
Acura Power Steering Check Fluid, Noise, Problems
In this guide, you will learn how to check and add Power Steering (PS) fluid on Acura vehicles.
Even though Acura makes dependable vehicles, transmission slipping, poor shifting, shudder, or skipping are some problems that Acura owners often face.
Acura transmission problems can start as early as 60,000 miles and are typically noticeable in cold weather or at startup.
Certain Acura transmission problems can be fixed by updating the transmission software, while other issues may require complete transmission replacement.
If your Acura is still under factory warranty, we recommend taking your vehicle to your nearest Acura dealer. If your Acura is out of warranty, read this article to become familiar with Acura transmission problems.
We will go over some basic things you need to check. You will also learn how to read fault codes from the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) yourself.
Common symptoms that you experience when Acura transmission malfunctions:
When the transmission fluid level is low, you will experience symptoms such as transmission slipping, no shift, jerking between gears, or even a burning smell.
If your Acura is stuck in gear or you notice a delay in shifting, the first thing that you need to do is check the transmission fluid level.
Do not drive an Acura with low transmission fluid. Driving with low transmission fluid damages the transmission.
Transmission fluid dipstick may not be available for transmissions in which the level is measured via the transmission plug.
The first sign that you may be having transmission problems is that the check engine light (CEL) comes on.
You can use a generic OBD-II scanner to retrieve CEL faults, but those codes will not be as helpful as the codes stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) module (also known as transmission control unit).
A multi-system diagnostic scanner that works on Acura will read fault codes from the PCM module. To diagnose Acura transmission problems, it is recommended to use an OBD2 scanner for Acura Honda Transmission. Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard on the driver's side. This is a 16-pin port. All 1996 and newer ACURA vehicles have this port.
Let's take a look at common Acura transmission problems.
A common problem that affects many Acura (such as TL and MDX) is transmission shudder and vibrations when driving. The vibrations can be most felt at highway driving speeds. This problem may be corrected by updating the automatic transmission software, which has to be completed by the dealer.
Call the Acura dealer to provide them with your VIN and ask if there is a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update available.
If a software update does not fix the shudder, there is a good chance that you have a bad torque convert which needs to be replaced.
To replace the torque converter, the transmission needs to be removed, making this repair very expensive. This is not an easy DIY fix that you can perform on your driveway.
The typical cost to change the torque converter is $1800-$3000.
Suppose the check engine light and D4 or D5 indicator on the dashboard on your instrument cluster may flash. In some cases, you may even hear a loud noise from the transmission.
When this happens, your Acura transmission will delay shifting between gears in upshifting and downshifting.
To fix this problem often a new torque converter is needed. Honda extended the warranty to fix this problem, but older Acuras now fall outside the warranty period. Read the fault codes from the Engine Control Unit.
Read fault codes via the OBD2 port located under the dashboard using an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0700, P0730, P0740, P0780, P1768
Another problem that can affect some Acuras is that the 3rd gear clutch pack may wear prematurely. If this happens, you may have issues upshifting or downshifting in 3rd gear.
Typical problems include flaring, slipping, or no shifting to third gear at all. Check engine light (CEL / MIL) and gear D5 may also be flashing.
To fix this problem, you will need to overhaul the transmission and replace the 3rd gear clutch. A defective valve body can also cause similar symptoms.
Multiple solenoids are mounted on the valve body of the Acura transmission.
Due to age, these solenoids can fail or get sticky, causing erratic shifting. Sensors mounted on the valve body can get dirty or stop working if there is a short in the wire harness.
It is possible to overhaul the valve body instead of replacing it. Valve body repair kits are available and less expensive than replacing the whole valve body.
It can be scary if your Acura shifter won't move out of Park.
Not only are you stuck in a parking lot or garage, but now you are worried about an expensive car repair.
A bad brake light switch typically causes the problem, or the ignition switch is not releasing the shifter from the park.
As a temporary solution, manually override the transmission and move the shifter in Drive.
Next to the shifter, you will notice a small plastic cover that says Shifter Unlock. Use a small object such as a flat screwdriver or pen to remove the cover. Insert the screwdriver into the hole and move the shifter from Park to Drive.
Below is a list of the most used Acura transmission fluid and applicable vehicles. The following is for information only. The correct fluid for your Acura is listed in your owner's manual.
Over the years, Acura has issued multiple recalls for the automatic transmission. Call your Acura dealer and provide them with the VIN. Ask if there are any recalls on your car. If there are, the dealer may fix your Acura free of charge.
List of previous Acura recalls and service bulletins.
By YOUCANIC Automotive Experts Published on: Wednesday, February 28, 2018. |
I have a 2006 RL and it was giving me a Check trans code. I looked it up and it said change trans Fluid. I did that but before the fluid change it ran very well. Still runs good but the check trans code is still on but trans works fine. Now I have a wrench code. 174, 000 miles but everything works? Any Ideas?
Hello, i have an acura tl 2006 fwd, i was driving the car normally without any problems, first it started a couple of months back, when i start the car and due to the cold i do not warm it, when i shift to drive it takes a second or two then the drive works, yesterday i was driving normal and my gear box started slipping out of nowhere, when i turn off the car and start it again it works, can i have some advice is it the gear box who's dead or since i never changed the transmission oil and filters it's doing that. Thanks