| DougHarts |
So I take my 03 in for the 30K service on 8/3. I get a call saying that the technician pulled out the threads along with the tranny drain plug. They order some "sleeve" to try and fix it. The wrong part keeps being shipped. Finally, they get the right part but it doesn't fix the issue because the tranny is leaking. Alternative? New transmission. So a month after I drop it off, I finally get my MDX back. I was a little concerned about getting a new tranny until I saw all of the issues on this site. Now I am thinking a new tranny is not such a bad thing.
So anyway, I am driving into work this morning and the gear indicator display on my tachometer starts blinking. D5 is just consistently blinking. I shift into D4 and it lights up solid but the D5 is still blinking. Any ideas what this might be? I stopped and started and it did it again after about 2 minutes. Any input is much appreciated. |
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| nightguy |
Did it seem like it was able to shift into overdrive ? What was the engine speed like ?
Oh and how the H did they pull out the threads in the first place ? |
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| DougHarts |
Just got back from lunch. Still having the issue. It starts happening about 2-3 minutes after I begin driving. I was going maybe 35 mph.
No idea how they pulled the threads out. However, I put 2900 miles on the 04 MDX loaner and beat the HELL out of it!!! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
Did it seem like it was able to shift into overdrive ? What was the engine speed like ?
Oh and how the H did they pull out the threads in the first place ?
Regardless of the gear you are shifted into, the D5 indicator will blink out a trouble code if there is a problem.
You need to get it back to the dealer for diagnosis. There are a couple of dozen different codes.
Either, they are fibbing, and the mechanic over-tightened the drain plug after the fluid change, or the threads were faultly and came out with the plug...less likely it seems. |
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| XStatic |
Looks like the D5 code is only sent when the the HDS is connected to the data link connector. Otherwise I think it just blinks to indicate trouble.
The problem could be almost anything, temperature, speed sensor, incorret ratio, torque converter stuck off, valve stuck, pressure switch, solenoid shorted, etc. |
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| DougHarts |
| It's going back in today. The guy said he could get me an Enterprise rental. I laughed at him and said that I require an 04 MDX considering they had my vehicle for a month. He agreed. Hopefully I don't get the poor MDX I have been pounding on for the last 4 weeks. I would imagine it is in for service!!! |
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| smac2015 |
| So what was the problem with your X why the D5 kept blinking? |
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| DougHarts |
| It's been a while but I believe it was the "controller" or "control unit" or something. Apparently it should be replaced when the tranny is replaced and they did not do it. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by DougHarts
It's been a while but I believe it was the "controller" or "control unit" or something. Apparently it should be replaced when the tranny is replaced and they did not do it.
Did they give you a new or remanufactured tranny? SOP is to replace faulty trannies with remans but I hope yours was new due to the fact that it was entirely a dealer screw up. |
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| DougHarts |
| I thought of that after the fact and haven't bothered to ask them. However, if I have any issues with the tranny in the future and it turns out that it was remanufactured, I will go ballistic on them if they even try to charge me a dime. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by DougHarts
It's been a while but I believe it was the "controller" or "control unit" or something. Apparently it should be replaced when the tranny is replaced and they did not do it.
This doesn't sound right. The ECU is replaced (and sometimes the fuel pressure regulator) with a transmission on certain CL and TL models. But not on the MDX.
A connector on the transmission may not have been plugged in, and this is their way of covering it by saying another part was bad. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
Did they give you a new or remanufactured tranny? SOP is to replace faulty trannies with remans but I hope yours was new due to the fact that it was entirely a dealer screw up.
Let's put this one to bed, again. No gets a 'new' transmission. The only NEW transmissions go on new production vehicles. You most likely get a remanufactured unit.
Everyone thinks a new transmission has to be better. But remember, it was a 'new' one that failed. (well new but used).
Besides, there is actually a good chance the remanned unit will have the latest production changes incorporated.
