| rightway1 |
| The D5 light is flashing on our 2003 MDX. Still under factory warranty. Any sense of what this might be? Thanks. |
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| shootist |
| The D5 light flashes when your transmission is broken. It has stored an error code, which is the reason the light starts to flash. Time for a dealer visit. And thank heaven for warranty. |
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| highmath |
| High tail it to the dealer :trustme: . I had the same thing to happen on my old Civic, except it was the D4 light, but same concept. Brought it to the dealer after a week and the tech said that a few more days and the transmission was toast. They went on and replaced it and had not problem up to when I sold it. I know the X transmission is must more hard core, so don't procrastinate! |
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| cardingtr |
quote:
Originally posted by rightway1
The D5 light is flashing on our 2003 MDX. Still under factory warranty. Any sense of what this might be? Thanks.
It is heartbreaking to see new members' original post about a dying transmission. But welcome to The Forum. You made smart stop here.
Do your MDX transmission a favor and tow it to the dealer and thank the highness its still under warranty. |
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| ocuriel |
| it could simply be a bad sensor which is no big deal. |
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| drknkboot |
I had this same problem happen to me last night. I was driving, and then all of a sudden noticed my D5 light blinking. I put the car a 3rd gear, and the D5 kept blinking. But, after I turned the engine off, and then back on, it stopped blinking. Do you guys think that there's a need for concern?
BTW, I just got my MDX not too long ago, and I have found this site very helpful. Thanks for all the info. |
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| shootist |
Yes, there is cause for concern. A flashing D5 light means that the transmission is malfunctioning, not necessarily that the 5th gear is bad.
When the tranny stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) resulting from a malfunction, it also starts the D5 light flashing. THe D5 light will often reset when you stop the car, unless the malfunction is continuing.
If this keeps happening, you may need a new transmission. |
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| drknkboot |
Thanks for the quick and helpful reply. I guess I have to start making preparations to get a new Transmission soon. When do you think will be the best time to pursue this? wait until I get a constant flashing, or just have it checked out now?
Also, I do not have a factory warranty anymore. I currently have a third party warranty. Can I get the transmission be replaced by a certified repair shop? or is the dealer the recommended choice?
Thank God for warranties!!! |
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| dj-mdx2 |
If I were in your position, I would take your X to an Acura dealer as soon as possible, as this can be a safety issue if it is indeed the transmission.
I don't know how good your 3rd party is, but make sure they cover the transmission. The warrantor may specify where you can have it serviced, so read your contract.
I wouldn't take it to a non-Acura shop anyway. How many MDX transmissions do you think your local shop replaces in a year? Besides, you can potentially get a remanufactured tranny with an Acura warranty, something that an independent cannot match. |
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| Jin_Chris |
Hold on!
Based on what, do we say "flashing D5" directly means "replacing transmission"?
Flashing transmission light can just mean "bad speed sensor input to transmission". If it happens, tranny can not properly determine shifting point etc due to false information from speed sensor. In such case, the car "refuse" to shift, meaning it won't move. With such faulty electric sensor, if the damage is mild, restarting (turn-off and back-on, like computer rebooting) may make the car move again... then, of course, it should be brought to the dealer for detail diagnostic shortly.
As far as I know (based on multiple Acura/Honda's of mine and neighbors and friends and family's), in majority of case of transmission indicator flashing turns out to be just bad speed sensor. the speed sensor usually runs about 100~200bucks. and most of Honda/Acura has speed sensor are located in the very open location for easy service. (which also happen to be the reason of frequent failure of speed sensor... damaged by foreign object...)
Of course, it could mean real tranny problem. But let's not "scare" the newbie off yet... Nor do we want to spread falsely bad impression on already dented transmission reliability of early 01~02 MDX.
I would recommend to take it to the dealer in your earliest convenience and do diagnostic testing. I hope it is just false sensor...
Meanwhile, let me go and take a look at the manual to see what would be the diagnostic procedure of D5 flashing... |
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| Jin_Chris |
Dang!
I just briefly checked the service manual. and there are so many cases when D5 light can be blinking.
It can be anything from "D5 light indicator circuit problem (least significant problem)" to "Main shaft of tranny failure (I think the most significant problem)".
Did you see "MIL" light came on?
Depending on the MIL light status, it can be narrowed down.
Assuming MIL did not turn on, scenarios can be,
1. It could mean the Tranny got overheated so the temperature exceeded proper safe sensing range of the temperature sensor.
2. Tranny temp sensor itself is faulty
3. Fluid pressure switch is stuck/bad.
4. Just D5 light circuit is bad
So, if it is case 1, that is not good. the car must be stopped (no more driving) not to cause any more demage to tranny. Did the car tow something?
If it is case 2, it seems pretty straightforward to replace temp sensor.
If it is case 3, it seems straightforward but seems like long hour job.....
If it is case 4, it may require instrument pannel replacement?
Have your finger crossed and hope for the best!, |
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| drknkboot |
*There was no "MIL" light on when this incident took place.
*I was not towing anything either. I was just engaged in regular driving habits (cruising through the country side).
* It only happened that one time, and haven't happened ever since.
I think that I'll just take it to the dealer after i get back from my mini vacation, and have them check it out.
Thanks for your help everyone!! I have my fingers crossed that it is just a sensor, or something to that magnitude, but if the transmission needs to be replaced, my warranty does cover it. As to where I can get that done, that I will have to find out. |
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| drknkboot |
quote:
Originally posted by Jin_Chris
Dang!
I just briefly checked the service manual. and there are so many cases when D5 light can be blinking.
It can be anything from "D5 light indicator circuit problem (least significant problem)" to "Main shaft of tranny failure (I think the most significant problem)".
Did you see "MIL" light came on?
Depending on the MIL light status, it can be narrowed down.
Assuming MIL did not turn on, scenarios can be,
1. It could mean the Tranny got overheated so the temperature exceeded proper safe sensing range of the temperature sensor.
2. Tranny temp sensor itself is faulty
3. Fluid pressure switch is stuck/bad.
4. Just D5 light circuit is bad
So, if it is case 1, that is not good. the car must be stopped (no more driving) not to cause any more demage to tranny. Did the car tow something?
If it is case 2, it seems pretty straightforward to replace temp sensor.
If it is case 3, it seems straightforward but seems like long hour job.....
If it is case 4, it may require instrument pannel replacement?
Have your finger crossed and hope for the best!,
This post is just to update you guys on this issue.
I just got back from the dealership, and Jin_Chris hit the nail on the head with #2. It was a faulty temperature sensor, the ATF temperature sensor to be exact. With the diagnostic and the parts, labor and tax, the damage would be $377. That's not bad, and because they had to keep it overnight, I got a nice little TSX to get me to and from work for the time being.
Just out of curiosity, can this work be easily done, or is this one of those dealer only type jobs?
Thanks again guys. |
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| NewMDXOwner |
| If it costs only $377, it probably took 15 minutes for the job. |
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| Jin_Chris |
If dealer takes only 15min, that implies backyardmechanic can do it also without much hassle... :D
Anyway, it sounds like it is under warranty..... no need to get your hands dirty..
BTW, if MIL was turned on (MIL + D5), actually diagnostic can be somewhat different...... let me take a look at again... hmmmm... |
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