| Otto191 |
One of the other posts asked for transmission experiences so here goes.
I just got my '02 back after a no charge replacement, no fights or arguments with anyone to make it happen.
Background: 37,000 miles -- dealer replaced EGR valve when the car was in for the 2nd gear lube recall. No symptoms yet, not sure why they did it.
Just over 56,000 miles -- some of the documented transmission symptoms had been appearing for a while (primarily the tack would jump 100 - 400 RPM and drop back immediately). Dealer replaced EGR valve.
About 69,000 miles took back to dealer. Tack jump symptom had come back plus intermittent 'rumble strip' noise began.
When I dropped the car off I spoke to the first Service Adviser about the EGR valve replacement vs. bad transmission. He said if the EGR had eliminated the symptoms last time it could not be a bad transmission as they are "completely different systems." (DUH! - I learn somethin' new every day.) A while later the service manager got me out of the waiting room and said I needed a new transmission. He had already gotten the OK from the Acura rep and would order one. As of today the work has been done at no charge.
Why was it so easy? What could help others in the future.
1) I got lucky - it doesn't happen often, I'm glad it happen now.
2) I learned to document everything so when I came back to the dealer with the problem I gave them a listing of dates and mileage when they had replaced the EGR valves in the past. I know they have that info., but I want them to know I have it too.
3) I asked what is wrong with the design of the 2001/2002 transmissions. I was told Acura hasn't admitted to a problem or said what it might be.
4) I asked why this went so clean when there are so many horror stories about transmission replacement. I was told that Acura might be getting the idea that they have a problem and have been pretty good at taking responsibility. But they still decide on a case by case basis.
5) The transmission/torque converter and Electronic Control Unit were replaced. I initially asked if the torque converter would be replaced and was told it was part of the transmission assembly.
6) It's a 'redesigned/rebuilt' transmission with a 3 yr/36,000 mile warranty
7) I've noticed a number of posts where the dealer took the car out for a ride to check for transmission symptoms and didn't experience any problems. My dealer evidently did a TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE CHECK to determine that there was a problem. When he told me it needed a new transmission he said the pressure check showed varying fluid pressure. So, if you have the transmission problem, maybe that's a better diagnostic check for your dealer to do, rather than just taking it out for a ride.
Sorry about the long post. Good luck to all who are, or will be fighting this problem. |
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| AnaStacy |
| Thanks for sharing, you are one of the lucky few. |
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| ocuriel |
| Your low miles definitely helped. |
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| bodsford |
My '02 with 64k miles is at the dealer right now, and is awaiting a new transmission. Fortunately Acura is footing the bill as I was also a loyal customer, and had all of my service performed at the dealer (whew!). It was no-hassles for me as well - they just called and said Acura has agreed to cover the expense of the transmission, a motor mount and a new pcm module.
Of course, I have a loaner - an 07 MDX with the tech and entertainment package, and it's uber-sweet. It's gonna be hard to resist trading in my old one for the new!
Does anyone have any data about the reliability of the replacement trannys? I have not talked about warranty of the replacement, but it is certainly something I feel I need to consider when I evaluate whether to keep my '02. Any thoughts are appreciated... |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by bodsford
My '02 with 64k miles is at the dealer right now, and is awaiting a new transmission. Fortunately Acura is footing the bill as I was also a loyal customer, and had all of my service performed at the dealer (whew!). It was no-hassles for me as well - they just called and said Acura has agreed to cover the expense of the transmission, a motor mount and a new pcm module.
Of course, I have a loaner - an 07 MDX with the tech and entertainment package, and it's uber-sweet. It's gonna be hard to resist trading in my old one for the new!
Does anyone have any data about the reliability of the replacement trannys? I have not talked about warranty of the replacement, but it is certainly something I feel I need to consider when I evaluate whether to keep my '02. Any thoughts are appreciated...
From previous posts, the reliability of the replacement is about the same as the original one. Multiple replacements were not uncommon. |
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| Markedoc |
| I replaced my transmission last fall at 56k miles ... my ex put her 2nd one in at 106k .... looks to me like they are good for 50-60k miles .. |
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| bodsford |
Thanks for everone's responses...
Well I got my MDX back, and it seems to be driving fine. Letting go of the loaner was the hardest part! Upon looking at the invoice, however, it appears they only replaced the torque converter w/ PCM and ECU, along with a motor mount. I figured the problem would be the transmission itself, but maybe the torque converter was the only problem... My concern is that this repair won't carry me through the next three years (The length of time this repair is warranted - I will be upgrading to a new MDX before it expires). Is it common for Acura to replace the converter only to have the tranny fail shortly afterward? Would it be unreasonable to think Acura would also cover a failure in the actual tranny after performing this repair since they are so closely related? What symptoms are tranny specific that I should watch for?
I have read through a number of the other postings but did not see any that matched my scenario, so I apologize for the laundry list of questions... I am just trying to gather as much information as I can on this issue.
Thanks again! |
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| GriffinGirl |
| Looks like I am going to be in the same situation, bodsford. *holds breath* |
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