The Acura TL was equipped with the BDGA, B7WA and B7VA transmission in many years. Debuting for the 1996 model year, the mid-size Acura TL combined all of the reliability and refinement of a Honda, with a heavy dose of style and luxury. At the time, it was a lot more durable than most luxury cars in its segment, and it soon became Acura’s best-selling model. The second generation Acura 3.2TL was introduced for 1999, but this more powerful model was considerably more trouble prone. Common failures included the torque converter, 3rd gear clutch pack, and the entire transmission due to blocked oil passages, damage from debris and/or heat related internal damage. After numerous lawsuits, recalls, and tons of bad press, Honda finally extended the transmission warranty to 7 yrs or 100,000 miles. The 3rd generation TL came out in 2004, and was a better car in every way. The fourth generation TL would be the final use of this nameplate, as the all-new 5th gen car was renamed TLX in 2015. Is there something wrong with your TL? Let’s look at some of the most common transmission problems, and see what you can do to get your car back on the road.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Acura TL Transmission Models
Acura TL: BDGA, B7VA and B7WA Transmission
Acura TL Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by exact engine size and year. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Acura TL transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Acura TL Recalls
2000-2004 TL – 04V176000 / P31
Summary
According to the recall, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
Consequence
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
This recall was issued on April 21, 2004, and Acura dealers received the following repair procedures: On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the transmission will be updated with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, it will be inspected to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced. If discoloration is not present, the revision to the oil cooler return line will be performed. The recall began for pilot, odyssey, and mdx owners. Owners can contact Acura at 1-800-382-2238, referring to Acura recall: P31. Or, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
1996-1998 TL – 99V227000
Summary
According to the recall, a transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out, allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
Consequence
The vehicle could lose power to the drive wheels without warning. Also, shifting the transmission into the park position would not lock the wheels, and a parked vehicle could move unexpectedly if the parking brake is not set.
Remedy
Owner notification began back in August of 1999, and dealers were instructed to install a redesigned bolt free of charge. Owners can contact Acura at 1-800-382-2238, or, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Acura TL Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
2009-2011 TL w/ SH-AWD – TSB 12-029
Problem:
A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20–45 mph. To minimize the opportunity for the judder to occur, a software update for the transmission is available.
Solution:
This AT software update is available free of charge to all affected vehicles regardless of its age or mileage. However, if the judder returns after the transmission software is updated, the torque converter may need to be replaced. American Honda did extend the warranty on the torque converter in affected vehicles to 8 years from the original date of purchase or 105,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you have any questions about this warranty extension, or need assistance with locating an Acura dealer, please call Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4. US owners can also locate a dealer online at myAcura.com. Owners in US territories, please contact your local dealer/distributor.
2000-2003 3.2TL / 2003 Acura TL Type S – TSB 03-002
Problem:
3rd Gear Clutch Pack is Worn:
The symptoms of a worn 3rd gear clutch pack include, but are not limited to
- No upshifts or downshifts
- Slippage or flaring on upshifts or downshifts (primarily in 3rd gear)
- Erratic or excessively harsh shifts
- Slow or delayed gear engagement
- The MIL is on and/or the D5 indicator is flashing
Solution:
The 3rd gear clutch pack in the automatic transmission is worn and will need to be replaced. NOTE: Certain 2000 model year 3.2TLs will also require a new fuel pressure regulator.
1999-2003 TL / 2003 TL Type S – TSB 02-027
Problem:
- While driving, the D4 indicator (1999 3.2TL) or D5 indicator (all other models) on the instrument panel flashes.
- An abnormally loud noise from the transmission.
- Extremely slow or delayed gear engagement, upshifts, or downshifts.
- Abnormal gear slippage during upshifts or downshifts. • Erratic or excessively harsh shifting.
- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) leaks.
Solution:
These problems can often be fixed by a new torque converter, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and/or fuel pressure regulator (2000 models). There were many transmission problems inherent to this generation TL, which forced American Honda to extend the transmission and torque converter warranties back in 2003. Unfortunately this warranty no longer applies, so you will have to pay for any of the above repairs and/or complete transmission replacement.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Transmission Does a Acura TL Have?
[transtar]What to Read Next
Over to You
[yop_poll id=”11″] [yop_poll id=”10″]What Problem Does Your TL Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
My 1999 acura Tl has transmissions problems it will drive but once the car heats up it stops going in forward like its stuck in neutral
Mine is doing the thing hi ow do I fix it
My acura tl missing speed sensor Bolt and the light come on sometime
My 2000 Acura tl will slip coming up to third gear every now and then. Normally I use the manual shift, seems to not for it as often. Other than that all other gears do fine
My 2003 tl will not engage once the car has warmed up. Won’t move at all, like if it was in neutral
My 2000 Acura TL is starting to not change gears in the 3 gear, it seems like it gets stuck, and I have to mass on the gas pedal for it to go into the next gear
I have a 2003 Acura TL it works fine when I got it about 4 months ago and now I have no 3rd gear it’s like neutral it’ll shift from 1st to 2nd and if you let off the fuel it’ll go 4th to 5th cleaned out the screens in a few of the solenoids change the oil but I have no clue why is it doing it
Hi, i have a 2005 Acura TL. I was heading home on the highway yesterday and felt my car lose power for a split second. I didn’t think anything of and i was going about 100 k/h, i heard like the car was revving high and that’s when turned off the music.
The rpm gauge was about 4k and i noticed that the green light to indicate that the car is in drive is not lit. Today i drove the car and got a P0706 code.
Any ideas?
