NOVA05TL

My story goes like this:
- Bought 05' TL w/68k (no navi) a month ago - yay!

- Auto Trans fluid looked old, no issues with shifting to speak of and talked to local dealer and my non-dealer shops who both recommended the BG Flush solution for ~$225; $150 for dealer to do 1x drain-and-fill (not a 3x) which by comparison is a rip-off so went with the more thorough job upon dealer recommendations. Yep, Pohanka Acura recommends the BG machine flush solution.

- Job done 2 wks ago and trans appears to be slipping/jumping/shifting unexpectedly in the 2nd-to-3rd shift pattern (like it's not holding gear through power band under full throttle at ~4k RPM). I seem to remember this happening spec. when in manual-shift mode at ~50mph. Mechanical perception says shouldn't matter whether it's in man-shift or reg-drive, no?

- Now seeing posts that Acura specifically does not recommend machine flush services for these cars here on our BB makes me befuddled as to why my dealer recommended the BG solution?

Thoughts on a good tactical approach to this are appreciated, like:
1) Take bk to Pohanka w/ the Acura bulletin in-hand & a friendly but firm results-oriented tone; if zero results then play the victim, file the complaint w/Acura, hold out hope for a new trans based on the false recommendation?

2) Eff the dealer - I'm out of warranty so just 3x replace the new Z fluid w/Redline or superior non-OEM as many others have done. Consider 2nd/3rd switches too?

3) Combo plan - do #1 then #2 as applicable.

4) Other?

Thanks for any thoughts and time.

KF

Bearcat94

Why are you out of warranty? Drive train warranty is 7-years or 100,000 miles and includes the trans, right?

Go with Option 1. Make sure you ride with the tech so you don't get the standard "could not reproduce problem" report - insist on it.


Edit:

BTW - some "flushing" systems don't truely "flush", but replace with new as the old is removed. Not sure how the BG system works.

NOVA05TL

Thanks and the std. OEM drivetrain warrty is 5 yrs or 50k. You're probably thinking what an extended warrty or certified one carries.

NOVA05TL

Correction: 4 yrs/50k

csmeance

It's worth a shot going to the service manager and showing them the TSB from Honda/Acura and as tell them of the issue that started RIGHT AFTER you got their machine flush.

The worst they will say is that sorry we didn't do it. Then you call up Acura Client Services and say look, I just got this car and followed what the dealer told me to do and that this has put a sour taste in your mouth with the acura brand. Tell them you can understand mistakes are made and that's why you want things made right to remedy the situation.

If that doesn't work, then opt for the 3x3 with redline fluid and the pressure switches.

nfnsquared

Don't see anything in the 04 TL warranty booklet indicating a separate drive train warranty. It's just the 4yr/50K....

Derk's K24

Yeah the 7 year 100K is the certified warranty.

OP, I would go with the combo of 1 then 2.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

i say go with combo.

i've gone to the same dealer plenty of times. just be nice and ask them "why does acura say one thing and you guys do another?? i went with your (the dealer's) suggestion and now my trans is acting up. WTH?" no need to burn bridges. go to them with the TSB in hand and just ask. obviously your trans is messed up right now. and yes take the ride WITH the tech or the shop foreman and describe what you are feeling/hearing.

i've had my share of revisiting these guys for the same issue and they've been more than willing to work with me on the problem.

PM me...i'm interested in knowing who your SA was. i've worked with a few of them (some really good, and some not so...good).

pohljm

warranty on an 06 is to 70K, actually 72,500 because of lawsuit. I just had my tranny replaced at 69,500. )% may be only to 50k?

Bearcat94

2006, 2007 & 2008:

http://owners.acura.com/Documentum/W...s/BWL33424.pdf


Did not know they added Power Train for only '06, '07 & '08. Wonder why.

Sucks for 2004 & 2005. Seriously, sorry to here that NOVA05TL.

Maybe you can get them to throw in some "goodwill"? Worth a try, "So you're telling me if I had bought a 2006 - same car, 1 model year later - I would've been covered under warranty to 70,000 miles? Man, that blows. Isn't there anything you guys can do to help me out?"

nfnsquared

Well, that kind of sucks for the OP and other 04/05 owners.

Wonder why they didn't do it for 04/05? Good deal for the rest of you guys/gals.

Here's the 04 warranty manual for comparison:

http://owners.acura.com/Documentum/W...s/bwl24729.pdf

NOVA05TL

Thanks - what have they done in your situation to resolve the issue? I called two other local DC Metro Acura dealers, one tells me they use BG process too and the other told me not to use. The anti-BG Advisor corraborated that the pressure put on these transmissions in the process can damage the clutch packs, a process chosen in favor of profit over service quality. It's clear then TSBs are treated as nothing more than suggestions dealers opt-in or out of. Ok I get that to an extent but when you talk about an auto trans, the expectation is to follow OEM advice but profit prevails! It's also clear there's no consistency across dealerships on a major issue like this which is pathetic.

Good advice to remain cool but my family has bought 5 cars from their Lexus family store next-door. I am obviously a fool taking their advice and it sounds like you got burned too for . If we can't trust a major OEM dealer servicing dept opinion then what value are they in reality?

Bearcat94

You know, since the dealer used an non-Acura approved method, you may have something to hang your hat on via Acura Corporate.

Basically your argument is that their dealer ruined your transmission by performing a procedure that Acura specifically and cleary prohibits.

Depending on the outcome of your dealer discussion, you might want to open a case with Acura Corporate. Insist that they have a manager/regional rep call you back. If things go very poorly at the dealer, make that call to corporate while you're standing next to your service advisor.


BTW - beyond any TSB (which may or may not apply to your specific car and situation), there is a Service News article that specifically discusses the use of the drain and replace procedure. Maybe more than one. The one I'm thinking of has the step-by-step instructions and a specific prohibition against flushing.

You'll have to sort through the bulletins to find the article; I don't remember when it was published. Follow the instructions in Post #1 to access them via this link: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/acura-servicenews-bulletins-588838/

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

well the downside, you did not originally go in requesting the 3x3 and knowing that was the approved procedure for the trans flush (or did you, i may have missed that, my apologies if i did). i have not specifically had to deal with a trans flush for my car yet (i have a 6MT, and yes i have the occasional 3rd gear "stroke" but its not often enough for me to want to have them do anything about it). i have had other issues that have come up and given me great annoyance which resulted in going back to them to get it resolved.

so is the BG flush a cost cutter and money maker? not sure. does it go against the manufacturer's recommendations? yes. should there be consistency between service dept at dealers?? absolutely. and yes its sad.

even though you may have purchased 5 cars from the lexus dealer next door...i hear the lexus service dept is about 100 times worse than the acura side. but on a serious note, all the years i've gone to this dealer for service, i've had nothing but great service, yeah i pay out the ear for it, but that's ok. plus i'm one of those rare peeps that goes in knowing exactly what i need to have done and expect nothing less. so no BSing around. my SA actually prefers it that way, b/c i know my car and how its suppose to drive, he doesn't have to try and upsell me on anything (more like he won't b/c i'll know he's yanking my chain and knowledge is power).

05 NHB

Had the BG flush last year at about 55k. Now at about 65k and no problems yet,