runtohell121

The codes just came on today when driving and I hurried up and turned back home as I had no clue what was going on when the VSA, "VSA Trinangle '!'", and engine light came on. I plugged it into my OBD II reader and it showed P0740 code, something about the solenoids but when I looked it up on Google, mostly addressed about the transmission about to fail.

The car is about 186k miles, on a rebuilt transmission that was rebuilt roughly 60k-70k ago.

01tl4tl

since the rebuilt was installed have you changed the ATF? using Hondas' new fluid DW-1

a solenoid code may be the external shift selenoids -2 of them- search on here for more info but you can unscrew and clean those
crud blocks operation, 60kmiles on a rebuild and no fluid change could be a problem- hopefully a fixable one
our DIY has solenoid cleaning iirc
and a full fluid change-out known as a 3x3 would be in order

01tl4tl

does the trans suddenly shift hard, slip on hard throttle application, not engage for several seconds into gear? (beyond the normal 2 seconds we all have going into r or d)

01tl4tl

depending on year there is an external screw on atf oil filter

how is the atf color smell and level- should be between the 2 dots
see owner manual

01tl4tl

reset the codes by removing the CLOCK fuse on passenger end of dash for a minute and reinsert
that clears all codes- resets ECU to ck for problem again- after work done
your code reader probably has that feature too, but the masses read this forum and need the commoner way~

3.2TLc

Yeah, do all the stuff that 01tl4tl suggested.
Do ya have any other issues or symptoms while shifting ? "D5" flashing ? Dirty/low ATF ?

P0740 = A problem within the lock-up control system

Try resetting the CEL and see if the code comes back. If it does, have the tranny's line pressure checked. The lockup control solenoid assembly set may need replaced. Try cleaning the valve's screens first. Ya may get lucky if it's just a clogged screen. Do suggested drain and fill using Honda DW1 fluid, along with a new spin on filter.

Skirmich

I can guarantee you 99.9% of the times your TQ Solenoid is fine..
P0740 is like doomsday clock ticking it almost all the times means trans failure about to happend.... Now why you ask?

Easy! When the trans it's on its final legs the clutch lack starts to deteriorate and leave huge amount of debris into the trans the first to clog will in almost all cases be the TQ solenoid switch which it's gonna throw a code. You can confirm this by checking your ATF as clutch material will darken your ATF a lot..

Replacing your ATF should give you a week or a couple since you are removing the debris which will eventually clog the gear sole pods which will then make your trans useless or the clutch pack will refuse to hold gear in either case the trans is always dead.

3.2TLc

^^^ Talking like a guy who has some valid "hands on" experience with the subject.

runtohell121

Will try cleaning the solenoids first. The transmission fluid have been changed at least 2 to 3 times since rebuilt.

The third gear kind of shifts a bit hard from time to time, even on light acceleration.

2002 Acura TL-S, forgot to mention. Haven't checked yet, will check later. The previous time the transmission broke was overheating, burnt clutch, etc. when going uphill, all the sudden lost of power and had to get it fixed asap.

So I can reset it through my OBD II reader instead of clock fuse? Or should I reset through clock fuse? lol

No flashing as far as I know, but not too sure how to read it if it actually flash. Any part numbers for the parts for replacing? (filter, etc.)

Figured it would happen eventually... Maybe time to start sourcing a transmission... May I ask which transmission is compatible with the 2002 Acura TL-S? From what I've read, Accord V6, Acura TL 2nd/3rd gen, and Odyssey(?)?






edit: Just went out and checked if the "D5" flashes or not, it does not when the ignition is on "II". The oil level seems to be fine to me, no smell either. Have yet to reset the ECU though.

edit 2: reset the ECU via OBD II reader.

Skirmich

You can reset your ECU and will make the code go away for a couple of miles (Been there done that) also when mine died it didn't flash the D5 but the code P0740 was there and my VSA + MIL light was also on it's like Xmas when that code appear you know is definitely trans related. After the code appeared my trans refused to go into 3rd exactly 3 days later.

I recommend you to source an Accord V6 trans from 2006-2007! I got mine ready to install in my garage when my trans finally decides to die.. It has been proved to be the ultimate fix to our issues.

P.S. Sorry for the typos iPad Auto-correct FTL!

runtohell121

Anyone have links to the solenoid cleaning thread? Can't find it on the DIY section or the link in the DIY doesn't seem to work.

01tl4tl

you read thru both `threads` in the diy link for the complete list?

Flashing D5 means when you are on hard acceleration like getting on freeway and a D5 begins flashing on the dash- gear indicator = imminent trans death

you used Honda dw1 atf each change? or the earlier zr1 atf Honda
never dextron?!!! that's a tranny killer for us
and they were done by manual drain and reill?

3.2TLc

Just a sidenote: While most times, the flashing D5 on the dash is not good......have codes read.

I had this once after doing a drain & fill, fortunately turned out to be only the ATF temperature sensor. Sometimes ya get lucky !!!

TLZINE99

Once the code P0740 appears there is nothing u can do, It basicly means your transmission is finish'ee however U can do fluid change and solenoid cleaning but that will only give u couple of days or weeks of survival, do not use any anti slip additives when u reach this stage it will kill your trans instantly, Only u can do is pray and wait or direct anger, blame to Acura i prefer calling customer service w/ associated yelling.

Skirmich

^ though you have a 4 speed only people to blame or yell at is the one doing maintenance to your car.

TLZINE99

^ lol kidding man maybe if u talk nice and smooth to the acura rep and tell them u owned Hondas/Acuras 4 all ur life they'lle give u free trans.

runtohell121

Only saw the master list of DIY and some links are dead or posts without pictures.

No flashing D5 as far as I can tell.

I always only use Honda ATF, both old and new. Usually just drain and refill like I've done in the past with the other Hondas.







Really hoping the transmission won't die.. but have low hope of that lol. Guess this car will only be driven locally/not too far distance. Don't want be stranded on the highway again, waiting an hour or 2 on the highway for a tow truck and spend the rest of the day finding a repair shop..

3.2TLc

Have the tranny professionally evaluated or just save up for the "AV6" donor replacement.