gungrave

Did you had the shudder before? Also i got the sensors and i am going to install them pretty soon, is there difference between the two? I just don't want to mix them up when installing.

Costco

I forgot to subscribe to this thread! Now its on the list....

So for those who had a shudder before and put in the new sensors, is the shudder gone? I've really been out of the TL section for a while.... I thought it was only the 2G gen that was afflicted with the tranny problems. Has anyone with a 2G TL replaced the sensors? I assume they're different part numbers, but is it in the same location? I'd probably be able to find both but if someone has found it already that would be great.... I'm lazy and its a PITA to look If I find everything and do it, I'll try make a DIY.

While I definitely do NOT claim to be a transmission guru or builder of any sort, I have taken an automatic transmission class at my automotive college and have disassembled and reassembled multiple automatic transmissions from different makes. Transmissions built for heavy duty applications have bigger and thicker parts; its easily apparent when you compare transmissions (completely disassembled) side-by-side which one is made for the light-duty 100 whp 4-cylinder and which one is made for the beefy 250 whp V8 even just by comparing the clutch packs/discs alone. I'd consider the "3rd gear clutch pack issue" unofficially closed. Not to further dwell on the issue but its one of those things like the tranny filter getting clogged on the last page.... its merely a symptom or result of something else going bad, not the actual cause itself.

Doing a tranny flush or changing the filter will not prevent catastrophic failure if the sensors are the main culprit. In that case it would be like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound.

I'm not sure if I hate cars has similar experience, but either way, if he actually makes a claim, I'd be inclined to believe him, and if anything his transmission builder stumbled upon it. Of all the posts I've ever read from I hate cars.... he's never been wrong *knock on wood* Not that I don't trust him, but I ALWAYS wait to see evidence that a fix is truly a fix, no matter who claims it. But I have faith in this one, and look forward to everyone's results

Sorry Matt.... carry on!

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

28600-P7Z-003 SWITCH ASSY., OIL PRESSURE (TEXAS INSTRUMENTS) 1 2001 TL 60.25 45.19

28600-P7W-003 SWITCH ASSY., OIL PRESSURE 1 2001 TL 55.37 41.53

90471-PW7-A00 GASKET (10MM) 2 2001 CL 2.38 1.79

These are the part numbers for my 01 CLS, which actually came up as TL parts, but my part guy said these are correct.

My logic is it can't hurt and if there is a chance of prolonging the life of my transmission (#2 installed in 05 100k ago) it is 90 dollars well spent.

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

Going to install them pretty soon, engine / tranny is cooling off.

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

I can definitely tell a difference. Shifts are much smoother in automode / SS.

There were certain situations where I could actually replicate a rough shift, I was unable to do so after the new sensors were installed.

At WOT, it shifted MUCH smoother.

Usually at the top of 3rd going to 4th, I would feel a slight shutter .. I don't feel it anymore

Thanks I hate cars! Great stuff.

I hate cars

Looking at the 3rd gear clutch pack disassembled on the bench I was surprised to say the least. They're pretty robust. Fairly large diameter and there's a bunch of them (can't remember exactly how many). The holding power is there to say the least. One look at them will tell you it's not a physical problem. I remember thinking they're larger than the third clutches in my GN. I would guess the holding power is there for double the stock hp.

I'm going there next week and I can try and get pictures of the TL's third clutches next to some of the common other transmissions, maybe a TH350 and a 200-4R or 700R-4. Don't really want to compare it to a TH400 lol.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

Got the sensors yesterday, trying to get into the garage to put them in before it gets hot.



I'll post my results when it's done.

I hate cars

Looking forward to it!

beachexotic03

iTrader: (2)

I'll do the write up! DIY I have easy access to them at the current moment!

sixsixfour

A writeup would definitely help. Thanks in advance guys!

Elegant TYPE S

iTrader: (2)

Yes write up please!

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

I just did this on my 01 CL S, took less than 20 minutes. here is my DIY.

Jack car up, turn wheels left, remove plastic underbody cover(s).

In my the case of my car that involves removing four of the plastic "rivets" and one nut and one bolt.

Here is what I saw:


The switch to the left is a no brainer, remove the connector, use 22mm wrench it pops right off and unscrew by hand.

The one on the right (closest to the camera) is under a cover. use 10mm socket, remove bolts, detach connector, 22mm wrench, all good.



This one leaks so be prepared, the first one did not so I was not and I dripped a small amount of fluid.

Put it back together all done.

The original switches look ok to me, but I'd rather spend 90 bucks and never know that the switches were 1,000,000 miles from failure or leave them in & need a trans because they were about to die.



I drove it down the block and honestly it felt the same (fine) but I had no issues.

sixsixfour

^ how did you know which one's which? As according to the part numbers above, the two are not identical.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

They are color coded. The easy to get to one is tan, the other black. I verified by trying the connector before I removed the switch as they only go on one type of device.

I meant to post this in the diy post, it's from the Manual for the third gear (hidden) switch:

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

FYI, that writeup is the identical procedure for 3G.

sixsixfour

Sounds good. Thanks for the clarification

sixsixfour

One more thing, when you buy the sensors, do they come with new sealing washers or are those bought separately?

