Acura (Honda) common faults and how to fix them
Faults that are well known on Acura (Honda) models we hold manuals for: what the owner notices, what causes it, and the pages in our manuals that cover the repair.
- Acura TL transmission problems: 3.2 TL and 3.2 CL automatic gearbox warranty extension
- Acura timing belt: auto-tensioner oil leak and V6 water pump recall (2002 MDX, 2003 TL and CL)
- Acura six-speed manual: grinding or jumping out of 3rd gear (CL, TL and RSX)
Acura TL transmission problems: 3.2 TL and 3.2 CL automatic gearbox warranty extension
Symptoms
A failing gearbox slips, shifts harshly or late, or stops driving altogether. The torque converter can fail too.
Cause
Honda bulletin 02-027 covers the 3.2 TL and 3.2 CL automatic transmissions. American Honda found that a higher than normal number of these gearboxes had defects in material or workmanship that could cause premature wear or failure. It extended the warranty on the transmission and torque converter to 7 years 9 months or 109,000 miles, and a later class action settlement extended it further on 2002–2003 models.
Fix
Check the fluid level and condition and read any gearbox codes first. If diagnosis points to an internal fault or the torque converter, the Acura TL transmission bulletin replaces the faulty unit and the engine computer (PCM) together, with the parts it lists. The extended warranty has long expired, but the bulletin explains the fault and the repair. Use only Honda ATF when refilling.
Repair instructions on this site
- Honda bulletin 02-027: warranty extension, 3.2 TL and 3.2 CL automatic transmission (3.2 CL, 2003)
- All TL manuals
- All CL manuals
Sources: Honda service bulletin 02-027 (warranty extension); Honda bulletin 06-050.
Acura timing belt: auto-tensioner oil leak and V6 water pump recall (2002 MDX, 2003 TL and CL)
Symptoms
Usually nothing until the belt area is inspected: an oily auto-tensioner or a weeping water pump. A tensioner that has lost its oil can no longer damp the belt properly.
Cause
Honda bulletin 03-022 combines a product update and a safety recall for certain 2003 3.2 TL, 2003 3.2 CL and 2002 MDX models within set VIN ranges. The timing belt auto-tensioner is oil-filled to damp belt oscillation, and a manufacturing problem let the oil leak out. Vehicles that hadn't had the earlier V6 water pump safety recall (02-022) were included too.
Fix
Check with an Acura dealer whether the product update and recall have been done, using the VIN. At any timing belt change on these engines, inspect the auto-tensioner for oil leaks and replace it with the belt, along with the water pump, as the Acura timing belt bulletin covers. Line up the timing marks exactly before turning the engine.
Repair instructions on this site
- Honda bulletin 03-022: timing belt auto-tensioner update and V6 water pump recall (3.2 CL, 2003)
- All MDX manuals
Sources: Honda service bulletin 03-022 (replaces 02-022).
Acura six-speed manual: grinding or jumping out of 3rd gear (CL, TL and RSX)
Symptoms
The six-speed manual gearbox grinds when shifting into 3rd, pops out of 3rd, or is hard to get into 3rd. The symptoms can come and go and are often worse in cold weather.
Cause
Honda bulletin 08-018 gives the probable cause as a faulty 3rd gear synchroniser or 3–4 shift sleeve. The bulletin appears in our 3.2 CL, TL and RSX manuals, which use six-speed manual gearboxes. The bulletin offers no adjustment or software fix; its remedy is new parts.
Fix
Check the clutch adjustment and the gearbox oil level and grade first, as a dragging clutch or wrong oil also makes shifts hard. If the fault is confirmed, the Acura 3rd gear grinding bulletin replaces the 3rd gear set, which means removing and stripping the gearbox. Refill with Honda manual transmission fluid.
Repair instructions on this site
- Honda bulletin 08-018: six-speed manual grinds, pops out or hard to shift into 3rd (3.2 CL, 2003)
- All RSX manuals
Sources: Honda service bulletin 08-018.