This is irrespective of any inherent problems due to a poor design. And no one gets a better designed transmission, new or remanufactured. At least, not yet. |
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| DougHarts |
Yes and No Dale. My tranny didn't fail...Acura jacked it up. In the end, it doesn't matter to me whether I got a new or remanufactured unit as long as it works.
That said, if I ever have an issue with my tranny I will demand that Acura covers all expenses. My original could have never had a problem and we will never know. One thing I do know is that Acura "ruined" my original tranny and as far as I am concerned they are on the hook for as long as I own the vehicle...under warranty or otherwise. I think we can all agree on that. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Let's put this one to bed, again. No gets a 'new' transmission. The only NEW transmissions go on new production vehicles. You most likely get a remanufactured unit.
Everyone thinks a new transmission has to be better. But remember, it was a 'new' one that failed. (well new but used).
Besides, there is actually a good chance the remanned unit will have the latest production changes incorporated.
This is irrespective of any inherent problems due to a poor design. And no one gets a better designed transmission, new or remanufactured. At least, not yet.
In this case, since the dealer DESTROYED his transmission by stripping out the drain plug and trying to unsuccessfuly heli-coil it, they should have paid for a NEW transmission with all of the current production upgrades. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by DougHarts
as far as I am concerned they are on the hook for as long as I own the vehicle...under warranty or otherwise. I think we can all agree on that.
You might agree, but I don't. Just because they put a remanufactured unit in, doesn't mean you're entitled to a lifetime warranty.
This would be the same as someone spinning a bearing in a motor, and trying to get the Jiffy Lube that sold them sold silly oil additive 5 years prior to pay for the motor.
Acura is "on the hook" for as long as your warranty lasts. If you were already off of that, then 12 months is typically the longest any shop, dealer or not, will stand behind their work. |
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| DougHarts |
You need to read the thread. I took it in for the standard 30k service and they stripped the drain plug threads. They couldn't fix it so they replaced the tranny. I have not had any problems with the replaced tranny. My point is that if I do have problems that they should pay since my original tranny was perfectly fine before they screwed it up.
Are you saying you disagree with that? |
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| SuperTech |
I've read the thread. And I now I've read it again. I still disagree.
So your original transmission got pulled at 30k. Had nothing gone wrong with the drain plug and they sent you on your way with your original transmission, who's to say that some design flaw might have caused it to fail down the road at say...55k. You'd be off warranty. So i guess you'd be OK with paying the $3000+ to replace it then...but if your remanufactured unit should die at say...150k, or 200k, or 300k...Acura should pay for it no matter what? How's that fair?
Suppose you got into an accident and the left front corner got crunched, and after you got it back from the body shop and made sure everything was fine. Now, a few years later (and you're off warranty)...you notice that the headlight housing on the right side is getting the condensation problem that's known all too well by people on this site? Do you go file another claim with your insurance saying that the accident somehow structurally weakened the headlight and caused a problem that didn't manifest till years down the road? Or do you just eat the cost and chalk it up to flawless headlight housings (even brand new replacements) are jreally only luck of the draw...just like transmissions? |
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| DougHarts |
Your analogy is much to obscure and is not a valid comparison. Allow me to explain why. A transmission does not have a useful shelf life so to speak. It does not automatically expire after 50,000 miles. The vast majority of transmissions work for as long as you own your vehicle.
The bottom line is that Acura was at fault for destroying my original transmission...which, by the way, was in perfect working order and most likely would have not had a problem going forward. They didn't destroy my left headlight and I am making a claim on my right headlight. There is only one transmission.
We apparently disagree on this and that is fine. My point is that I paid $40k for a quality vehicle and their overzealous tech got a little happy with the torque wrench. It is my position that they should be liable for any future costs associated due to their inabilty to properly tighten a drain plug.
HAd my original tranny failed at 55k, yes, I would have been fine paying to have it replaced then. However, we will never know. As I stated before, the data shows that this more than likely would not have happened. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by DougHarts It is my position that they should be liable for any future costs associated due to their inabilty to properly tighten a drain plug.
