.

runninlow3

Would you or anyone else happen to know what the starting vin numbers are that have the factory tranny mods done?

Thanks

Xpditor

Not off the top of my head but if you check the 3G Garage Sticky and search for tranny or transmission, I think you'll find it.

01tl4tl

Do you mean the external oil jet kit becoming internal,
or the alleged change in the oil passageway size in the case?

You can look up YOUR vin on acuras site- where everyone should be registered anyway- if there are any safety or recall notices- you get notified
also register with them on the other system at 1-800-382-2238x5
https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/login.asp?brand=acura
You will need the vin for both of those

rwlundberg

When you had your tranmisson paid for by the dealer, was it still under warranty??? Just wondering. Did you have any indicators that your tranny was going out?? I have an 04 and I got on it the other day getting onto the freeway, I had the tranny light flash about 7 times and went off. Did you have that happen prior to your tranny going out?? Thanks

01tl4tl

If the D5 is flashing- you need to be a dashin-
to the dealer without delay

It is considered a warning signal and it does only flash for a few seconds then stops- happens when getting on it hard and 2nd gear probably
Loaner cars

Xpditor

From the 3G Garage sticky:

Acura3GTL

i got a case for 5.80/qt at honda in city of industry, ca.