02 MDX TC shudder, getting worse, using amsoil

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meep

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Looking for some opinions/experience here.

2002 MDX 5spd AT, with the oil jet recall done. 85,000 miles. Vehicle has been meticulously maintained and dealer-serviced until we bought it. I swapped it over to amsoil ATF 15,000 miles ago during 3 drain-fills of the AT. The old fluid looked ok and there was only minimal fuzz on the magnet.

It has started to "buck" during easy cruise--- like 30-35 mph, feels like the TC is shuddering or sticking while trying to disengage. It's minor now but has been increasing in frequency.

Has anyone else with one of these honda AT's experienced this? I've used amsoil in other honda AT's with no problems. To my knowledge this AT is not known for TC failure, but 2nd gear failure.

I'd hate to spend $75 for another fluid swap unless we KNOW this is fluid-related....

Meep
 
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Check with your Acura dealer about a TSB for the torque converter shudder. Our MDX had the TSB applied and it made a world of difference. Combined with two drains and fills with DW-1 fluid, the transmission in our MDX may be one of the smoothest I've owned.

Your '02 MDX uses a different transmission than our '05 MDX does, but there may still be a programming upgrade for the transmission.

These things are getting more and more software-controlled these days. Our '07 Chrysler T&C also had a torque converter shudder issue, and a TSB fixed that up with a software update as well. After the software patch it, too, was an extremely smooth transmission.
 
Also, shudder at constant speed can be a sign of coolant leaking into the trans through the radiator trans cooler. Does this trans have a dipstick? If so, check the condition of the fluid. Does not take much coolant to ruin the clutches in the AT.
 
actually, it does have a dipstick that doubles as the fill hole with a really tiny funnel--- the primary fill hole has the jet installed in it. fluid looked good, BUT I will check again since the symptoms recently changed.

Thank you!

Mike
 
To check for cross-contamination between the radiator coolant and the ATF, pull the radiator cap when cold and look for a strawberry milkshake or similar substance. If you have that, your internals radiator trans cooler has sprung a leak and has mixed ATF and coolant.

End result of this is that your trans is on barrowed time (almost toast) and you will require a new radiator.

This is the case for 05-10 Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterras. This may also cross over to other OEMs since they all seem to get their parts for certain manufacturers especially the radiators and other similar items.
 
Originally Posted By: meep
actually, it does have a dipstick that doubles as the fill hole with a really tiny funnel--- the primary fill hole has the jet installed in it. fluid looked good, BUT I will check again since the symptoms recently changed.


Thanks for the correction. I've never seen a dipstick on one of these.
 
In my 02 MDX Valvoline Maxlife ATF has worked great! Btw to the dipstick question yes, there is one near the battery. It a yellow loop. Thats where I fill it with ATF through the dipstick. 129K miles and still works great!!
 
I don't think Amsoil is the problem, before spending any money you could try a bottle of Lube Guard Red or Platinum in it. It may take care of it but wont hurt anything if it doesn't.
 
Both of the transmissions in my cars have a dipstick. I don't know WHERE I was coming from when I said earlier that the transmission doesn't have one, but it's obviously wrong information. In fact, if a moderator can delete my posts about the lack of a dipstick, that'd be ideal.

My sincere apologies.

Anyway, MEEP, what did the Acura dealer say about the TCC shudder? Is there a TSB for that?
 
I really can't imagine amsoil being the problem either. I've had it in multiple hondas with no other issues. LG red might be a good shot.

I figure it's either mechanical or control. ie., either the clutch surface is sticking, or the solenoids that drive it are sticking. Don't even know where the solenoid pack is located in this thing-- if it's serviceable.

I'll look for some LG. seems like a good try.

Will also pop rad-cap tonight to be certain.

Thanks!

Meep
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Both of the transmissions in my cars have a dipstick. I don't know WHERE I was coming from when I said earlier that the transmission doesn't have one, but it's obviously wrong information. In fact, if a moderator can delete my posts about the lack of a dipstick, that'd be ideal.

My sincere apologies.

Anyway, MEEP, what did the Acura dealer say about the TCC shudder? Is there a TSB for that?


Oh don't beat yourself up Hokiefyd. You're on here all the time with positive, well-thought posts and we all know that. There are always small changes year-to-year that aren't consistent--- for example-- the original dipstick location WAS different-- that big hole they put the oil jet in... so how did they find another spot for this dipstick?? It made me think, too....

M
 
Another MDX transmission is most likely about to fail... Take it to the dealer and hopefully they can figure it out. You should go to the MDX forum so you can get more info about these transmissions. Good luck...

This is a link at the MDX forum discussing a 2005 MDX and others with issues concerning this transmission. There are also other links concerning many other failures. Just do a search on the Acura forum.

http://www.mdxers.org/forums/14-problems/41989-05-mdx-yet-another-transmission-problem.html
 
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Just for clarification, the cause of failure for the transmissions in that thread is the failure of the transmission fluid cooler inside the radiator, allowing engine coolant into the transmission. This is something the transmission obviously isn't designed for, and is probably a death sentence for any automatic transmission, Honda or otherwise.

It also doesn't appear to be the same symptom as the situation in the OP's case, where he is feeling torque converter clutch shudder. Hopefully, it's something as simple as an electric solenoid.
 
Many other links at the MDX forum hopefully can help him out or give him a direction to go in.

Any shudder or slippage/delay can be early signs of a MDX/Pilot transmission about to fail.

The transmission cooler in the radiator is a horrible design and when those fail, it is almost a sure sign that the transmission is ruined. Mine went when I was on the freeway... I was also someone that changed the ATF every 15K. Transmission was ruined. Some people have noticed leaks while parked and they may be the lucky ones. Never drive it if this is something you ever notice... Have it trailered to your dealer, etc.

Again, the best way to help a MDX transmission too last, is to change your ATF to a Full Synthetic and change it often. Also, flush your coolant every 4 years and/or 50K miles. I waited 5 years 95K miles before I changed out my coolant... Do the 4/50 and hopefully it helps.
 
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I wonder if bypassing the factory in-radiator cooler with an aftermarket setup would be a good idea. If the weak link is the in-radiator cooler, taking it out of the equation seems to be a good idea.
 
Maybe the best solution is to just put a new radiator in an older one (like mine). The 200 bucks it'd cost for a high quality radiator is not much compared to the damage from a bum transmission cooler, and the risk would probably be mitigated forever, or for at least another 5-10 years.

Does anyone know what, exactly, the problem is with the original cooler? Is it thin metal, is it old and corrosive coolant, etc?

In general, I think Honda was over-optimistic with their fluid life, and still may be today.
 
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