I think you would have a very difficult time linking both events. A past screwup and a future failure of a replacement transmission.
I had a transmission replaced in a '91 Taurus (routine procedure) and 2 months later they replaced it again, because of a misdiagnosis.
The 2nd problem resulting in an erratic shift was due to a throttle position sensor.
By some miracle, the service manager had a brain&#t and had their trans specialist drive my car when I returned with the same complaint.
So they replaced the 2nd one for nothing because of a wrong diagnosis.
Now, by your standard, if the 2nd replacement failed, I could hold Ford responsible for ordering and installing a 2nd transmission when it was not needed.
That is a real stretch. I understand your position, and even side with it, but since you would be relying on the same people to resolve the situation, do you honestly believe anyone short of a clever (as in expensive) attorney will ever get that point across? |
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| DougHarts |
I think the overriding issue in all of this was that there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with my original transmission when they effectively destroyed it. The transmission did not fail.
How about this analogy. You bring your brand new car in for service. A lift malfunctions and pushes it through the ceiling of the garage. The estimate for repair comes in just under what is considered scrapping the vehicle. The dealer repairs the car and sends you on your way. A few years later, one day after the warranty expires, you are driving down the freeway and the entire roof flies off the top of your car. You expect me to collect the debris off of the freeway, make my way over to the dealer and ask them how much to put a new roof on my convertible?
I am not saying it wouldn't be a battle to get Acura to cover any future transmission expenses. I am talking about the dealership doing the right thing since it was their own NEGLIGENCE that started this whole thing in the first place.
Of course this is all hypothetical since the replaced tranny is working fine. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by DougHarts
I think the overriding issue in all of this was that there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with my original transmission when they effectively destroyed it. The transmission did not fail.
The dealer repairs the car and sends you on your way. A few years later, one day after the warranty expires, you are driving down the freeway and the entire roof flies off the top of your car. You expect me to collect the debris off of the freeway, make my way over to the dealer and ask them how much to put a new roof on my convertible?
Of course this is all hypothetical since the replaced tranny is working fine.
Exactly, as were my 1st & 2nd Ford replacements.
The problem with the 'roof' example, is your dependence on a rework vs. repairing the roof by replacing it with a 'bolt-in' roof.
(Putting aside that the reality of such a repair or body work is highly unlikely. ) |
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| JL_SS |
This is an an interesting situation because it is not a warranty replacement. If the dealer was honest and reported that they destroyed your tranny, then they (or their insurance company) should have paid for the replacement. Acura had no liability here. Like an accident, the dealer is responsible for making you whole again. If you get into an accident, an insurance company does not use junkyard or rebuilt parts for replacements to make you whole.
I see it as they have increased your risk for problems. The 2003's had very few transmission failures and the risk for one was low. But now they put in a transmission that has already failed once and been rebuilt. |
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| wizonoz |
Hi people:
It seems the percentage of costs for tranny replacements are case by case. I just "agreed" to a 25% cost for a "new, except the housing" replacement for a 01 MDX. I had 88K, no towing but hard driving. The funny thing is they did the recall work to look for the gear discoloration 5 weeks ago and then 2 weeks ago the 2 to 3rd slippage occurred.
My understanding of the NTSB recall and warranty was the transmission was to be replaced, at no cost, if defective. I know warranties were extended for the TL to 7 yrs or 100K for the trannies, but I was wondering if my out of pocket costs ($800) are reasonable or what other percentages owners are paying.
Other than this, no problems. Thanks. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by DougHarts
Your analogy is much to obscure and is not a valid comparison. Allow me to explain why. A transmission does not have a useful shelf life so to speak. It does not automatically expire after 50,000 miles. The vast majority of transmissions work for as long as you own your vehicle.
They didn't destroy my left headlight and I am making a claim on my right headlight.
My analogy is obscure and ivalid to you because you apparently don't get it.
