Acura TSX Forum banner

What do you think?

  • Transmission overhaul?

    Votes: 2 66.7%
  • Replace solenoid?

    Votes: 1 33.3%
  • Junk yard transmission?

    Votes: 0 0.0%
1 - 8 of 8 Posts

· Registered
Joined
·
1 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I have hit 204k miles and really haven't had any major problems with my 2004 TSX. Until recently, I am having an issue with solenoid C, code P0979 DTC-22. SO, my question is; could this be a sign that the transmission is about to go soon or should I replace the solenoid which is inside the transmission housing. I am not that great of a mechanic, only simple things. Got a few opinions from shops, and the dealer. They all pretty much suggest I replace the whole tranny. Seems like I only have the problem in the morning on the way to work. "D" light flashing, revs higher than normal, then a hard shift. I pull over. then shut the car off and start it; it's fine after that. I think it could be the screen needs to be cleaned or the solenoid needs to be replaced. The only fear that I have is what if the other ones start to go then I might as well have replaced the whole transmission. With over 200,000 miles I think I am pretty lucky not to have had too many issues. What are your guys thoughts before I go spend $2500 on an overhaul?
 

· Premium Member
Joined
·
857 Posts
A tranny swap is generally cheaper then rebuilding it. Then again, it's all up to you and how long you plan to keep your car for. I think your best bet would be to get a used tranny from a junk hard and swap it over. The first thing that generally fails in a car is the transmission, besides suspension and bushing's... etc.

I had my Acura CL transmission rebuilt. Cost us $3400. After 1 and a half year, the tranny died again.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
325 Posts
A tranny swap is generally cheaper then rebuilding it. Then again, it's all up to you and how long you plan to keep your car for. I think your best bet would be to get a used tranny from a junk hard and swap it over. The first thing that generally fails in a car is the transmission, besides suspension and bushing's... etc.

I had my Acura CL transmission rebuilt. Cost us $3400. After 1 and a half year, the tranny died again.
Year CL? If it was a 3.2 CL then your trans was most likely replaced, not rebuilt due to the method of failure they suffer. Sounds like it was a reman due to failing a year later. The early J-series 5 speed autos were like glass. I went through 3 on my TL before totalling it. $3400 also sounds correct for a remanned CL trans with removal and install.

Anyhow, back on topic. The K series auto 5 in our cars are reliable enough that rebuilding is a definite option. It will cost you more, but any reputable trans shop should offer a 3 year/60k mile warranty on their rebuild. Buying one used may save you money but you must keep removal/installing costs in mind. Very few DIY installs are done correctly. There's more than remove/replace on an auto. The cooler and lines MUST be bi-flushed correctly and the torque converter must be replaced. Its not hard to do, just time consuming if you've never done it. Not a recommended DIY project on the auto in my opinion, more involved than the 6MT.

Either way , best of luck and feel free to ask if you have further questions. I'm a certified auto/diesel tech and specialize in transmission repairs/rebuilds. This is what I do on a daily basis :p
 

· Premium Member
Joined
·
857 Posts
Year CL? If it was a 3.2 CL then your trans was most likely replaced, not rebuilt due to the method of failure they suffer. Sounds like it was a reman due to failing a year later. The early J-series 5 speed autos were like glass. I went through 3 on my TL before totalling it. $3400 also sounds correct for a remanned CL trans with removal and install.

No we rebuilt it... Such a dumb choice. It was a 3.2 CL, 2001 to be specific.
 

· Premium Member
Joined
·
857 Posts
Ouch. That's a pretty steep charge for a J-5 rebuild in my opinion. Due to the 2nd/3rd gear clutch packs over heating and usually failing catastophically , we would install remans with a 3/60k warranty for $3100. Hope that included extended warranty fees :(
It did but the shop went out of business 6 months after. Sucked...


Sent from AutoGuide.com App
 

· Registered
Joined
·
46 Posts
At that mileage I would just rebuild it. That way you get a new Torque converter, solenoid, O-Rings and everything else. If your engine is fine, you won't have any more expensive problems for another 200k.
Do not take it to the stealership, go straight to a transmission shop -and preferrably not a franchise- you could get a pretty good deal and save over 1k
 
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top