Still got my 03 cl 6speed best car I've ever had hard to part with. Couple weeks ago I bought my mom a 06 tl with 125k. it needed a little work I changed the lower control arms because the compliance bushings were shot car drives so much better. My question, should I be surprised if those tear in little time? kinda looks like a bad design but it's driving great.

TRANSMISSION feels a little funny sometimes on downshifts. It has a bit of lag here and there. I want to change the fluid but I'm a bit hesitant before I slap some new stuff in there I don't want it to get worse. Read about red line fluid seems like a good route or Amsoil? Any tips would be appreciated. I think I'm going to do a drain and fill instead of a flush.

Hope to get this car tuned up and ready for a 100k. The difference after the new compliance bushings made me love the car, huge difference. Would love some good tips guys! Thanks

 

You're going to get many different answers of what fluid to use, and why x fluid is better. Then some people will say x fluid caused my transmission to slip.

I just stick to the new Honda fluid as a safe alternative.

 

Removing the door strips increases your gas mileage!

Hope your trans holds up! Sounds like 3rd/4th gear pressure switches, fluid and filter are do for a change.

 

Just do a drain n fill of trans fluid... Never flush it.

 

Thanks guys. Will be doing just a drain and fill no doubt. I think I'm going for oem or redline, not sure yet. @Breezy where is the transmission fluid filter?

I noticed when I go from N to Drive it takes a good 2 or 3 seconds to start rolling foward.

 

it's most likely OEM fluid in there. I'm sure you wouldn't mix old castrol with new mobil in your engine. The manual transmission at least drains all the fluid where as auto is a third.

 

I don't have a scan of it but someone else might one saved somewhere. Otherwise look it up on Google, I am sure you will find it within a few minutes.

 

congrats, I can tell you right now coming from a MT CL-S you will miss that sweet 4th gear pull. You will encounter a wall when shifting into 4th gear, the ATF filter is labeled #7 on the diagram.

http://dz310nzuyimx0.cloudfront.net/...302b2fea2c.gif

 

Forgot I had this picture. See below!



I have the filter and hardware to do the change. I bought it for mine but never got to it before my trans detonated. Let me know if you would like to pick it off me. I can ship it out tomorrow.

(Below are the parts I will sell for $20 + Shipping)

 

Nice man! Let me get back to you in a pm soon!

 

OEM is jsut fine, and D4 Redline is fine too. Just don't go putting in thin racing ATF thinking its "the best." Proper AT driving habits and regular drain and refills (the AT holds over 7qts, each drain only does 3qts) will keep the trans running a long time. 189k on my 5AT and going strong.

 

Just bought a '04 TL with 156K. Well maintained car, but want to take some precautionary maintenance. You said that removing door strips increases gas mileage? which door strips? Thanks!

 

 

its called BSM (Body Side Molding).

 

Wow. Really. Never would have considered that. Assuming they are glued on which can be removed with Goo-gone? versus clips and holes like I've had on BMWs?
thanks for feedback

 

Heat them up but don't burn the paint. Peel them off and used goof off to remove adhesive if any left.

They don't really decrease MPG's but they ruin the look of the 3G TL!

 

Bummer. Anything to increase MPGs. I'm coming from a VW TDI (buyback)!

 

Tires and driving habits are about the extent of it that drastically make a difference in this car. Nothing else that I can think of have that much impact overall assuming normal maint is current.

 

Many thanks for this great insight. Are you of the "Premium gas only" camp as well? I read that every 3rd or 4th fill up with premium seems to work for some people.

 

I personally have never used lower than 91 octane in my '05. I know for sure when I am lucky enough to be somewhere that sells 93 octane, my car runs better. The cost differences aren't really that great for me, so I just stick with 91. You will find people with opinions all over the place on this one. Something you will need to figure out for yourself if you want to test out the 87 octane waters or not. Unlikely it will "hurt" anything...just less likely it will run at it "optimal" level. I think it really comes down to driving style, temperatures, expectations, and many other environmental variables if it really makes a big difference.

 

I always ran premium and my girlfriend ran 87 in her 04. The difference between the 2 were dramatic. Not sure if it were the gas or just driving style but hers felt pretty sluggish and non-responsive along under throttle. I even reset the ECU to adjust driving habit, but that didn't do much. Its hard to tell if it was because of the gas or other variables. If you dont mind paying an extra $5 per fill up, i wouldn't hesitate.

 

I believe in buying the highest octane available for this car. I think it can make use of octane ratings all the way up to 95. I can get 92 regularly and that is what I use. When I put in 93 it does seem to like it more, but the difference is negligible. This is a decently high horsepower per liter car.

 

Regarding octane, I've read up on this and also asked mechanics for their opinions.
Here's the summary:

Modern cars with ECMs can compensate and operate safely on lower octane. So if only 87 was available and you were otherwise stuck, it won't ruin your engine.
That said, your TL will be happier and actually more efficient burning 91/92. In fact, it would theoretically get WORSE gas mileage with 87, so some of the cost savings would be moot.

Remember, higher octane means slower burning. So cheaper, regular octane requires engine timing to speed up to compensate.

Buy premium.

 

Dont go below 91. These VTEC engines are high compression.
you'll end up losing mpg and power.

 

1. Def replace the 3th and 4th gear switches on top of transmission fluid change.
2. Check if Timing Belt and water pump have been changed at 105K miles maintenance schedule. Might want to consider changing the oil pump seal while doing the TB change.
3. Keep an eye on front and side engine mounts, if the car makes clunking noise at slow speed over potholes (2-10 mph) that may be the problem.
4. FWIW, I have been running 87 for the last 5-6 years (65K miles) without issue. FMMV.

Good luck with your TL; I love it.

 

I always run premium (91 around here). Part of it for me is that the 91 I buy is all alcohol-free. I have a (bad) attitude about alcohol in my fuel.