So you'll agree that a transmission doesn't have a set time that it will expire. (yet you say you'd be totally fine paying for a replacement had your original failed at 55k???) Would you also agree that a headlight housing is also an item that should last for as long as you own the vehicle? If you say no at this point, I'm at a loss...I can't communicate at your level, but I'll try anyways.
My headlight comparison was something we like to call a "what if?" You just pretend it happened. Like "make believe land" on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. I'm not saying that anyone has actually destroyed your headlight. So let's pretend and I'll redo my analogy.
[Going to make believe land music]
Oh noes! You wrecked your car. But don't worry. The body shop made it all better. They fixed a bumper and replaced a headlight on the left side. And you drive away and all is well. What's that we see? It's the future! It looks like a time a few years from now. What's happening? It looks like your other headlight is having a problem now. Oh no. Oh nooooooooeeees... What do we do? Ooo! I know! Let's go find that nice body shop that fixed your car and make them buy you the other headlight since they were the last people to do anything related to that, even if it was years ago...it must be their fault. Yeah! Nothing better than a lifetime guarantee on the whole front end of your car!
[/Going out of make believe land music]
Do you get it? You're going to have a helluva time convincing anyone at a dealer or corporate down the road that your original transmission would have fared better should you have a failure with high mileage on the clock on your remanufactured unit. If you get nothing else from this, or my smart ass little analogy, hear these words...IT'S LUCK OF THE DRAW! Your remanufactured unit was built to the exact same specs as a brand new production unit. Wear out items such as clutches were replaced and even the sensors were replaced. All tolerances were checked to meet specs as a new one is. So maybe the alloy case isn't as shiny as a new one. Fact remains is that a new one fails just a easily as a rebuilt one. They both have the same chance that a flawed part could wind up in them. They both have the same chance that a worker could miss something when the unit is being assembled. And neither one is entitled to a lifetime warranty. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperTech
Fact remains is that a new one fails just a easily as a rebuilt one. They both have the same chance that a flawed part could wind up in them. They both have the same chance that a worker could miss something when the unit is being assembled. And neither one is entitled to a lifetime warranty.
If they replaced your windshield twice, by accident, you would not really care. After all, it is BRAND NEW!
A remanned transmission should be just as lousy as a new one. :D |
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| DougHarts |
No need to get your panties in a twist SuperTech. Your analogy is still flawed. You cannot compare getting into an accident with negligence. Then again maybe you can in your make believe world. I would agree that a headlight housing should last the lifetime of a vehicle. Now if the dealer was servicing your headlight and they destroyed the housing wouldn't you expect them to replace it free of charge? And if the housing continued to fail every 6 months due to a known defect wouldn't you expect the dealer to cover the cost? If it fails every year? Every two years? Every five years? I would say that five years is a stretch but you can bet I would make a serious stink about it if it cost $3K like a tranny.
I said I would not have a problem paying for a new tranny at 55k because then it is truly luck of the draw and sh*t happens.
Let me reiterate my point since you can't seem to grasp the concept. I didn't "wreck my car", the dealer did. If you can't understand that then one of two things must be true. One - you have grease on your hands and an Acura emblem on your shirt. Two - you have grease between your ears.
It's my position that Acura should pay if anything happens. Will this be the likely outcome? Probably not 100%. However, I would use this as a negotiating tool to drive down the expense as low as possible. |
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| SuperTech |
What I don't understand is that you'd be willing to pay if your original failed at 55k, but you expect the rebuilt one to last forever. The dealer replacing it would have nothing to do with an internal failure. New or rebuilt...they're sealed. Nobody at the dealer is opening them up before the vehicle goes out to a customer. Yet you must think that somehow the company is now liable for what happens inside that transmission just because someone at a dealer installed it vs. someone at the factory installing a new one?
Now...if they had never replaced the transmission, and just repaired the threads on your original that developed a leak after a few years, maybe...MAYBE they'd take care of you. But if it was off warranty, and it had an internal failure, you'd be out of luck because the drain plug threads aren't related to the parts inside.
