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I recently got my 2000 TL on the road. For a car that has 201,500 miles, the engine sounds healthy and the ride is incredibly smooth, apart from a single thing.
Sometimes, at around 25 – 35 MPH, the car begins to shake very badly. It feels as if the car has lost power. The RPMs don’t drop, and the shaking doesn’t last more than a moment. When I press the accelerator harder, the shaking goes away. It does not happen every time I drive the car.
The best way I could describe it is it feels as if you’re driving over a very rough road, or a series of very small speed bumps in the road.
The car had been sitting since September 2012, but the first thing I did when I put the plates on was I went to the gas station and filled the tank with fresh 93.
The transmissions shifts smooth, and the fluid appears to be okay, so I don’t think it is a transmission related issue at all. Any ideas? I’m sure the car could use a new set of NGK Iridium IX spark plugs. Thanks.
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If the car has been sitting.Then I would suggest
that your tires have develped flat spots from sitting.
You will most likely need new tires.[quote=”college man” post=59809]If the car has been sitting.Then I would suggest
that your tires have develped flat spots from sitting.
You will most likely need new tires.[/quote]While that is probably true, I highly doubt that is the cause of the shaking.
After doing some research, I’ve learned that the motor mounts for this generation of TLs were junk, and they might need replacing.
Also when I did an oil change I noticed a bit of oil on the CV boot. It didn’t appear broken, but I read that some people who had this problem resolved it by replacing the axle.
I’d check your front cv axles. I would not use cheap ones. Make sure you get quality axles as these are bad for doing this on this model car.
Update:
I’ve heard the transmission mounts are also junk, but mine appear and feel to be in acceptable condition. There is no clunking, odd vibrations, or jerks when I put the car into reverse or D5.
The front motor mount looks worn out, but I’m not sure as to its condition. I’ll have to inspect it further when its not rainy and nasty outside.
I did inspect the transmission fluid and what I found disturbed me:
[IMG]http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9866/20130518165535.jpg[/IMG]
The fluid didn’t appear this dark when I put it on the road about a week ago. I have put 200 miles on the car since, which I suppose is a heavy load. The transmission exhibits no signs of failure that are commonly associated with these units. (Hard down shifts, slipping, clunking into reverse, ect.) Infact, it shifts 100% smoothly and perfectly. Furthermore, it did not smell burnt.
To be fair, I’ve never smelled what ‘burnt’ transmission fluid smells like, but I suppose it would be fairly straight forward. (Having a burnt smell and so forth).
This transmission was replaced at 90,000 miles by the Acura dealer. (or so claims the previous, original owner.) The current odometer reading is 201,700. I know over time transmission fluid just gets dirty, and that it isn’t necessarily true to say that just because my fluid is dirty, my transmission is going to fail.
I’m calling my local Honda dealer on monday to pick up some Honda ATF-DW1. I’m curious as to wether I should do a 3×3 fluid swap all at once, or do a 1×3 every month to let the clutches adjust to the new fluid. Any advice?
Update:
Today I went to my Honda dealer and bought 9 quarts of Honda AFT-DW1. I’m going to do a 3×3 fluid swap tomorrow and hope it doesn’t ruin my transmission. While I’m in there I’ll inspect and try to get pictures of the transmission and engine mounts.
I’ll keep you all updated.
Update:
I did a 1×3 fluid change this morning. Took it out on the open road and went through all 5 gears. I’ve already noticed an improvement in shift quality. I didn’t feel any of the shaking, but that doesn’t mean it is gone. There wasn’t any slipping, which made me feel quite relieved.
I’m going to change the rest of the fluid tomorrow.
Final update:
Since the 3×3 fluid change, I’ve done a splendid 85 miles on the car, and the shaking hasn’t returned. I think it is fair to say case closed. Thank you to everyone who offered suggestions. Your help is appreciated.
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