peewizzle

phew, i'm glad i'm not the only person getting around 150 miles on a half tank

anyways that's an awesome price for the tranny, i paid twice that and got an 07 with 135k unless the paperwork said 35k and i mistaked for 135k idk now it's been too long..

NellyBGL

Yea, after reading what some of the others are saying for their fuel efficiency, i started driving "slow" today. So far i've driven 56 miles and i think it's better but I'll do a proper test once i fill up again. I'm at half a tank atm.

As for the swap, I actually received a phone call today from someone I told about the swap and my experience with it and now he's asking me to do this swap to his 03 TL-S. I'm sourcing another transmission and I got my cousin that helped me with my first one to help me with the labor and another friend to help us since he has an actual garage with a lift and all the pneumatic tools we'll ever need. I'm just trying to come up with a good price to offer him to do the swap for him.

Gzusrock

That's pretty cool. Hey, you could probably start a little side business "fixing" these transmission problems with the amount of 2nd gen TLs out there on the road and the few "reputable" shops that will even consider putting another model's tranny in a TL. No shop around me would touch it with a ten foot pole.

NellyBGL

I have been getting quotes from local shops. Out of the 8 shops I asked in my local area, only 3 of them were interested but once I told them the transmission was off of a newer model accord with a different sized engine (3.0 instead of our TL's 3.2) they didn't want to give me a quote or even consider doing the swap. People just don't seem to confident about this swap. At least not yet. I won't lie, this is not like a Honda Civic... This involves labor.

3.2TLc

Yeah, but if ya know your way around it......then the work is worth the effort with the TL.

Gzusrock

If you find someone who's familiar enough with Hondas, they will know these 2 transmissions can run in the TL. The issue is finding those people. I got lucky. Mine is being fixed right now.

Gzusrock

Well I just got my '01 TL back from the mechanic today, and I must say the car has never driven better. The transmission swap went smoothly and now I feel confident it'll last another 200K! I gave my mechanic all the instructions from this thread, plus the gasket and O-rings for the warmer, a new filter and a rear main seal. He was impressed with my preparation and said it made everything go easier.

The feel and acceleration is top-notch and doesn't feel jerky and wobbly like the old tranny. It shifts smooth and sport shift works perfectly. The steering is great, too. I'll admit I was not looking forward to losing my power steering assist, but to be honest, I think I actually like it better. It's probably mostly psychological, but I feel like I have better steering control and it doesn't feel like I'm steering on air. My '03 Odyssey actually has heavy steering and the TL feels very similar to it now.

For those that may be considering this swap and you're worried about the steering, believe me, it's not bad at all. The assist really just makes it easier to turn the wheel when you're stopped or coasting slowly. There's no difference in feel while you're going around curves at normal road speeds and VERY LITTLE difference while turning corners. When you're stopped it is noticeably stiffer, but it definitely does not feel like you have no power steering. It's not a lot to lose when you're getting a reliable tranny.

If anyone with a 2nd gen TL is in the Triad, NC area and needs this work done, I can recommend a shop that will gladly do it for a reasonable price.

3.2TLc

Another successful testimonial for the Accord tranny swap !!!!

The Acura engineers and all of their extra goodies like vac assist mounts and low speed assisted power steering put their cars up to the exclusive status for demanding buyers. But, like everything else....once they get a worn around the edges, sometimes it's actually better to have a little more feel for the road, IMO.

peewizzle

i like the sportier tightness of the steering but there is no replacement for power steering assist when u are drunk, tired, and driving home hungover from the casino @ 7AM after a long night of shenanigans haha

kcguru

The swap works great. I purchased a 03 TL w/ 152K miles from an auto auction for $4000 2 months ago. I felt the tranny slipping a bit and bought a 6 month or 6,000 mile warranty form my buddies dealership for 160.00 at the time of purchase. Really, really glad I did; because 1000 miles later the 3 gear started to go out. The warranty company credited me $1000 to repair. I just got my 2003 TL back from Angle's Transmission in the metro KC area( ask for Rob). I found a 06 accord 5 speed w/ 61K on it from local salvage yards(Midway Motors) for 750.00. During the repair we found out the trans mount was bad. My total out of pocket cost was 760.00 + 160(warranty) = 920.00. I feel like this site was me a bundle of cash and now have vehicle that will last forever. I want to thank everyone for sharing their stories, directions and photos. I will keep everyone updated and MPG's.

kcguru

I am getting 25 MPG w/ A/C running almost constantly 2 weeks after my swap. I just got back forma 1300 miles road trip. I was getting between 27-28 mpg on the highway. I was going about 77 - 85 miles an hour w/ A/C on. The switch was a n improvement of about 4-5 miles for both city and highway driving. I am sure I could get better MPG but I don't =drive like a grandma.

