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I have a 2010 TL SH-AWD MT that I purchased used 8+ years ago from a dealer in Houston. Fantastic car other than the dreaded J37 oil consumption issue which Acura finally fixed a couple of years ago. I also replaced the clutch in October 2020. Now a new problem as arisen...
Returning home from running errands yesterday, I was caught up in a DOT rolling slowdown for about 25 minutes. About halfway up a maybe 4-5% incline, my MID displayed a Hill Assist error (picture attached), but I had to continue on as my son was due home from school in 30 minutes. After getting off the freeway, 2nd gear was hard to shift into from 1st, but it did engage with some noise (unfortunately). As I was pulling into my driveway I tried to downshift into 1st from 2nd and was unable to do so. I let the car sit for several hours and tried to shift both with the engine off and on, but can only shift into 3rd or 4th gear.
Before I drop major coin on a used transmission, what do you guys think? So far I've thought the synchros are shot, clutch master may have gone, that shift into 2nd after getting off the freeway may have chewed up that gear and the resulting debris is all over the transmission. Your thoughts?
Last edited by Loc; 03-02-2022 at 01:51 PM.
Reason: formatting
I don't have a Manual TL myself BUT nearly all of my vehicles have had a manual transmissions. I would initially suspect a problem with the clutch master , slave cylinder or both. These are hydraulic clutches and no one ever seems to replace the hydraulic fluid regularly, which should really be done every 3-4 years IMHO. Hope it is a good starting point for your search to the root cause.
I don't have a Manual TL myself BUT nearly all of my vehicles have had a manual transmissions. I would initially suspect a problem with the clutch master , slave cylinder or both. These are hydraulic clutches and no one ever seems to replace the hydraulic fluid regularly, which should really be done every 3-4 years IMHO. Hope it is a good starting point for your search to the root cause.
Would you consider this even though the clutch was replaced in October 2020 and both the clutch master and slave cylinder were checked out thoroughly including replacing the hydraulic fluid? Asking as I'm not mechanically inclined beyond oil changes, rotating tires and spark plugs.
Take a look at the master and slave cylinder while someone pushes the clutch. Those symptoms can happen from a clutch hydraulic problem too which you can diagnose fairly easily by looking in your engine bay.
Thanks for the response folks. My stepson, a certified Ford technician, and I tested the master cylinder yesterday and it's working fine. Clutch hydraulic fluid is at the MAX line and is pink, so that's not the issue. Transmission swap coming up...ugghhh.
I am sorry you are going through this. Also not super mechanically inclined but wondering what could be the issue here. Own the 6MT for engagement #1 but have always thought of the reliability/cheapness to fix as a #2. Have owned manuals for 25 years and have only replaced a couple clutches. Have done my own trans fluid changes without issue, including on my 2014 nearly 2 years ago. Would be devastated and pissed at the idea of trying to source a new one.
Thanks for the response folks. My stepson, a certified Ford technician, and I tested the master cylinder yesterday and it's working fine. Clutch hydraulic fluid is at the MAX line and is pink, so that's not the issue. Transmission swap coming up...ugghhh.
Never used pink brake fluid before. Why is it pink?
With the master cylinder confirmed working, is the slave also receiving the input from the master?
Hold clutch in as well and ensure clutch holds pressure by looking at the fork/slave
Why would the trans just break all of a sudden, though?
I would make sure the slave cyl is properly disengaging the clutch.
You had the clutch done semi recently. What brand did they use? If you used an aftermarket clutch, there is a high chance of a failed release bearing or clutch component. Did you use a clutch with a sprung hub, by chance?
Why would the trans just break all of a sudden, though?
I would make sure the slave cyl is properly disengaging the clutch.
You had the clutch done semi recently. What brand did they use? If you used an aftermarket clutch, there is a high chance of a failed release bearing or clutch component. Did you use a clutch with a sprung hub, by chance?
All parts were either genuine Acura/Honda or the OEM manufacture (flywheel only). I have a used transmission coming, with warranty, and will be tearing into full diagnosis this weekend.
Well, the LTL shipping company is having some logistics issues themselves and transmission still hasn't been delivered. Also waiting for space at the shop of my son's friend where the repair will take place. We'll be able to look at the great suggestions at that point. The saga continues...
We were able to go pickup the used transmission a couple of days after the last update and the TL is now in the shop. The transmission assembly is just about removed, however, when the transfer assembly was removed it puked out a bunch of fluid. Question: Is this MTF or another fluid?
We were able to go pickup the used transmission a couple of days after the last update and the TL is now in the shop. The transmission assembly is just about removed, however, when the transfer assembly was removed it puked out a bunch of fluid. Question: Is this MTF or another fluid?
I believe transfer case is filled with gear oil 75W-90 Mobil 1.
Got the car back Sunday from the boys and it works like a champ! New MTF in the transmission and GL-5 in the transfer assembly and the used transmission is purring along just fine. Anyone want to buy a used 6MT and rebuild the internals? They're worth at least $3500 in rebuilt form, but since they're so rare and Acura doesn't make them anymore, you could likely name your price.
I've actually been looking for someone local to rebuild it as the used transmission is whining now, so no, not for sale at this time. I'd suggest getting on LKQ's website to source a used transmission from if you need one immediately. Don't get discouraged by all the AT transmission; the 6MT I bought was literally the LAST one listed on 14 PAGES of 4G Acura TL trannys. No joke.
03-02-2022, 01:50 PM
2010 TL MT - Can't shift into 1, 2, 5, 6, R
