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TL Transmissions by Year
| Years | Transmission | Reputation |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Four-speed automatic | Fair |
| 2000-2003 | Five-speed automatic | Poor: known clutch and 3rd gear failures |
| 2002-2003 Type-S | Five-speed automatic | Same as above |
| 2004-2008 | Five-speed automatic or six-speed manual | Much improved; flare and switch faults |
| 2009-2014 | Five-speed automatic, or six-speed manual (SH-AWD and FWD) | Good |
These are Honda-designed transmissions with Honda's layout: parallel shafts instead of planetary gearsets, with a clutch pack for each gear. That design shifts nicely and is easy to diagnose, but it means a worn clutch for one gear shows up as slipping in that gear only.
2000-2003: The One Everyone Warned You About
The first five-speed TLs failed early and often. The typical story is a flare or slip on the 2-3 or 3-4 shift, a blinking D indicator, and then a failure of the 3rd gear clutch pack, often under 100,000 miles. Clutch material contaminated the fluid and took out the rest of the transmission. Honda extended the warranty on these when they were newer, but that coverage expired long ago.
If one of these is still on its original transmission and shifting well, change the fluid now with the correct Honda fluid, and keep changing it every 30,000 miles. If it has started to slip, a rebuild with updated parts or a remanufactured unit is the fix. Fluid alone will not bring back a slipping clutch pack.
2004-2008: Better, Still Not Perfect
The third-generation TL's five-speed is a big improvement. The faults we see most:
- Flare on the 2-3 or 3-4 shift, sometimes with the D light blinking. Check the fluid first. Then check the pressure switches and shift solenoids; pressure switch codes are common and the switches are inexpensive.
- Harsh or delayed downshift. Often old fluid or software. Honda released updates for shift quality on some of these.
- Clunk on acceleration or when shifting into gear. Very often this is not the transmission at all. Worn engine and transmission mounts on the TL cause clunks that get blamed on the trans. Check them before you spend money inside the case. The 2004-2006 TL mount kit replaces all five.
The six-speed manual offered in these years is strong. Expect normal clutch and throwout bearing wear, and occasional synchro complaints on hard-driven cars.
2009-2014: The Good Years
The fourth-generation TL's five-speed automatic is the most reliable of the bunch. Complaints are mostly harsh shifts from old fluid, torque converter shudder on high-mileage cars, and the same mount-related clunks. The 2009-2014 TL mount kit covers the later cars. SH-AWD cars have a rear differential and transfer unit that need their own fluid, and a groan in tight turns on those usually means the rear diff fluid is overdue.
The Blinking D Light
On Honda and Acura automatics of this era, a blinking D (or D4/D5) indicator means the transmission control has stored a code. It is not a general warning light; it is telling you exactly where to look. Scan it with a tool that reads Honda transmission codes. Common codes point to shift solenoids, pressure switches, the speed sensors and the lockup control solenoid. Clear the code and see if it returns before you replace anything mechanical.
Fluid: Honda Only
This is where many TL transmissions get ruined. These units need genuine Honda ATF (Z1 originally, now replaced by DW-1) or a fluid that is specifically made for Honda automatics. A universal multi-vehicle ATF can cause shift flare and clutch wear. We carry Honda ATF DW-1 and Idemitsu Type H, which is made for Honda and Acura automatics.
A single drain and fill replaces only about a third of the fluid. On a car with a shift complaint, do three drain and fills, a few hundred miles apart. That alone fixes a surprising number of flaring TLs.
Buying a Used TL: What to Check
On a 2000-2003 TL, ask whether the transmission has been replaced and get the receipt. A car on a documented replacement unit is a far safer buy than one on its original. Either way, drive it fully warm, because the early failures show up hot.
Accelerate moderately through all five gears and watch the tachometer. Each shift should be a clean drop in RPM. A flare, where the RPM jumps before the next gear catches, is the warning sign. Then cruise at 40 to 45 mph and give it light throttle to feel for converter shudder. Look at the D indicator on the dash: if it blinks at any point, there is a stored code. Pull the dipstick too. Dark fluid with a burnt smell on any TL means you should walk away or negotiate for a transmission. Finally, put it in drive and reverse with the brake held while someone watches the engine. A lot of movement means tired mounts, which are cheap, but they need to be on the repair list.
Repair Costs
| Repair | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| DW-1 drain and fill (x3) | $250 - $400 |
| Pressure switch | $150 - $300 installed |
| Shift solenoid | $300 - $600 installed |
| Engine and transmission mounts | $500 - $1,000 installed |
| Six-speed manual clutch | $1,200 - $1,900 installed |
| Automatic rebuild | $2,500 - $3,500 |
| Remanufactured automatic installed | $3,000 - $4,500 |
Bottom line: on a 2000-2003 TL, budget for a transmission. On anything newer, use the right fluid, read the codes when the D light blinks, and check the mounts before you blame the transmission.
Acura TL Transmission Parts
Honda ATF DW-1, Idemitsu Type H fluid and Acura TL engine and transmission mount kits. CoreTransmissionParts.com carries additional parts.
Honda ATF DW-1 → Idemitsu Type H → TL Mount Kit 04-06 → TL Mount Kit 09-14 → CoreTransmissionParts.com →FAQ
Which Acura TL years have transmission problems?
2000-2003, including the 2002-2003 Type-S, have the worst record. 2004-2008 cars are much better, and 2009-2014 cars are the most reliable.
Why is the D light blinking on my Acura TL?
The transmission control has stored a fault code. Scan it with a tool that reads Honda transmission codes before replacing parts.
What transmission fluid does an Acura TL use?
Genuine Honda ATF DW-1, which replaced Z1, or a fluid made specifically for Honda automatics. Avoid universal ATF.
Why does my TL clunk when I accelerate?
Worn engine and transmission mounts are the most common cause. Check them before suspecting the transmission.