Hi, I have posted numerous times about my hard shift from 1 -> 2 hoping it was a mount or something else, but I now want to be ready if it is the transmission.
Yes i have changed the pressure switches and done a 3x3.

I found a local transmission shop that will do it for $1400 + parts. for that price I decided i would rather keep the car than try to ditch it before the transmission dies.
1) Any suggestions on rebuild kits? I notice some come with a few more parts than others.
2) Is reparing the torque converter part of a rebuild job? I notice some people mention only fixing it, and speak of it as being a separate part.
3) I need to make sure they reuse the new switches and new mounts, any other info I should know ahead of time to tell the rebuilder?
4) Would it be a good idea at this point to bring the car to the dealer for a diagnosis? Or are they likely to tell me what I already know?
5) My car has been shifting hard for a long time, I think after I changed the switches and did a 3x3 it went away for 5000-7000 miles. Is it better to bring the car in before it is stranded? Aside from saving the cost of a tow? Will the transmission come out better if you do it before it is dead? Or should I just drive it till it dies?

Thanks!@

 

For sure replace the torque convertor. These are also a known problem and you would not want to keep the old one in there. You should be able to get a rebuild installed and out the door for about 1850.00 Not sure how that relates to your 1400 + parts quote. How long of a warranty are you getting. Typically its only 12 months unless the dealership does it but then its twice the cost!

I assume you are out of warranty? Dealer does not have any magic fixes, in fact they just swap out the tranny and dont even open the case.

I would go with the most reputable trans rebuild parts company you can find.
The rebuilder will reuse your switches and mounts as the rebuild kit does not come with any of those parts.

Drive it till your not comfortable driving it. They typically do not fail gradually in my experience they fail quickly. Although I have not had to be towed. Could always limp home.

 

No point in having it rebuilt if it drives. Keep driving it until it gets worse and or fails.

 

Yeah I wasn't planning on getting it repaired till it breaks, mainly because I want that warranty on the rebuild to start as late as possible, I called around for quotes and one shop insisted that I bring the car in for a free diagnosis, which is a great way to ensure when it breaks they get my business, but i dont mind its one of those local, ive been around forever type indy shops. so I will see what they say.
Also, because it did something similar to what it is doing now when i bought it 15k miles ago, maybe not as bad, I figure it could last a while, although I know it could go today.

On my last car a c-class mercedes there was a switch for "summer" and "winter" driving mode, basically all it did was start you in 2nd gear from a stop so your tires had better traction, if only the acura had this option I would never have to touch 1st gear and the car would drive perfect.

Also, there is still a small percentage chance i think it could be a mount, I have changed all the motor mounts and the top transmission mount but I still have vibration at idle and very bad vibration when the A/C is on.. This may be wishful thinking as I can't imagine a mount causing such a hard shift, but I am sick of fooling with the mounts at this point.. I don't know what could be wrong with them.

 

You can use sportshift and shift into 2nd gear and use it instead of starting with 1st gear from a stop.