2008FZ6

Swap problem resolved! After swapping a 2007 Accord AV6 trans in my 2001 Type S the car would not shift out of 2nd gear and was showing a P0780 code. Turned out my mechanic had two connectors swapped on one of the dual solenoids. The local Honda dealer found the problem after reluctantly agreeing to troubleshoot it. It now works great! Thanks to everyone posting on Acurazine!

victus1

Thank you 2008FZ6. It's people like you who post their problems/solutions that make this thread and acurazine amazing!

RONE

What would your cost have been without the warranty? I'm in KC (Lenexa), and am getting close to needing to do the swap - my '02 at 212K is on its 4th tranny and I'm noting some slippage on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. I'll definitely look into using Angle's Transmission if I end up needing to go this route.

sammy95

Any updates on the 06-07 swap?

fsttyms1

What kind of updates are you looking for. The trans work just fine in these cars.

sammy95

Anything. It's all new to me. A few years ago I don't remember seeing anything about this swap.
My trans is going out, won't go into gear sometimes.
So any feedback on how they work or are doing,
besides, loss or less powersteering at idle, and better acel when downshifting.
I'm looking at one for 1125 shipped 59k miles.

TheMightyQuinn

I've read all the 06-07 swap threads, and no one has yet come back with a problem with trans swap. A few complained of problems, which were almost always turned out to be caused by mistakes when connecting everything back up. No one has yet to report a failed 06-07 swap. The accord trans swap is the solution to our trans problems--cheaper and more reliable than a rebuild or replacement TL trans.

sammy95

Thanks.

TLer trash

I've got one oddball condition going on with my daughters swap. There's a stored code p1739. The service manual says it's in the 3rd gear pressure switch circuit; my scan tool says it's in the trans control module circuit. There are no symptoms, the trans shifts fine, and it doesn't even turn on a cel. It did this with the 07 accord switches that came with the trans, as well as the new ones I bought for the car application (00 tlp). Has anyone else run into this?

3.2TLc

Hey TLer trash, seeing as how ya have a similar issue with trying both the old Accord switch and a new TL switch....it would appear as though the problem may be within the wiring to the PCM. Perhaps a poor connection ???

Maybe just a ghost gremlin if the CEL isn't coming on. Good luck man !!!

Stephen00TL

Almost exactly one year on mine and 20k+ miles no problems so far

sammy95

I think everytime I pull my trans I get faster and faster haha.
Mine is about to come out, just the frame, c/v shafts, lower bolts.

TLer trash
Could it be that you didn't clear the code? I'm sure you did, just checking.
Resistance checking the solenoids will also eliminate the solenoids. But yeah like 3.2TLc said, you're looking upstream from the trans. Wiring or ECM.
Let us know what happens.

TLer trash

Yeah, I've cleared it numerous times. I haven't been really motivated to do pin to pin electrical tests because it shifts great and doesn't trigger a cel. I think I'll try driving it with a scan tool first and see what pops up.

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

So I got sick of having a lawn lawn ornament...I have an 07 accord trans waiting to be installed. Picked one up with 68k for $750.

RONE

Where from?

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

Cocos rastro in hialeah, fl

They had a couple there. I got hooked up because my friends uncle buys there all the time. They had one about 9mths ago for $1,000 with 15k on it.

peewizzle

checking in:

i had mine done end of november 2012 so almost a year of no issues. did the 3x3 before the 6 month mark and everything has been great.

tranny swapped @ 114k
current odo @ 135K

going strong!!

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

Well I did the swap but it seems the solenoids seem to be fried. It takes awhile to shift into gear and kicks like a mule when it does. Forward reverse and kicks whens driving.

