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All basic transmission question threads will be referred to this sticky and/or merged with the Transmission Failure discussion here: https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/leather-conditioner-help-106818/

Also, please refer to the Transmission Recall Q & A forum on 2G CL (same transmission, different car)
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Transmission Problems and Questions (more to come with time)

Q: I have heard that the 2000 + model year TL’s have transmission problems. Is there a recall and what are the warning signs?
A: The 2000 to early 2003 model year TL’s have an extended warranty on the transmission. 1999 TL’s have been reported to have minimal problems, however, it is rare. The transmission is now covered up to 100,000 miles or 7 years, and the replaced transmissions are under an Acura replaced parts warranty of 12,000 miles past the mileage at the time of replacement.

From the official Acura Transmission Recall notice:

Common signs of transmission failure are:
• An abnormally loud noise from the transmission.
• Extremely slow or delayed gear engagement, upshifts, or downshifts.
• Abnormal gear slippage during upshifts or downshifts. (Commonly between 2-3 and 3-4 shifts)
• Erratic or excessively harsh shifting.
• Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) leaks.
• While driving, the D5 indicator (possibly also TCS and check engine light) on the instrument panel flashes.

These characteristics are normal; they should not require you to call your Acura dealer:
Quick downshifts. The transmission has a computerized control system called grade logic. When going down a hill, even a light touch of the brake pedal can cause grade logic to downshift to the next lower gear. Downshifting helps to slow the vehicle through engine braking.
Does not always shift through the full range of gears. This can also be caused by the grade logic system keeping the transmission in the optimum gear for different driving conditions.
Mechanical noise when selecting a forward or reverse gear. It's normal to hear a slight mechanical noise when moving the shift lever from one gear to another. This noise can sound abnormally loud if any of the windows are down and you are parked next to a wall or another vehicle.
Vehicle may not hold its position when stopped on an incline in gear (may roll backward when the brake pedal is released). This can occur on most Acura-made vehicles. It is one of the measures used to improve fuel economy.
Hard shifts before the engine warms up. By design, the transmission shifts a little harder when the engine is cold. It returns to smoother shifting when the engine warms up.

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Recall Notices:

Safety Recall: CL and TL Automatic Transmission Second Gear Inspection

Dear Acura Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

What is the reason for this notice?

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2001-03 3.2CLs, 2000-03 3.2TLs, and 2004 TLs.
Certain operating conditions can result in heat buildup in the transmission second gear set and may lead to gear tooth chipping. In very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up, and a crash could occur without warning.

What should I do when the transmission fails?

Call any authorized Acura dealer and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. For vehicles with less than 15,000 miles, the dealer will install an oil jet kit to provide additional lubrication to the gears. For vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the affected gear for heat discoloration, which indicates possible damage. If heat discoloration exists, the dealer will replace the transmission. If heat discoloration is not found, the dealer will install an oil jet kit. This work will be done free of charge. Please plan to leave your vehicle all day to allow the dealer flexibility in scheduling the inspection and installing the oil jet kit. If transmission replacement is needed, the work will take more than one day.
Who to contact if you experience problems.

If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Honda dealer, you may write to:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746

If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to:

Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Or call the toll-free Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

What to do if you feel this notice is in error:

Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 2001-03 3.2CL, 2000-03 3.2TL, or 2004 TL involved in this campaign. If this is not the case, or the name/address information is not correct, please fill out and return the enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card. We will then update our records.
If you paid to have the transmission replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Refer to the attached instructions for eligibility requirements and the reimbursement procedure.

Lessor Information:

Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within 10 days.
If you have any questions about this notice, or need assistance with contacting an Acura dealer, please call Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238, and select menu option #2.

We apologize for any inconvenience this campaign may cause you.
Sincerely,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Automobile Division

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