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And now here we are with these new pre-emptive F/awd systems engaging the rear drive along with the front even in the worse possible circumstance, accelerating into a turn, insofar as driveline windup and/or tire scrubbing, over-stressing of the drive train components, is concerned.
Now it looks as if the new F/awd 2011 Ford Explorer (yes, that's F/awd and Ford Explorer in the same sentence) might be using engine coolant for cooling the transaxle, PTO, and the rear differential drive coupling assembly.
I hope that works otherwise we'll soon be seeing even more F/awd component failures.
Thanks for your post and we would greatly appreciate a response.
P.S. We are in Macon, so your input is even more relevant.
Thanks to all who contributed to this forum. It was most helpful. To those still struggling, good luck in making the best decision for you.
Atleast have that fixed and see if it helps... I was so mad when i got that letter, i had just traded my car in because i was very frustrated.
thanks a ton
In my case, I had already had the TC replaced under warranty by them... a year ago, and was starting to experience the "judder" again. Im pretty sure they did the software update on mine then....but I think my transmission may have already been damaged before they replaced the TC. Make sure you have this fixed soon, before you Transmission gets damage. Sorry I couldnt get the letter to post, but you can look on this web forum to see copy: http://www.mdxers.org/forums/73-2001...tml#post472187
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I have not experienced any problems with my transmission but after reading the posts it looks like its just a matter of time and milage.
Hope this update helps
I only have 60,000 miles on the car
Sorry, that would simply result in yet another premature torque converter lockup clutch failure. Your MDX "locks" the center "diff'l" each and every time you start out, accelerate, from a low speed. Even worse, it locks that "diff'l" during low speed turns, accelerating turns. Rough, ROUGH, on drive line component's, that.
The only alternative is to make less use of the lockup clutch (weakest link in the "chain") via firmware revision. That, of course, results in lower FE.
Today, I was driving and noticed the D5 light started blinking. In reviewing other internet posts, it can mean the transmission is going out or a switch is overheating/failing. I'm not experiencing any other problems so he said that it is probably the switch and that sometimes that happens when a transmission is removed and put back in. So, I took it into the Acura dealership today and they are currently looking into it. On the phone, I said "it wouldn't cost anything to get the switch replaced...right?" He went on to say well if you don't have the extended warranty, then yes. I'm going to fight this one for sure...they had to pull the transmission because of the torque converter recall....I'm sure that is what is causing it....it's just a coincidence that 3 weeks after they worked on the trasmission that now it the D5 light is blinking?
Any suggestions?
So no PCM, no TC etc. - Acura client services says there is absolutely no problem and there is nothing they can do to help! Dealer did offer to help and provided a discount on the job of TC replacement, but I am hesitant to jump in since it seems that the problem does not seem to go away from reading all the posts here. I will try driving in D4 in the city/D5 hwy to see if it changes anything and get a trans oil change for starters.... any other clues?
Last Honda/Acura vehicle for me and the generations to come...
So no PCM, no TC etc. - Acura client services says there is absolutely no problem and there is nothing they can do to help! Dealer did offer to help and provided a discount on the job of TC replacement, but I am hesitant to jump in since it seems that the problem does not seem to go away from reading all the posts here. I will try driving in D4 in the city/D5 hwy to see if it changes anything and get a trans oil change for starters.... any other clues?
Will file the NHTSA complaint
Last Honda/Acura vehicle for me and the generations to come... :mad:
Mine was done at 66042 and it purred like a kitten.Now at 67710 I am getting some road noise (not like what it was before the update), maybe some stuttering when accelerating; getting a "clunk" when letting up on the gas (don't remember the speeds); and the gas milage is going to pot.If you have had similar problems, what did the dealer say and do?
Thanks
My 2004 Acura MDX transmission has been suddering when both engine rpm and wheel speed are low. Seems that the transmission may not last long so trying to get it repaired/replaced before it fails. Would you mind sharing who you faxed and/ or communicated with to get your repair billed paid by Acura?
