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Eric,
Since you been doing these transmission videos lately.
Thinking of buying a 2003 Acura TL type S, maybe with 99,000 to 130,000miles on it. But i’m well aware of the transmission problems this model has had. I’ve done some research online, and found out that there are some Type S models with certain vin numbers that tend to not have this particular transmission problem.
I’m sure you’ve heard about this problem/TSB. I don’t think you have ever talked about this infamous problem with the TL model or shot a video about it.
Do you have any ideas, suggestions, or maintenance? Simple fixes that don’t include rebuilding transmissions. Definitely not afraid to get down and dirty.
Or should i just totally avoid this particular year model.
I would greatly appreciate any knowledge on this subject.
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Those are great cars and I woulnt hesitate to get one. You can see if the trans has been changed by looking for the VIN tag on the bottom side of the trans on the front. If its been changed and the trans looks like its been serviced then have at it! Its just the nature of the beast on those unfortunately.
[quote=”ridinred24″ post=51123]Those are great cars and I woulnt hesitate to get one. You can see if the trans has been changed by looking for the VIN tag on the bottom side of the trans on the front. If its been changed and the trans looks like its been serviced then have at it! Its just the nature of the beast on those unfortunately.[/quote]
Thats some sound advice. 🙂
Yes those transmissions had issues and ridinred24 has some good advice. If it passes his suggestion here’s one maintenance tip related the external trans. filter.
See this link: http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=706003&highlight=transmission+filter
Only use Acura/Honda OEM fluid in these transmissions otherwise problems will occur !
But definitely try to check the history of this transmission prior to buying..In my experience there is little you can do. It’s a bad transmission design and no amount of maintenance will cure it. When I worked at the dealer I was putting in 2, sometimes 3 of those transmissions in a day. Some of them for the second time. Acura even tried an update with a second gear oil jet that didn’t solve the problem. In my opinion that was one of the worst cars Honda ever made and is an embarrassment to the brand. Transmission problems are only the tip of the iceberg. They also had problems with brakes, wheel bearings, seat heaters, CD changers, clock light bulbs, EGR passages, coolant leaks, timing belt tensioners, struts, the security system, rear view mirrors, and on some we had to replace cam shafts because the wrong ones were installed at the factory. After those cars came out I started telling people to buy Hyundai’s, not Acuras. I’d love to get my hands on one some day as I could make an entire series of videos covering all of it’s many issues.
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