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There are TSBs out there and Acura has increased the torque convertor and power steering pump warrenty.
I got mine done at Acura of Kearney Mesa about a month ago. The steering feel is much better and after the TC software update its a new machine.
After explaining to the dealership they said this is a recall. The first step is to "update" the computer system. This should work depending on how long the torque converter issue has been happening. If the computer system update does not fix the issue they have to contact Acura HQ to look into having the entire Torque converter replaced. This is what is currently taking place for my car as we speak.
Again, covered under warranty/recall. This sounds similar to some of the other posts.
I'm in Charleston, SC and took my vehicle to McDaniels ACURA.
I have assumed having both the front and rear axles in "drive" mode, even if only during acceleration, on a highly tractive surface is at the core of the problem so the "update" may serve to lessen the use of the rear drive capability.
Guys here's the crux of the tc problem. Overstated gas mileage. Acura wanted to be able to say 16 mi per gallon. They bypassed it by messing with tc to get 16 mpg, then later on issue a tsb, dropping the mpg. After the tsb, I get 13.9 mpg.
Contact EPA and file a complaint with regards to inaccurate gas mileage. That's what the Kia, Hyundai customer did and EPA audited it. EPA needs to audit Acura.
These days the only time the TC is unlocked is under acceleration, stopped, if the roadspeed is too low, or if brakes are applied to a level that would stall the engine if the TC remained locked.
Then you throw in the additional heat/stress on the driveline components with the rear drive engaged under acceleration on a perfectly TRACTIVE roadbed and you have a recipe for premature failure.
So it is entirely possible that the TSB reduces the use of the lockup clutch in order to extend its service life which in turn would result in lower MPG.
i will be talking to the dealer sales rep. tomorrow to see what they say about it...
Now, fast forward 4 years and now the MDX has 156,000 miles. It was serviced last week, and at that time I mentioned that during city driving it would upshift early and the engine would lug. Guess what!? The dealership is saying that I need a new transmission and torque converter which is $6000+. When I reminded them that they had already replaced the transmission 4 years ago, they contacted Acura corporate and agreed to discount my cost to $2300. It has been a wonderful vehicle to drive—but seriously—a new transmission every 75,000 miles? My Michelin tires have lasted as long! Frankly, I am not sure that it is worth replacing. I am really disappointed especially since I had a good relationship with the dealership. If anyone has any recommendations, I would greatly appreciate them.
Last Friday morning, actually black Friday, when I wanted to go for some shopping, found that the car will not shift to "Drive". I had no clue what may have happened as I parked it just normal on Thursday morning. Anyway, checked manual and unlocked shifter. This got me out of the garage. By the time it was 8 AM and I called Acura dealership. They advised me to get the car in.
When I started driving found VSA and check engine light were on. Also noticed that "D" light, i.e. shifter in drive light was continuously blinking. Called dealership again and they advised that as long as I am comfortable, I could drive on. I had to drive about 20 miles to dealership.
I reached dealership and they put the car on diagnostic. The codes they are getting are confusing and they were not able to diagnose the actual problem. They gave me loaner to get me going as they needed more time to know the problem. They also promised me to do everything with Acura to remediate this issue if it was related to transmission as the car has been sold and maintained by them and has low miles.
I'm just waiting to hear back from them. In the meantime, if anyone had the same situation, the inputs would help me to make good decision.
Legally, you are screwed. If they won't offfer reimbursement, an independant shop should be able to rebuild it for about $2500. Just make sure they are experienced with these transmissions and can put in better parts and do all the upgrades.
Although we got a better deal then most people with this transmission issue, I won't buy another Acura.
The Dealership worked with Acura at their own and let me know today that Acura is ready to chip in for 50% and I need to bring in rest, about $2400, for replacing bad transmission with remanufactured.
I have contacted Acura myself for more assistance and they are reviewing the case. This review involves District Manager who is not available today.
I'll know result of review by end of business tomorrow.
We brought it to our dealer and drove around with a tech. The tech's claim "that is normal". *sigh*. When you depress 50%, it downshifts, then you have to back significantly off the gas to avoid from speeding. This is not right. Our BMW and chevy silverado have no such issues.
Anyways, I am very interested in your resolution if any.
Its heartening to hear we are not alone.
Even at 50%, take it. Hopefully, the replacement would have upgrades so it might last longer. But still, figure a new transmission every 100k miles in your budget.
Also, at 110k miles, you'll need a new timing belt, spark plugs, valve adjustment and probobly have to replace two broken motor mounts (you have a total of three).
Good Luck
While driving this morning I felt that steering is harder than before. There are no whinning or any sound. It just felt harder.
Called service manager and they want to take a look at it.
Can this be related to transmission replacement issue?
I'm not the only one who's having this problem, transmission repair shops and Acura dealers alike are well aware of the Honda/Acura transmission history. I took my MDX to the Acura dealer well in advance of this problem and days before it, the transmission, gave out. Today I have an $1800+ bill, and no response from Acura's customer service.
It amazes me that Acura ignores the problem. I too would have considered another Acura but NEVER EVER again. And I will tell every body else the same.
If you don't win, find an independant transmission shop with Acura MDX experience and a good Better Business rating. They can rebuild them better for about $2500.
Next time, buy a Ford or something else.
I took it to Autozone and they helped in pulling the codes which triggered the check engine light. The following codes came up - P0304, P0300, P0301 and P0420. The dealer service is closed today but I intend to take the car tomorrow for service.
Will appreciate if anyone who had experienced similar problems or have knowledge of what is driving this issue/expenses to fix the issue can provide thoughts.
Thanks a lot!
My experience in dealing with Acura client service is not great. Client services told me there is no problem with my car and I have to claim the damages through my insurance on the contrary to what the dealership doing to help the situation.
It appeared to me client services are trying to get out of a liability law suit.
I have the exact same issue, have taken up the case to BBB
It still is unsatisfying to have it 1100 rpms trying to go up a 5% incline hearing it chug having to pound the gas to get it shift (or use the paddles) to only have it speed up too much and have to back off. The expectation is I depress the gas enough to go up the hill at the speed I want and the transmission will shift accordingly and not chug.
The 2011 with the software patched transmission does not have this issue! We have driven both on the same hill with the same driving style.
If you get any resolution please keep us posted. Thank you for taking this forward to the BBB.
My transmission died at 91k miles. I can't believe there is no recall on the 04 models after experiencing the same symptoms. I am hoping to see a class action suit because I don't want Acura to get away with this. Client relations said there was nothing they could do.
Someone help us!
Next time, don't buy an Arura.