Thanks, Johnanc
Oh, they know how to fix it, but then you wouldn't have F/awd functionality, at least not APT-F/awd, Automatic Part-Time F/awd. The problem is that there are times, roadbed conditions (plowing, understearing), wherein the current "automatic" system might well save your life, or as a minimum prevent a loss of control accident.
It depends on whether or not you consider the torque converter lockup clutch as integral part of the torque converter.
If the "shudder" occurs only or primarily during acceleration periods then the actual TC is more likely the problem. On the other hand if the shudder occurs during cruise or during the transition from acceleration to cruise then the torque converter lockup clutch would be suspect.
Frankly, in my life's experience, marginal clutch operation is more likely than otherwise to result in "shudder".
I was surprised that not many Pilot owners are aware of this serious problem.
Huge disappointed with Honda. This might be my last Honda vehicle. Honda is sinking now like how SONY did.
Anyway, my car started strange revving when speeding up from a 40-50 mph cruise and started having harder shifting and less power in lower gears. Its a 2010 MDX Base model with 37000 miles.
The dealer was very reasonable once I said "I think its been having some of the known transmssion problems for this vehicle." They took me out on a test drive and luckily I reproduced the problem with the tech in the car. They immediately said that this was a dangerous problem that could lead to total power failure and took internal pictures of the torque converter and other aspects of transmission. Acura Tech Line confirmed a bad torque converter. They are replacing right now. I havent talked again with them yet, but certainly hope they give me a new 50K warranty on that part.
So, I have mixed feelings. The dealer was attentive and very reasonable, but it is clear that Acura as a company (or major division of Honda anyhow) has chosen to play Russian roulette with people's cars and maybe lives/safety---seems to me they put in a cheap part and its easier/cheaper to replace some as they come in than to fix the problem with a new part.
I really hope "they" are reading this forum and pay attention, becaus overall, I have liked this vehicle a lot (nice level of luxury and wonderful ride for a great price)...but next time I might just save up another 20K and get a BMW or Mercedes and not have to worry about this stuff!
You would get, undoubtedly, the additional safety of R/awd vs F/awd(SH-AWD) but those marques are not well known for reliability, salesperson and overall dealer arrogance maybe, but NEVER relaibility.
In the MDX price range look to Porsche, V6 "base" Cayenne, for that.
I suspect even the Toyota 4runner, R/awd, would prove to be more reliable than any "wannabe", base FWD, adapted for/to "part time", automatic "part time", F/awd.
What Honda/Acura needs to do is offer a switch for the driver to enable the F/awd "automatic" functionallity only in known, or suspected, marginal traction conditions. It is simply NOT a good idea to engage both front and rear drives on a highly tractive surface, the drive line component stress level can be extraordinary under HARD acceleration.
Unless the engine is overpowered enough, ~>200HP, to threaten wheelspin/slip under HARD acceleration on a reasonably tractive surface, there is absolutely no need to shorten the life of the drive line components in this way.
But the MDX, and quite possibly the new F/awd Explorer, is certainly on the way to proving my point.
It does apply to the Acura MDX2004. Acura will still explain there are no recalls or service bulletins that apply to the Acura MDX2004, then after presentation of the bulletin, will explain that your vehicle is out of warranty. Despite the section referencing "out of warranty" repair explaining the necessary corrective action Acura is to provide, Acura will make every effort to avoid coverage . The dealership will attempt to have you coverage as much as they can, then list your payment on the receipt, whatever the amount, as a "deductible" to make it appear as if they are complying with the service bulletin. Acura is fully responsible for these faulty transmissions, but will do as much as is possible to pass the cost on to consumers.
Our "deductible"/amount we eventually paid(after 6 weeks of dispute), was $1452!!
The receipt furthermore listed that the dealership had disclosed the original repair estimate being $0. I suppose we didn't hear that estimate or were just in a generous mood that day.
We just wanted our vehicle back and nothing to do with Acura again!!
Good luck!
Thanks