New transmission get it rebuilt
Same thing happened to me
I have an 05 191,000
My 1999 has very prolonged gear change in to second when cold.
i have an acura tl 2005, the transmission gear works fine when i first got it but it starts spilling transmission oil all over the engine when driving, i have changed the transmission oil severally and changed some of the sensors on the transmission gear as the technician ask me to replace the existing ones but problem still persists. is there anything that can be done to stop this from happening again as it do happen mostly when i’m traveling a long distance.
My 04 Acura TL code say the c gear seniod is stuck on on. I drove it like a straight drive for a while the light is not own now. But I had a problem with it Friday and it made noise and look like it back some of the transmission fluid out. I sit on d side of the road and let it cool off but the tack hand keep going up on it when I apply the gas but I bump it over into manual and I got it to a shop without the noise. No warning or anything on the dash concerning the transmission. Help please. Single woman with no clue and don’t want to be taken advantage of. Thanks.
I have a 2000 Acura TL that is still reading a code for a bad crankshaft position sensor. I just replaced this part as well as the water pump and timing belt. I can erase the code and it will crank and drive just fine for about a mile or two and then the check engine light will come back on and it will cut off. If you manage to get it back cranked, it won’t shift past 3rd gear when in automatic. However, I can manually shift into 4th and 5th. Any ideas?
I have a 2004 Acura TL with 198k miles and it is having a very confusing issue. The fluid level is correct an does not smell burnt. The vehicle drives and shifts perfectly for the first 7-10 minutes and then begins to have issues. The vehicle begins to rev higher than normal and a shift is not guaranteed. Sometimes it shifts and sometimes I can’t even move in first gear. A fluid change was done about a month ago and seems to be the correct fluid. I am going to school currently to be a technician. Me and my classmates are having issues diagnosing. Especially since there are no engine or transmission codes stored.
I’m sorry to say bro but your 3rd gear clutch pack is going out and burning up
You are probably going to have to take it out and perform a full rebuild. I rebuilt mine myself. I went to UTI for technician courses.
Any videos or literature I can use to perform this myself? I already took out a tranny but never serviced one… hard job? Parts seem decently affordable
Hi there I have a 04 acura tl as i drive the car when the temp gauge is cold first to second gear goes in fine but when the car warms up I get a kick from first gear to second but otherwise then that 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 and 5th gear are fine it only happens from 1 to 2nd gear. Would anyone know what that could be? Thanks
Hi Al, my 2003-04 Acura 3.2TL is having the same issues as yours. I have serviced the solenoids and even had to replace the 2 sensors, but still could not find a solution. I look forward to having a quick solution to it too.
I have a 2000 tl having similar issues I’ll come outside to drive it I’ll take it out of park and put it into reverse and nothing try drive still nothing I get upset go inside for a bit come back out and try it again and it drives fine I just dont get it
I have a 04 TL. I bought it transmission is fine. i changed out fluid. now little green light started flashing next to “D” on dash. computer says its something wrong in transmission. not getting enough oil to 2nd gear? shut car off sometimes it comes right back other times it takes a while. Is there anything i can do to fix problem before tranny falls apart? I’ve flushed fluid again and changed filter but my first trip in car light is back on flashing. I read acura can redirect a cooling tube to stop this but it doesnt say where where it is or how to do it. would like to fix it now before tranny goes. This is my first Acura. owned many hondas with no problems to 300k and more. this has only 211k . This will be my last Acura. Why waste money on a piece of shit when i can buy a cheaper honda civic and run forever. Acura sure dont help there customers
honda manufacturers are smart people but whoever screwed up this badly should be at the 7-11 cleaning the slurpee machine
I have a 2002 TLs and my transmission is not working at all , When I’m in gear and have my foot on the petal it’s like I’m in neutral, and won’t go forward in any gear , but sometimes it will backwards. I had a few people tell me to change the sensors.
I have the same issue. I had a mechanic change out 2 of the sensors but the car (acura TL model year 2000) is doing the same thing again where it feels like it is in neutral and there is no power to the transmission. This usually occurs after coming to a complete stop and then I start driving forward again. This definitely concerning when I go to pull out in traffic and lose power. I have to shift it into neutral and then back into drive to get the transmission to engage or let off the accelerate and then step on it again (pump the accelerate lightly).
My Acura TL 3 .2 is doing the same thing, can I drive the freeway today one last time, I need to go 34 miles to and from,
Need some help I have a Acura TL S 2002 and im thinking its the transmission. Ok so the fluid is brown and burnt smelling but there is no other sign that the problem is my transmission . The car will not drive forward or backwards. It goes into all gears just fine there’s no noise such as grinding. . And when I put the car into drive and step on the gas it seems like it’s in neutral. I need some advice too see what’s wrong with it. I was told it could be the drive shaft.. could that be what’s wrong with it?
My 1999 acura tl 3.2 is having an issue and i dont know how to fix it the D4 light flashes and the car goes into limp mode and the check engine light is on
2000 TL – car sounds like it is in a lower gear at any speed, but tach shows 1750 RPM at 60 MPH. Ran car 75 MPH, put in neutral, turned off key. Engine is stopped with the car coasting at high speed. The sound is still there. As the car slows, the sound changes pitch directly proportional to speed of the car. Torque converter, pump stopped so no pressure to the clutches. Problem must be somewhere between countershaft, differential and tires. It’s not the tires. Jacked up the front, disconnected ABS and ran the wheels at 50 MPH. Sound is loud inside car, but cannot hear it from under the engine/transmission.
Need some help I have a Acura TL 04 and im thinking its the transmission. Ok so the fluid is brown and burnt smelling but there is no other sign that the problem is my transmission . The car will not drive forward or backwards. It goes into all gears just fine there’s no noise such as grinding. . And when I put the car into drive and step on the gas it seems like it’s in neutral. I need some advice too see what’s wrong with it. I was told it could be the drive shaft.. could that be what’s wrong with it?