I've read through a ton of transmission posts, but I still feel like I need some input on what to do.

I'm driving a 2006 Acura TL 5AT with 90,100 on the odometer that I purchased new.

In September of 2009 the transmission started acting strange so I towed it to the dealership where they pronounced it dead on arrival. Mileage was approximately 47,000 so it was replaced free of charge under warranty.

In April of 2010 the drive light indicator on the dash started blinking so again I took it in and the 3rd gear pressure switch was replaced free of charge under warranty.

Fast forward to Monday of this week. When pulling off the interstate the transmission wouldn't shift past first gear and check engine lights showed up. I towed it to the dealer expecting the worst and indeed they just called to confirm it is yet again dead. Unfortunately, the replacement warranty on transmission #2 expired in September of 2011 so it's a customer pay. Dealer cost is estimated at $5,800! Obviously I'm not paying $5,800 for a brand new transmission on a car that is likely only worth about $10 or $11K, but could anyone give me some ideas on what I can do?

Has anyone come across this situation before? Will the dealer work with me since I'm barely out of warranty (I'm waiting on a call from the service manager)? Has anyone had their transmission rebuilt? If so, how much should I expect to pay for that?

Thanks for any help you may be able to provide. I'm so pissed that I'm only at 90,000 miles in this car and I'm looking at my third transmission!

 

rebuilds cost anywhere from 2500+ but usually come with warranties.

 

I have an 06 and am on my 3rd trans. first let go at 69K, second one just a few thousand later. third is going fine so far. I am at 90K all were under warranty.

dealer should give you some help, but I believe that an independent trans shop doing a rebuild will result in a better transmission. The rebuild kits address some of the issues that the OEM trans have and I do not believe the factory uses these kits.

I am on trans #3 in our 00 odyssey as well. the rebuilt that we installed most recently was about $2,000 and is essentially the same drivetrain as the TL.

 

You'll get a much better price by avoiding the dealer. Mine cost $2,500 - including tax.

 

i got mine done for $2200 at gushi auto

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm still crossing my fingers that the dealer will do something for me, but I find it unlikely.

 

When you have multiple transmission failures in the same car, assuming they were diagnosed correctly, the dealer should be looking for electrical problems that are likely causing the me mechanical failures starting with BOTH the 3rd and 4th gear switches. It blows my mind when dealers just keep throwing transmissions in the car.

 

Thanks for your feedback everyone. I just got off the phone with the dealership and after two calls to the service manager and a call to Acura Customer Service, Acura has decided to cover 90%.

My bill just went from $5,819 to $407!