MangoBS

Hello, im not to good with cars, even though my dad is a mechanic for a tire shop he never told me about changing transmission fluid. I bought my 2001 acura CL with 203,000 miles. Im now at 276,000 and it shakes violently in 3rd gear, sometimes 2nd too, going around 20-30 mph, below 2k rpm. Always when going up hill but sometimes when the road is perfectly flat too. I have never changed the transmission fluid and I dont know when the previous owner did it last, if at all. Talked to an acura tech at a dealership who has been there for 15+ years. I asked about a 3x3 flush and he said its a gamble. 50% of cars that havent changed fluid in that long of a time dont make it off the lot he said. Just wondering what some of you think of this advice? I would like to fix it but with this many miles it makes no sense to put money into it, especially if it could kill it. Thanks -Brian.

frankjnjr

IMO: Judging from your symptom description, " it shakes violently in 3rd gear, sometimes 2nd too, going around 20-30 mph, below 2k rpm. Always when going up hill but sometimes when the road is perfectly flat too.", your transmission is probably TOAST! As a last ditch effort, you may want to check out, fellow member, 01acls recommendation, and service the transmission, according to his GUIDELINE. If, indeed, there is any life left in your transmission, the 01acls procedure, MAY work!

Flexing my musCL-S

276k, isnt that a record for these autotragics?

thoiboi

If the car dies after a fluid, it was going to die anyway.

MangoBS

The car feels good still, drives fine, feels solid, its onky that issue wich i can avoid by just giving it mire gas. I just dont like to change my driving habits to drive around the cars issues. I think she has (and hope) plenty of life left in her. If i do the change and kill it prematurely I will think i made the wrong move. She could die tomorrow if i do the change but if i dont she could last to 300,000 or more. It sounds like a gamble im not willing to take. At least until i have a second car.

frankjnjr

Good luck with that, Brian.

MangoBS

i looked for 01acl's guide. We're you talking about the stop and go trick? And thank you lol. Im going to try to contact the previous owner... And get my money back! No just kidding, I'm going to ask him if he has ever replaced the transmission or did any fluid changes. Is 60-70,000 miles to much time? The dealer told me every 30,000 but Scotty kilmer (YouTube) said 60-70 is when he does his. Im hoping the prev. Owner changed it right brcore he sold it.... I doubt that though

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Fact, on these transmissions, sixty to seventy thousand miles without an ATF change is too far. Based upon what you've written so far I'm inclined to think your transmission will fail in short order of you don't replace the fluid, and if you do, it may still fail soon.

TheWeez

This. That transmission is on its lest legs. Changing the fluid might help a bit but at this point even new fluid isn't likely to solve your problems. Continuing with this issue will likely kill the tranny soon enough but I don't think swapping fluid will bring it back from dying this death. I'd advise you start saving for a rebuild or look at other options.

MangoBS

Thank you for the input everyone, i appreciate all the reply. Ive been shopping for a new car anyway, I'd rather buy a car with less miles than put more cash into this one. After i bought the car and fell in love i read online about the transmission problems, had no idea before i bought. Its always been in the back of my mind but I'm happy its made it this far already. My daughter is habing a major surgery soon i wont be driving for a few weeks anyway I deliver pizzas for now, put on about 80-100 miles a day. Thats how ive been able to rack up 73,000 miles in just 2 years. I paid 1,500 so id say I got my value out of her. I'm not going to change thw fluid. But ill lwt you all know how long she goes for. If i make it to 300,000 ill post an update. Or if it dies lol.