Chanduc

I just got a check engine light on my 1999 acura tl. Yesterday I took it a firestone autoshop to change my tires and there was some issue with my engine mounts. There was some vibration when i stop at a signal light. So I asked them to fix that as well. They charged me $300 for engine mounts. Car was absolutely fine last night, But i got the CE and TCS signals on when started the car this morning. I am not sure if its just a coincidence or what. TCS signal went off but the CE is still on. Now the firestone guyz are telling me it may be a transmission issue. Any help is appreciated.

fsttyms1

Get the codes read. If you dont live in Cali most auto parts stores read them for free. Get the code and we can help you, other wise all we would be doing is guessing.

Chanduc

I got the code. They said its Po740. They said this is a transmission issue and quoted $2500 to fix it. Now I see that the CE is gone again. Is it a bad signal or am I going to get the signal back on after some time. I dont want to spend $2500 any other solution?

ErickUa5

Check the transmission fluid level with engine off and warmed up it should be between the dots.
Have you ever changed the transmission fluid ? if not try a drain and fill with 3 quarts of Honda ATF DW-1 only

Chanduc

I have never changed the trasmission fluid. BTW he mentioned its taking longer than normal to shift 2nd gear but I havent find anything of that sort. Its shifting fine I guess. Would this transmission flush would fix the problem? If I take it to amechanic how much would they charge?

3.2TLc

Hey Chanduc, before the work at the Firestone shop......were ya experiencing any shifting problems with the tranny ? Was the CEL read prior to the work done at the shop ? The '99 trannys are much more durable than the newer 5 speeds in the '00 and up TL's. Get another opinion on the tranny !!!

The P0740 code is for a potential problem within the tranny's "Lock-up Control System". Check the fluid's level and condition. A tranny drain & fill using Honda DW1 fluid can't hurt if it's been awhile since last done. Have the line pressure checked. Ya could try cleaning the tranny's solenoid valve's screens. Then reset the PCM by removing the clock backup fuse located in the passenger side's interior fuse panel. If the code comes back, maybe the solenoids are not working right or the tranny is gunked up.

Yikes

As for the motor mount job- it is probably coincidence that you got TCS and CEL after you got the work done.

Don't flush it. Just do a drain and fill. If you don't want to do it yourself, take it to your mechanic and tell them you want the transmission fluid changed but not flushed. Tell them to do a drain and fill and they will know what you mean. Most shops do a 1x3 (meaning they drain 3 courts out and replace three courts, however most of the old fluid remains in the torque converter). 9 courts of Honda ATF-DW1 ran me about $80 from the dealer. So you figure the cost of 3 quarts + labor and you'll get your price. If you want to do it yourself, here is a great youtube video on how to:

Yikes

*quarts.

There is no court to be drained from the tl xD

Chanduc

Thanks for your information. I will try to do the transmission fluid drain and fill.

Chanduc

BTW my CE light is back on. Where can I buy the honda atf z1, does autozone or oreilly have them? Not sure if the CE light will go away with atf change, but i guess that should actually make the gear shift smooth if any problems before!

ErickUa5

The video was made when the Z1 was still out, its DW-1 the one you want.
Simply go to a Honda or Acura dealer and ask for 3 quarts of transmission fluid shouldn't cost more than $16 with taxes and all.

Chanduc

Thanks. I bought 3 quarts of DW1, $8 per quart. I will check and see if it does any better.

3.2TLc

Hey Chanduc, when ya drain the fluid.....make sure that ya check the level and condition first, and then inspect the drained fluid and drain plug magnet for residual fines. The fluid should'nt smell burnt or appear dark in color. If it is, the solenoid screens may be dirty.

The fluid D&F won't make the CEL go out, ya have to reset it by removing the clock backup fuse for a few minutes and then replace it. The CEL should go out, but may come back on again. If so, have the codes read and post them here.

Chanduc

I checked the transmission fluid and I find that its not burnt or it doesnt appear dark in color. I actually took it a mechanic that I know and we find that the level seems to be more than normal and so We had to drain it a bit. We actually didnt drain it full because it looks Ok. Do I still have to replace the ATF, my mechanic suggested we can try to replace the solenoid screens along with atf refill if needed.

ErickUa5

I hope the drain bolt magnet was cleaned.
The screens from the solenoids are cleanable and don't need to be replaced unless the gaskets are damaged or leaking.

Yikes

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but usually when someone gets a P0740, the solenoid screens are clogged up from clutch material, meaning the damage is already done. Usually that is indicative that your transmission is in the beginning stages of failure. Its sort of like when you get a misfire code for an EGR problem. On these forums, P0740 is notorious for being the kiss of death.

However your fluid being in good shape is odd for that. I would say clean the screens in that case. You don't lose anything but time.