MSG C5

I just had the transmission on my 2002 TLS re-built for the second time. The re-build was covered under the Aamco lifetime warranty, however I had to pay for a new selenoid.

The transmission seems to work fine and the shifts are definitely smoother, however I've noticed since the re-build that after I start the car and shift into drive, the car does not immediately move forward when I press on the gas pedal. I almost have to floor the gas pedal and then the car jumps. It only does this after the car has been turned off. It does not do this while the car is being driven after the initial start up.

Any ideas what this is? I'm going to bring the car back in and have them check it, however I would like to have more information about the potential issue before I bring it back for service.

Thanks!

ncfatboy

Check the tranny fluid level. You said on the initial startup without much detail. Tranny fluid expands a bit when it gets hot. I have a truck that does that on cold mornings when the tranny is low on fluid. It also blows fluid out the overflow vent when in the summer under load. It's a self propagating fallacy for the truck. By the end of the summer it's at the low mark for fluid...

MSG C5

Thanks. It's crazy to think that they re-built the transmission and installed a new selenoid, but didn't add enough tranny fluid.

Not sure why it only happens at start up and after the initial movement of the transmission from Reverse to Drive. I live in Florida so it's pretty warm all of the time.

I just hope it's not fuel pump related.

ncfatboy

Might check the alternator and battery voltage too. Had a shifting problem on my 99 TL and it was a dying alternator.

What's the fuel pump have to do with it?

ErickUa5

Take it back to them, obviously something was not done correctly.

3.2TLc

^^^ Yeah, ya paid Aamco good money for their expertise and warranty. USE IT !!!
Document all of your problems and interactions with Aamco......ya may need it down the road.
Gotta hate a company that gives ya a run-a-round after they steal your money. They owe ya.

MSG C5

I'm defintely taking it back to Aamco, however I was just hoping for some additional information before I bring it in. They honored their lifetime warranty and rebuilt the transmission. The only out of pocket cost I had to pay was for the new selenoid. When I had the tranny rebuilt originally three years ago, Acura only offered a one year warranty so that's why I went with Aamco. So far, they have honored their work so I'm hoping this is a quick fix.

The reason I mentioned fuel pump, was because the "press gas pedal, no response" symptom is similar the symtom we had with our previous mini-van which required a new fuel pump. Not sure it they are related in this case.

3.2TLc

Press gas pedal and no response could possibly a mechanical issue besides the tranny.
Is there a CEL on ? When was the last tune up and general PM performed ?

It never hurts to have Aamco check it out, as they will be quick to tell you that it's something else other than the tranny. Perhaps have the motor checked out by a trustworthy local mechanic if the maintenance has been neglected. Ya gotta go with your gut.

Don't want to build any false hopes, but rebuilding the original trannys is a shot in the wind. The only true fix is the newer designed "AV6". The old problematic trannys are basically junk, IMO. Keep your warranty papers intact.....they are your only hope !!!

01tl4tl

first issue: is it running Honda dw1 atf?
or did some goober put dextron3 in it because they use it in everything!!

3.2TLc

Aamco wouldn't employ "goobers" ......now would they, or maybe they do, IDK ?

Nicks2001tl

This should be your first question you ask them. Did they use the Honda DW-1?

MSG C5

Thanks for the feeback guys. I'm planning to bring it back to Aamco this week and I will ask them about the fluid. I'm sure when they rebuilt it originally three years ago, they put their own Aamco fluid in. I will request the Honda DW-1 fluid be used this time.

I know the only real fix is to swap out the transmission for the later year Accord transmission, however at this point, I really only need two more years out of the car and if Aamco honors their warranty (which they have so far) and I don't have to pay too much more out of pocket, it will be worth it.

As for other general maintenance, I have done the best I can at keeping this car running with proper, proactive tune-ups, fluid changes, etc. If anything breaks, I fix it.

The car has 210K miles on it and my daughter is now the primary user of the car. She is attending college locally for two years and will then be transferring to the main campus so that's why I just want two more years out of the car and I will then get her in car with a good warranty. The TLS still looks great, both inside and out, and most people who see it and ride in it can't believe it has that many miles.

ncfatboy

Very nice!

MSG C5

What's interesting is that the car drove fine today. I had to stop/start about 5 times while running errands and there was no issue with initial acceleration. Also interesting that the auto window down function is now working as well.

Similar to when I install a new battery, I wonder if the ECM simply needed to relearn the codes? Everything is working fine.

3.2TLc

Nice car....it shows your pride of ownership. The grounds are critical to the electronics within our TL's, including the transmission. Sometimes the simple stuff is overlooked.

But, hey if Aamco is standing good behind their warranty....all will be well !!!
Is there any codes or flashing "D-5" ? The tranny's solenoids are electronically controlled.

MSG C5

Nothing flashing or codes of any kind. Perhaps the ECM had to adjust to the new components. I usually have to let the car go through a few parked idles after a new battery is installed as well before it learns and no longer stalls out.

The car has a 13 year-old brain so I guess it needs a little more time to learn new tricks.

03AcuraTLowner

My car does the same thing. When going from Park/Natural to Drive, car would take a few second to engage in order for it to move forward. It does not accelerate immediately. If I were to Step on the gas immediately after changing gears. Car would not move.
Unlike you, It does this every time I change I go from park/natural to Drive, even when I been driving all day long.


It does not do this to reverse. It engage immediately.


Anyone know what's going on?
Sorry for the bad Explanation.

01tl4tl

let me clarify so as not to point out AAm as a defective company
Goobers are employed everywhere!
you pay low wages, often to persons whose first language may not be the same as yours, creating differences of understanding instruction= you get workers who don't care or don't know and don't want to lose face/ appear stupid by asking questions
Its everywhere

01tl4tl

welcome 03 owner

1-2 second delay in fully engaging a gear from N or P is perfectly normal
Plan any 3 point turns in a street carefully

If it exceeds 2 seconds, lurches, shudders on shift or revs up with no forward motion- those are problems

grab the free owner book download and register as owner www.owners.acura.com and 1 800 382 2238x5 ask the human if all recalls are taken care of
different acura systems- both need your info- have VIN in hand to reg

Nicks2001tl

One final thought, check the neg. and pos. battery cables. With the car turned off visually check the cables from the posts to where they ground (grab a flash light if need be). Sometimes after many years they will fray. Replacing one or the other is simple and relatively inexpensive.

Nicks2001tl

Check your tranny fluid. Should be in between the dots and reddish in color. If it smells burnt or discolored start with a 1x3 eventually doing the whole 3x3. Also there is a spin off filter for the tranny by the fill bolt.

MSG C5

That's a good point. I did swap out my battery cables last year as the negative cable especially was highly corroded in areas you can't see when looking down into the engine bay.

I am now on the second day of the symptoms disappearing. I really think it's an issue of the 13 year old PCM/ECU having to relearn the new components.

01tl4tl

drive it!
vary conditions, not just sit at idle. make the ecu go thru all its checks after a battery replacement
freeway steady 55 no cruise control 15 minutes, then in town stop and go, shut off, restart- town and freeway etc for 45 minutes will do the trick