TL Transmission dead
 

Hey, been a long time since I posted here. I have a 2005 TL, 94k, been solid for 7 years. Two days ago I was driving on the highway and the engine light and VSA off light came on and I couldn't upshift to 5th gear or downshift past 3rd gear, this is an automatic. I turned the car off and I was able to shift although the check engine light was on.

Then the issue went away for that night, but came back yesterday, I was locked in 3rd gear.

I brought the car to my local Acura dealership, they just informed of the news. Tranny is shot and I need a new sensor, grand total $4600, I was completely shocked.

Questions: Is this reasonable cost? Am I better off bringing the car to a local mechanic? I am an idiot with cars and have no idea about the inner workings. Looking for some guidance here as that price was not in my budget. Thank you.

Welcome to the club. And about the $4,600 repair/rebuild...HELL NO

Take it to a reputable shop/tranny shop instead. Should be able to get it down for half that. I had a full rebuild for $2,300

more like $4600 for a new sensor. :damn:

Yeah you should be able to get a rebuilt swapped out for 2K or less

Sensor was $500 and they don't offer rebuilt transmissions. This stinks, I wish I knew more about cars. That $4600 is without tax as well, not a fun day.

$2000-$2400 should be what you should expect to pay bro :tomato:

All these trans prob make me want to get one of those warranty coverages

List the sensor.

You really want a rebuild. Not a Honda sourced replacement. The aftermarket rebuild kits have addressed some of the issues that have caused these failures. The Honda transmissions have not. The OEM sensors can be obtained thru vendors here for half that cost.

Wow. You paid $4600 after all?

:damn:

Seeks advice from knowledgeable car folk, does it anyways. Why do we even bother? You got hosed hank. It might have been a really cheap fix. :whyme:

If he did - OUCH!!:what: :ugh:

$4600 is what expected from Acura dealer, however you can expect paying less by having some professional shop done.

Guys I didn't go through with the repair, I came here seeking guidance. After careful review I am going to have the transmission rebuilt. There is a reputable shop in my area, they only specialize in transmission rebuilds. The manager stated that Acura/Honda transmission go all the time, which surprised me.

I appreciate the replies.

After re-reading my previous reply I could see how you guys thought I went ahead with the purchase. Sorry about that, just stating the cost and it wasn't a fun day. I greatly appreciate the feedback and this forum has always been excellent.

Sounds good and I bet you save a wad of $$. :boogie:

Could get it rebuilt for a lot cheaper.

:poke:

Honestly, it could be fine mechanically. So before you step in the deep end, change your ATF (3 drain & fills) and 3rd & 4th pressure switches. $200 is a lot cheaper than $2400.

Sensors and a 3x3 will in no way cure what he has experienced. The sensors can be reused, but the fluids will be a waste.

I'm reading this for the first time and wondering if Majofo is invisible to the OP. He's right, it's more than likely a cheap electrical issue. More than likely a $50 shift solenoid. Go ahead and rebuild it instead of replacing a cheap solenoid.

It's the pink dog isn't it? :chuckle:

That would be an amazing solution! go pink doggie!

Update: the sensor is the APP sensor. After doing much more research Acura 2005 TL owners had the same exact issue and it was due to the APP sensor. I then asked the service manager how the transmission came into question, she said that the technician test drove the car and it slipped, which I never felt. Unreal, so it basically looks like a faulty sensor vs. a faulty sensor and a transmission. This is why I hate going to the dealership for service. $500 bucks vs. $5,000.

My god Hank, you totally screwed us on that one. Being stuck in 3rd gear and being in limp mode are totally different things. That's why I wanted you to post what sensor the dealership was wanting to charge you $500 for.

APP sensor is a widely known issue. I've even had to replace mine. The bad news is the App sensor is ~$120.. and takes 10 minutes to replace. I hope you didn't pay them to replace it, otherwise the stealership still got you.

Majofo - by no means did I mean to misrepresent the issue. I have read other posts regarding the APP sensor, but that was typically at a red light, not while driving at 65 mph and the VSA off and engine light come on, then stuck in 3rd gear if you slow down and limp mode. I haven't paid for anything yet. Do you have the install instructions for the sensor? I saw a previous link you posted, but it didn't work.

It's easier than changing the battery. Take the car back from the dealership and get it home safely. Order the part from acuraoemparts ($130) or see if the local shops will price match (probably not).

P/N: 37971-RBB-003

Next time, if you're searching for something, Google search: site:acurazine.com (DIY app sensor tl) - don't use parentheses, just put the keywords after site:acurazine.com

http://ww.tl.acurazine.com/forums/sh...php?p=13132897

It's sooo hard to take that dog seriously lol

Whew... I'm glad you figured that out. I was about to post about that same problem and solution. It does sound like they hosed you on the APP sensor, though.

Stories like this make me paranoid about my 04 TL auto with 112K. All service up to date including a 3x3 flush with switch changes. No issues just don't want to get blindsided.

I hope that my 08 TL-S doesn't have these problems.

It will.. just depends how long you own it. :smirk:

I recently had my tranny rebuilt from J&K Transmission in Virginia Beach, VA. Paid $1400 the first time and too it back because it was shifting hard in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear. Then the mechanic took the tranny out again to clean the valve body and put it back together and replaced the 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches. He should have done this the first time through because it fixed all the issues.

However, now I am having an issue with going from 2nd to 3rd gear where in slow speed the car shifts with a lag. So, I am taking it back to the garage to get it looked at.

Acura dealership wanted to charge me $4k and I said hail naw and luckily found this guy that could do it for a fraction of the price. Then again, my car isn't running smoothly yet still so everything comes at a price. Still beats paying $4k if I can deal with the 2nd to 3rd gear change.

^Please keep us updated. It is frustrating when those of us who try to search, find a thread, then no update to whatever issue. I know this is not the same problem as the OP, but may help some others in the future.

I will be taking it in tomorrow afternoon and I am praying it's something that is easily fixable. Not going to be without my car again and my type-s rims are itching to get mounted on =/

Lag? As in drawn out shifts?

Not sure how else to describe it due to my lack of mechanical knowledge but the best way I can describe it is when in sport shift mode, when I shift from 2nd to 3rd, it doesn't shift right away. The rpm would jump a little bit and stay there until the gear changes. Similar behavior when in auto or D mode.

Sounds like normal behavior when you try to manually shift an automatic.

Damn I paid close to $3000 for my rebuild.