2003 transmission slipping

[dylan_mdx]

I have recently recieved my moms 2003 acura MDX and am in the process of fixing it up. My MDX has 295,000 miles on it and it has been a very reliable car thus far. unfortunatly I ran into a problem with the transmission while testing a few other things on the car. whenever I really floor it the transmission slips. the RPMs go way up and the engine is clearly working harder but the car goes no where, all this is happening when it is in D5. However a smooth acceleration results in no slip at all. I am wondering if this is a result of the transmission fluid not being flushed as frequently as it should or if there is a bigger problem, as in I need a new transmission. any suggestions or prices for a rebuilt transmission that you could give me would be greatly appriciated!

[scorro1]

Originally Posted by dylan_mdx

I have recently recieved my moms 2003 acura MDX and am in the process of fixing it up. My MDX has 295,000 miles on it and it has been a very reliable car thus far. unfortunatly I ran into a problem with the transmission while testing a few other things on the car. whenever I really floor it the transmission slips. the RPMs go way up and the engine is clearly working harder but the car goes no where, all this is happening when it is in D5. However a smooth acceleration results in no slip at all. I am wondering if this is a result of the transmission fluid not being flushed as frequently as it should or if there is a bigger problem, as in I need a new transmission. any suggestions or prices for a rebuilt transmission that you could give me would be greatly appriciated!

My trans just went on my 03. I called Acura Customer Care and mentioned that my transmission just went and was checking to see if any recalls have been assigned.

They mentioned for me to go to my local dealer and have them check. I brought the car in and as I thought the transmission went bad. The dealership called Acura care and they decided to cover about 75% of the cost. In the end ill pay $2500 and receive a 36k 3 year warranty.

[phins2rt]

scorro, do you have the two package installed (extra trans and power steering cooler)?

[phins2rt]

Originally Posted by dylan_mdx

I have recently recieved my moms 2003 acura MDX and am in the process of fixing it up. My MDX has 295,000 miles on it and it has been a very reliable car thus far. unfortunatly I ran into a problem with the transmission while testing a few other things on the car. whenever I really floor it the transmission slips. the RPMs go way up and the engine is clearly working harder but the car goes no where, all this is happening when it is in D5. However a smooth acceleration results in no slip at all. I am wondering if this is a result of the transmission fluid not being flushed as frequently as it should or if there is a bigger problem, as in I need a new transmission. any suggestions or prices for a rebuilt transmission that you could give me would be greatly appriciated!

You could go ahead and change the fluid and see if that makes any difference or just take it to the dealer and see what they say. 295K miles is exemplary!

[danstub]

Originally Posted by scorro1

My trans just went on my 03. I called Acura Customer Care and mentioned that my transmission just went and was checking to see if any recalls have been assigned.

They mentioned for me to go to my local dealer and have them check. I brought the car in and as I thought the transmission went bad. The dealership called Acura care and they decided to cover about 75% of the cost. In the end ill pay $2500 and receive a 36k 3 year warranty.

Scorro1

Wow! If I understand your post you have 132,000 miles on your 2003 and Acura is sharing the cost of a new trans. This seems very generous to me.

[scorro1]

Originally Posted by phins2rt

scorro, do you have the two package installed (extra trans and power steering cooler)?

I am not sure what package that is... Please explain.

Also, I have 138k now, they figured since I was a long time customer that something could be done.

Note: Nothing would have been done if I did not call.

[JL_SS]

Originally Posted by scorro1

My trans just went on my 03. I called Acura Customer Care and mentioned that my transmission just went and was checking to see if any recalls have been assigned.

They mentioned for me to go to my local dealer and have them check. I brought the car in and as I thought the transmission went bad. The dealership called Acura care and they decided to cover about 75% of the cost. In the end ill pay $2500 and receive a 36k 3 year warranty.

It is good that they are replacing it, however, ask them to check their math. If they are picking up 75% of the total cost and you are paying $2,500, that makes the total repair cost $10K. Unless Acura is just discounting the tranny and not the dealership labor. The most common total cost for tranny replacement has been in the $4,500 ballpark.

[JL_SS]

Originally Posted by scorro1

I am not sure what package that is... Please explain.

Also, I have 138k now, they figured since I was a long time customer that something could be done.

Note: Nothing would have been done if I did not call.

translation: tow package (phins2rt is dyslexic today), tranny and power steering coolers

[scorro1]

I do not have those on my car (I believe). I bought the car used a few years ago. Acura mentioned that they have good results on transmissions replacements. But only time will tell.

[phins2rt]

Originally Posted by JL_SS

\ (phins2rt is dyslexic today)

Not dyslexic, just poor typing! Thanks for catching that.

[JL_SS]

Originally Posted by scorro1

I do not have those on my car (I believe). I bought the car used a few years ago. Acura mentioned that they have good results on transmissions replacements. But only time will tell.

Your 2003 replacement should be fine for a long time. The same can't be said for 2001/2002 replacements.

[02MDXOHIO]

Originally Posted by JL_SS

Your 2003 replacement should be fine for a long time. The same can't be said for 2001/2002 replacements.

Why's that? I have an 02'.
What would be the best course of action? I think this is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Currently 180K miles on it.
I do have the shutter problem at low RPM's that is associated with the EGR and I saw in this forum that it was a DIY repair. I also am hoping for a furture explanation on how I might be able to fix that.

[JL_SS]

Originally Posted by 02MDXOHIO

Why's that? I have an 02'.
What would be the best course of action? I think this is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Currently 180K miles on it.
I do have the shutter problem at low RPM's that is associated with the EGR and I saw in this forum that it was a DIY repair. I also am hoping for a furture explanation on how I might be able to fix that.

Well, For those that had problem transmissions in 01/02 models, they usually failed well below 100K miles the first time. The fix was a significant redesign of the transmission for the 2003 model yr. The new tranny design was not retrofitable to the 01/02s. So the 01/02 replacement transmission is essentially the same design that failed in the first place. History also showed that if your 01/02 tranny failed under 100K, the replacement would likely fail also. There were owners on their 3rd transmissions. On the other hand, if your 01/02 tranny was running well over 100K, it likely not fail (if serviced properly).

I think you actually fall into the "good" transmission category. Is your drive indicator link blinking at all? EGR problems can mimic transmission problems in the early years. Failing transmission pressure switches can cause issues. If there is a rumbling associated with the shudder, then it is commonly the torque converter.

[poolpartysrule]

I think most people have forgotten the filtration issue with ALL HONDA/Acura's. I am currently rebuilding my trans with my mech. and I found, not 1, or two, BUT THREE filters , all clogged up. I am taking pictures and uploading them soon.