Grease between my ears eh? Sigh... Alright. So be it. Now I hope your damn transmission dies down the road when your warranty is gone. Then you'll see how foolish your expectations are. Good luck with it! |
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| DougHarts |
Apparently you people have been programmed to be victims. Pardon me for wanting to hold the dealer responsible for a major F-up on their part.
Maybe I should just turn around, drop my pants, close my eyes and hope for the best like you. |
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| ardvarkus |
Hmmm.
You bring your car in for service.
The GM of the dealership has a psychotic break and sends the car to a crusher- your get it back as a two foot cube.
Should you get (a) a brand new car or (b) the retail replacement value of your car.
Now, replace the psychotic break with a fire at the dealership- any change in your answer?
NOW, lets say you accept the replacement value and then at some future date you decide it wasn't good enough... you now want them to be responsible because you accepted the original deal...sure.
Rant and rave all you want- you will not prevail with (a) Acura USA, (b) the dealer or (c) court of law.
they replaced like kind with like kind, no matter who's fault it was- you will not be able to unwind it unless you can PROVE a remanned tranny is inherently defective and aucra knew this. Prove it, not argue it on the internet.
Good luck- I think you've been arguing here with 'victims' that see this stuff every day- you think writing letters and raising a stink will get your way ? Ha Ha.. |
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| Sooner in FL |
No idea how they pulled the threads out. However, I put 2900 miles on the 04 MDX loaner and beat the HELL out of it!!! [/B][/QUOTE]
Doug, why are you driving like a bat out of Hell on a loaner car? I just love it when people are so wrapped up about THEIR car and so CAREFUL about THEIR car, but if it is not theirs, they mistreat the car. :confused: You wonder why some dealer do not give loaners (other than insurance reasons). Also, never buy a rental car, because people don't give a flying CR*P for something they don't have to maintain. Every car is a machine and all machine will wear and tear. When people abuse the machine, it will break. What kind of satisfaction do you get for mistreating a car?
Just my $.02 |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
Hmmm.
You bring your car in for service.
The GM of the dealership has a psychotic break and sends the car to a crusher- your get it back as a two foot cube.
Should you get (a) a brand new car or (b) the retail replacement value of your car.
In your analogy he essentially got c) a car that had been in an accident and rebuilt to new specifications. |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by Sooner in FL
[
Doug, why are you driving like a bat out of Hell on a loaner car? I just love it when people are so wrapped up about THEIR car and so CAREFUL about THEIR car, but if it is not theirs, they mistreat the car. :confused: You wonder why some dealer do not give loaners (other than insurance reasons). Also, never buy a rental car, because people don't give a flying CR*P for something they don't have to maintain. Every car is a machine and all machine will wear and tear. When people abuse the machine, it will break. What kind of satisfaction do you get for mistreating a car?
Just my $.02 [/B]
I'll answer in reverse order:
I drive a loaner hard to see what they are capable of... it's fun. I don't drive with the ebrake on, or redline it for minutes on end.
I guess if I ever considered buying a "previous daily rental' I might share your position- but the mfg says the car can be driven this way, so why not? It's the dealership's cost of doing business.
Do you wash and wax the loaner prior to giving it back to the dealer? j/k
A |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
In your analogy he essentially got c) a car that had been in an accident and rebuilt to new specifications.
Yes, he actually got BETTER than a tranny (especially an Acura tranny) with 30k miles. |
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| Sooner in FL |
quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
I'll answer in reverse order:
I drive a loaner hard to see what they are capable of... it's fun. I don't drive with the ebrake on, or redline it for minutes on end.
I guess if I ever considered buying a "previous daily rental' I might share your position- but the mfg says the car can be driven this way, so why not? It's the dealership's cost of doing business.
Do you wash and wax the loaner prior to giving it back to the dealer? j/k
A
I just wash it. It's good business. I help you, you help me.
Yes...I am anal. I keep things clean and neat.
You are telling me that the manufacturer wants us to drive it to the ground. Like duh...so you can bring it in for service...more $$ for them.:crazy: |
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