| RC98 |
I posted earlier about my experience with the rumble strip noise and the low speed shuddering on my 01 MDX.
Alternative Diagnosis for "Rumble Strip" Noise and Low-Speed Shuddering
Because of the great information on this site, I took my vehicle to the dealer shop to get a "2nd opinion". The tech who took a ride with me said without hesitation, you need a tranny....oh and by the way I can tell your engine mounts are bad.
Total job quoted $5000.
I called client services, explained that Im a loyal 'Honda-guy) - that this is my 4th Honda product (and I'm only 31) - and that I was looking for some goodwill. They were very courteous, and got back to me in less than a week.
Honda will split labor/parts for the tranny replacement with me 50/50. Total cost to me for the tranny is $1800, and since there is overlapping labor with the mounts, it will run me about $400 to get both replaced.
Excellent experience so far. I am satisfied with this offer and will take it.
Question for those who have been down this path before: I asked the Service Manager if the oil-jet kit was also to be installed given that this is a known recall on the 01-designed tranny. He replied "no"...because the remanufactured tranny is a redesigned model with changes that addresse the original issue for which the oil-jet kit was a stop-gap.
Is this consistent with y'all who have undergone the tranny transplant?
Not a huge concern...however the remanufactured tranny replacement is only covered 3/36k and I figure that any issues stemming from lack of lubricant flow would show up well after that coverage period.
Thanks, as always for great discussion and information. I've owned my MDX going on 8 years now, and this has been an incredible resource.
RC98 |
|
|
| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by RC98
Question for those who have been down this path before: I asked the Service Manager if the oil-jet kit was also to be installed given that this is a known recall on the 01-designed tranny. He replied "no"...because the remanufactured tranny is a redesigned model with changes that addresse the original issue for which the oil-jet kit was a stop-gap.
The remanufactured transmissions have internal plumbing installed that does the same thing as the oil jet kit update that was done at dealerships under the recall. As soon as that recall was issued, all transmissions in stock at the remanufacturing centerand since then were rebuilt with the internal "update."
Now before you wonder...let me say for the zillionth time in my career of talking to MDX/TL/CL owners, the remanufactured transmission still has the same weaknesses that cause most of the failures we've seen. The oil jet update fixed only one potential kind of failure, and an extremely rare one at that. But since it was the kind of failure that could lock the transmission up and cause an accident, there was a recall. All the other potential failures that can happen will still be there. |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperTech
Now before you wonder...let me say for the zillionth time in my career of talking to MDX/TL/CL owners, the remanufactured transmission still has the same weaknesses that cause most of the failures we've seen. The oil jet update fixed only one potential kind of failure, and an extremely rare one at that. But since it was the kind of failure that could lock the transmission up and cause an accident, there was a recall. All the other potential failures that can happen will still be there.
And that's backed up by the numerous 2001/2002 forum members owners who have had multiple transmission replacements. |
|
|
| RC98 |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
And that's backed up by the numerous 2001/2002 forum members owners who have had multiple transmission replacements.
Thanks guys. If the rebuilt transmission takes gives me another 120k of fine driving experience as the first one did, I'd be happy to trade up to the 2010 model at that time.
I'll post a periodic update with this TRANSplant.
Thanks again,
rc |
|
|
| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by RC98
Thanks guys. If the rebuilt transmission takes gives me another 120k of fine driving experience as the first one did, I'd be happy to trade up to the 2010 model at that time.
I'll post a periodic update with this TRANSplant.
Thanks again,
rc
I wish you luck with it. Most owners who had multiple replacements were on the third transmission by 120K. |
|
|
| MDX4now |
Out of curiosity, which Chicago dealership did you take the car to where they offered these services?
It sounds like everything was pretty fair given the age and mileage .
Hope all goes well! |
|
|
| RC98 |
quote:
Originally posted by MDX4now
Out of curiosity, which Chicago dealership did you take the car to where they offered these services?
It sounds like everything was pretty fair given the age and mileage .
Hope all goes well!
Acura Client Services was the facilitator of the offerings. Continental Acura in Naperville performed the diagnosis, and it is now the shop Service Manager and, indirectly, their Regional Service Manager at Continental who will execute the deal. |
|
|
| RC98 |
Tranny transplant complete. Symptoms gone and running smoothly. Good overall experience with dealer service (Continental Acura, Naperville) and with Acura Client Services (picked up 50% parts and labor).
With both engine mounts replaced, total tab for service = 2300. 3/36k warranty on the trans.
Dealer provided an 07 MDX, loaded as a loaner. Smart. That is a nice ride! I'm hoping my ride holds out 4-5 more years, and be a front runner for the 3rd generation MDX as I was for the first.
I'm taking her back to the shop next week to get the timing belt/water pump replaced as a precautionary measure.
My memory fails me, but when we bought our 01's brand new, weren't we told to replace the ATF of the new transmission at a shorter interval for the first time? Or was it the VTM?
One other question, does a transmission replacement require that the coolant be drained? On the invoice, I noticed "Coolant Replaced" as one of the services completed. I'm wondering if that is for the radiator.
Also, the service papers said "Alignment complete". Was that for the driveshaft? I can't imagine that they would have to realign tires after replacing the transmission.
Anyhow, thanks again for the guidance. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this forum is excellent. |
|
|
|
