IcouldsleepnmyTL

I have a 04 TL with 88k on the odo automatic I drive the car in tiptronic 90% of the time.
I noticed a flashing "D"light when shifting from 2nd to 3rd about a month ago it went away and since then hasnt returned except for yesterday when I noticed the flashing "D" light again.
I want to take the car to the dealer and have this issue rectified hopefully with a 3x3 drain and fill. My question for you guys is (1) Should I do the 3x3 all at once? (2) Or should I do the 1x3 first? And if so how do I suggest just that to the dealer? Oooo and the last question how would one know if the pressure switches are bad? I know at this age the car is more than likely due for some new ones...

csmeance

Flashing D light means that there is a problem with the transmission. My MDX had the blinking light and it turned out to be the 5th gear pressure switch and acura replaced it, problem solved! Acura can hook up the HDS system (honda diagnostic system) and actually read the code and tell you what exactly is the issue. It could be as simple as another bad switch or as bad as a whole "internal failure" according to the car.

I think you are the first person here who actually uses their manual shifting option more than for a few minutes!

Try running the car in regular auto and see if it doesn't switch into a certain gear by itself or other issues.

With 88K you need to be careful! Have you ever changed the fluid before? If not, was that 88K highway or city driving?

The problem with changing the fluid at higher miles or after a ton of city miles is that the transmission parts are already worn down, and the only thing keeping it working is the little pieces floating in the old fluid.

Hacura

Check your fluid levels and also inspect for leaks. I'd stop driving in auto-manual and so agressive until you get the problem fixed. Along with the 3x3, you need to do the pressure switches regardless if they are bad or not because doing so will prolong the life of your tranny. I did the 3x3 in the same day but some folks have suggested waiting a little longer in between drains. Many experienced folks here run Redline Type-F or D4 fluid over the OEM Z1 or DW-1. Search around for the redline threads. If you fluid is very old, I'd start with a 3x3 and another 1x3 every three weeks after for a total of 6 changes.

If the flashing D doesn't go away after the fluid and switches, I'd take it in.

IcouldsleepnmyTL

Also I noticed that in 2nd gear mid RPMs the car shakes, also in 3rd the car shakes. Im going to do as you guys suggested and drive the car in regular auto.
Ive only had the car for about 3 1/2 months, the 2000 miles Ive put on it have been mostly city miles... when i first was looking at the car I ran a carfax and it showed that the 2nd owner lived in Jersey City( Very city like). So these could all be city miles :-(.
I havent done a ATF change but Im goin to inspect the fluid level and color, set up a appointment at acura for saturday or monday.

Majofo

Sounds like sensor related if the flashing D doesn't remain on. If it were to remain engaged, I believe it restricts SS mode as well. Might be pressure switch related to 3rd. Definitely fresh ATF is needed soon with those miles.. it'll either get better or disintegrate from this point. Be aware that even minor issues with transmissions, the shop will recommend replacing the whole unit rather than fixing the issue. Keep us updated.

I hate cars

You need to do a search. There are hundreds of pages on shudder and how to fix it. I'll guarantee the code is for a pressure switch. You're lucky the trans has not failed yet which it will if you don't fix it quickly.

IcouldsleepnmyTL

Thanks fellas, the car is either going to acura or to this reputable tranny shop in my area. I have a appointment set tomorrow with the tranny shop.
Quick question if there is no flashing D light how will they be able to retrieve any code from the tranny?

I hate cars

It's stored. Acura will just tell you that you need a new trans. Have the code read and replace the appropriate part. Again, a simple search would show you that you need about $75 in parts to fix this problem yourself.

IcouldsleepnmyTL

SEARCH is my friend. My apologies
And thanks for the info guys

Majofo

IHC is right.. more than likely it's those pressure switches.

wise_optimist

Just wanted to share my experience with flashing "D" light...

Over the weekend, I noticed the little LED light next to D was flashing, but the car was driving fine. Flashing disappeared when car was turned off. This happened twice over the weekend, but not every time I drove the car.

I took the car in to a Honda/Acura specialist shop and they diagnosed it as 3rd gear pressure switch failure. I figured that would be the case since the car drove just fine and flashing light disappeared after car is turned off. (Searching Acurazine got me to that conclusion)

One thing I noticed, is that before replacing the switch, 2-3 gear change was rough about half the time. The car hesitated going into 3rd gear, especially when driven slowly. This has disappeared after replacing the switch. Sluggish gear change between 2nd and 3rd when driven slowly could be a symptom of a failing switch. New switch part number was 28610-RAY-003.

I'm using DW-1, doing drain and fill at every oil change (every six month, about 5000 miles). I bought the car last July (~67600 miles) and I've done 3 drain and fills so far. When I did drain and fill for the first time, old fluid smelled pretty bad (burnt smell). It is cherry red now. And no shutter. It's got about ~78500 miles.

Majofo

You should change the 4th gear switch as well.