First I used the accord ones then swapped to mine, my car has been sitting for 6 months. And its doing the same thing. They are picking up some new solenoids to install today and try it out.

kelvllv

I have an extra set of gasket/washer for sale , OEM - bought it and the shop ended up having a bunch of extras already.

sammy95

Are you sure the trans oil level is set correctly? It sure seems like it.

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

We are about 99% sure its the solenoids. They are getting ridiculously hot from driving less than half a block and back.

The trans is just going to be swapped for another. The issue seems to be that the av6 trans was sitting from a totaled car with the battery in it and almost all the solenoids got battery acid on them and are eaten up in and out. The connector on the solenoids have acid that seems to have gone through the seams and fried them up.


No bigger I getting a newer one for the same price for this oversight.

nats007

So I called 4 transmission shops asking about doing a AV6 swap into the 2G and got the following:

Shop 1 - Yes. Will cost $695 and I'll have to get the transmission

Shop 2 - Yes. Will cost $560 cash and I'll have to get the transmission

Shop 3 - It will not work

Shop 4 - Came at me from a different angle... Why when you can build the existing OEM with better aftermarket parts?

With that, I also asked for the approxmiate charge to rebuild the existing

Shop 1 - $1600-$1800 for parts and labor
Shop 2 - $1700 parts and labor
Shop 3 - $1800 parts and labor
Shop 4 - $1343 parts and labor

Shop 4 stood out to me as he went into great detail as to why he recommends the rebuild over the swap. He even completed a 2G transmission overhaul last week and provided a breakout of what was replaced as part of the rebuild. He mentioned the common failures of the transmission such as the torque converter clutch failures, pressure swtiches, solenoids, etc. and does a full diagnostic (free) to confirm what the transmission issue is and recommends appropriate repair. He even cautioned that I can get a AV6, but may still have to do diagnostic/repair on the trans that I purchase to confirm the transmission is functional when he can rebuild the existing OEM trans with better aftermarket parts.

So, I know he was providing his , but now I'm on the fence with a potential rebuild vs. AV6 swap. First rebuild was with Acura at 130K and now I'm just over 204K looking at another. He did mention that Acura rebuilds are quality work, but use the same faulty OEM components which leads to failures again.

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

Swap over rebuild. All day everyday.

nats007

I hear you and that is the general consensus I've seen. I guess I'm trying to clarify if anyone has rebuild their TL trans with aftermarket parts that received the same claim that it is better than OEM parts and still have a transmission fail in a short mileage/timeframe?

I'm only asking because I'm not pulling the trans out of the donor, so I really don't know the condition of it until it gets to my front door and I don't want to go down that path and get screwed either. Not to mention, there is no real warranty for the AV6 trans that I'll be getting from the shop for the install while there is a warranty for the rebuild.

Just weighing the options before I pull the trigger

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

I've burned through 4 transmissions. First and second were full replacements at the dealer. Third dealer refused to do it. Im on the 4th which is being swapped to the av6 trans.

The car has very little milage. I bought the car December 05 with 64k at 67k second trans went...service records show a trans replacement at 32k. At 94k in 10 third trans went out. After less 30k again my trans has burned out. The od is 116k.

So yes I believe in fuck rebuilding a shitty trans to have it happen again. Av6 swap or manual swap.

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

Also the worst mistake of my life was giving my car to my mom. After the third trans I give the car to her. The last 20k were put on by her in a year. As she hit almost every corner I come to find out after taking yhe car a drive that then trans is slipping. When I asked I get "oh yea for like 2 months now its been doing that" my redponse "thanks for the heads up" boom 4th trans

3.2TLc

...Hey Nats007, so you're going with shop #4, huh ?

If your'e only going to keep the car make sure that they lock in that price and give ya an extended free warranty on their work...as you'll need it if you're intending on keeping the car awhile.

Shop #2 was a good price on labor installing an AV6 which ya should be able to pick up for less than $1000, so the total prices are very comparable. It's all about what ya want not only now , but down the road a few years from now. It's your choice !!!

nats007

Still debating... Ultimately, I think we will be replacing the trans or fixing it an keep it for a couple more years. I'll take it in to both shops and hear what they have to say on the current condition. Based on what I hear, I'll know which route I wanna go

peewizzle

i cannot recommend the AV6 swap enough!!!! but to all there own.

here's to crossing fingers and hoping we don't see a "rebuilt tranny has gone" thread within the next year though