gthaker

Hi:

I have 1996 3.5 RL w/ 108,000 miles. I have to admit it has been about 50,000 miles since the last transmission fluid change. I have noticed that transmission shifting from 1st of 2nd gear is a bit rough and also at times has audible sound (a slight "thud" or "a loud tick" sound).

I am going to get my fluid changed, but other than the manual saying using genuine acura transmission fluid the type of fluid is not noted. Is dealer the only place to buy this transmission fluid?

Has any one ever experience shift problems that were helped by transmission fluid change?

Thanks

George

Ken1997TL

Check for a bad transmission mount, they're known to go bad on RLs, 1st gen TLs and Legends

acliku1it

hey i had a 98 rl and i had the same problem. i got really nervous and took it to a tranny place and they said it needs to be rebuilt, but i didnt buy it. i went to acura and the service advisor said that rl's is not known to give tranny problems, he suggested to do a power flush with honda tranny fluid. before i took his advise i did sum reasearching in acura's TSB and found out our problem we was having.
It was common on sum rl's. So i went to my local lube station and did a tanny power-flush that was around $130.00 (MAKE SURE TO USE HONDA TRANNY FLUID ONLY) and i crossed my fingers.....i went for a text drive and it was back to normal!!!!! so i suggest u do the same, if it doesnt work dont worry it's not expensive to fix. u need to purchase two parts which it comes out to like $300.00
let me know what the outcome...

btw. if u want the tsb email me at jobadabangyou@tmail.com

good luck!!!!

livinglegend

Take it to the dealer and have them FLUSH it out using the "on lift" method. Use only the ATF-Z1 Honda fluid. If the dealer does not know what that proceedure is...have them look it up on the "IN" network. Its either a TSB or a Service news. It basically states to concetrate on the 1/2 shift, it will take about the next 100 shifts to loosen up and improve the shift quality after the flush. So dont be alarmed if its not gone immediately. Some dealers use a "power machine" flush, this works in some cases but not all. it is preferred to use the "on lift" method. for this problem.