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

Separate.

90471-PW7-A00 GASKET (10MM) 2 2001 CL 2.38 1.79

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

I just drove it and there is a big difference.

Shifts are much quicker and firmer.

I had no idea what I was missing.

Thanks!

I hate cars

Good the hear. I may start a list of people this has helped with shift quality and also cured of the shudder.

Now if mine would get here already. Mine is getting much sloppier with the higher outside temps. Going to change the fluid today and do the sensors this weekend if they arrive in time. That way doing it separately I'll know which one helped the most.

Costco

ugh, I want to do this badly. Its relatively not even that much money compared to a new tranny, but we hardly drive the TL anymore and there's so many other things I need to take car of... but thanks for the DIY pics e30. Looks like a piece of cake, should definitely be worthwhile. I hope the dealerships don't catch on and try to jack up the prices on the sensors though.

Sorry if I missed it, but where did you guys get your sensors anyway?

theloweman

I got mine at bernardiparts.com . They had them both to my door in 5 days.. pretty good deal. Cant install them yet, I'm out of the country on a last minute business trip!!! damnit!!!

HuKaShI

Did you have to jack the car up?

Majofo

To those who ordered the sensors.. can you give us the TI (Texas Instruments) P/N or any distinguishing marks? I deal with TI daily and it might be possible to order from them directly otherwise we would at least know the specs of the sensors in relation to reliability and lifetime stress testing / MTBF.

HuKaShI

Sorry, I just read that you do jack up the car...

How much fluid is lost during the install?

Also, the parts are as follows correct? As far as the Switch #'s they replace? Do I have it correct?

#3 Switch
28600-RAY-003 SWITCH ASSY., AT OIL PRESSURE (TEXAS INSTRUMENTS) 1 $32.21 $32.21
#4 Switch
28610-RAY-003 SWITCH ASSY., AT OIL PRESSURE (TEXAS INSTRUMENTS) 1 $32.21 $32.21

Majofo

Yeah.. the switches are cross model from the 5A/T Accord, Pilot, MDX, TL.....

Don't forget the sealing washers.. You're on your 3rd Tranny for the 04 TL?.. can you explain when they failed and why?

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

I got mine from Peoria Acura, they are local to me,

Prestige offered me the same price but plus shipping so I went local, they are closer to you in Santa Rosa.

http://www.prestigeacura.com/estore_parts.htm

The fluid loss was minimal, if you are ready with the switch to slap it in just as you remove the old one only a few drops will be lost, I did it that way on the first one but none dripped so I was not ready for the second, go figure.

HuKaShI

Well I have a thread that mentions all the crap I went through. In a nutshell, They misdagnosed the heat shield problem as a gear whine in my tranny and replaced my prefectly fine tranny. I then drove 3000+ miles to california and then the replacement died. And that's how I am now on my third. This third one is doing fine but it seems shifting has deteriorated somehow. Just doesn't feel the same and day one of replacement.

Majofo

That's effed.. I'm hoping you didn't pay a dime and your current trans is warrantied?

HuKaShI

Yeah, It was all fixed under warranty... Not a dime out of my pocket but it's no longer under warranty as i've put quite alot of miles on it since...

xcelir8TL

For the 3G TL, the sensors are tan and grey, not tan and black. The original part numbers listed earlier on are correct, the later part numbers was for the guy's CL. There was a difference.

Hacura

No one ever confirmed if this affects 07-08's also?

sunny201

I asked this question in the first couple pages and nobody replied. My guess is that this doesnt effect the 07-08 TLs because they use the RLs tranny. If the RLs had a tranny problem, we would have to do what they do, but I dont think they have any problems.

TLTrance

Man, I want to do this but I don't have any of the tools... Am I reserved to having to go to the dealership? fvck! I need to make some friends on this board from my area!

Majofo

Tools? you mean a jack stand and a set or wrenches? If you can change your battery you can do this.. you can rent a small torque wrench from Autozone for free if you're worried about the spec torque.

TLTrance

I don't even have a jack, jack stand and a set of proper wrenches... :insertsmileyforembarrased:

Majofo

never too late to start.. sears always has sales.. harbor freight is dirt cheap. I'd get a decent ratchet set and wrench set, 2 1/4 ton stands & a hydraulic jack.. there's also decent electric jacks that run through your 12V socket.. handy but not my style.

You're looking at anywhere from $50 - $150 for a simple setup. Definitely worth it and less than paying the dealer for an hr labor. Check you local CL ads for sets as well.

TLTrance

I guess the reason I've never had the incentive to get one is because for the last 5 years I've lived in apartments that do not allow any sort of automotive work in the garage. Sure, I can take it outside, but then again...

I hate cars

Wow, I just checked on my order and it's ETA is late next week. That will be close to 2 weeks. I did order a lot of other items though like any and all interior parts that have wear and scratches on them. Can't wait to have a new interior....except for the horrible leather seats.

Hacura

I know man, I read through the entire thread and had to post the question again.