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Acura MDX Transmission Problems

967 messages,  Last post on May 06, 2013 at 9:22 AM

You are in the Acura MDX Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura MDX, SUV


 
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Messages Page 58 of 98

#565 of 967 Is there a class action suit filed for 2006 MDX Torque Converter cover up? by rkubs68

Mar 22, 2011 (4:36 pm)

I have an appointment tomorrow with my Acura dealer for a "software update". I brought my 2006 Acura MDX in for the same rumblestrip sound described by many others on this site. When I finally brought it in at 57000 miles and 81000 mi., the dealer claimed they couldn't replicate the sound. At 90K, the technician identified the issue within 100 yards of test driving it. There certainly is an effort in my opinion to cover this one up. Too many people describe the dealer's inability to replicate the sound. I'll be seeking legal counsel if I am stuck with a $2300 bill for a replaced torque converter. ( Which they claim is all that needs replacing)

#566 of 967 Re: Is there a class action suit filed for 2006 MDX Torque Converter cover up? [rkubs68] by dc1225

Mar 22, 2011 (6:19 pm)

Replying to: rkubs68 (Mar 22, 2011 4:36 pm)
Same story over and over...if I were you, I'd demand that they also look inside the transmission and the radiator and to check the transmission. The fix is not complete w/o the complete transmission overhaul which they try to get out of. Remind them that you brought it in earlier with the complaints and that their mechanics were incompetent.
 
I really hope that you sue them and win!

#567 of 967 Re: MDX Transmission Problem - Some Causes and Advice [dmortaz] by peted1111

Mar 28, 2011 (8:08 pm)

Replying to: dmortaz (Mar 10, 2011 4:20 pm)
Yes, I do agree that I do go above and beyond and you're probably right that it should not be required. It would be great if something as simple as a fan and coils (the cooler) that cost me retail under $200 would be installed from the factory if it helps the longevity/reliability of a vehicle. Such a simple thing that saves the manufacturer maybe $80 per vehicle at their cost?
 
For the record, I have not been overly impressed with the build quality of the MDX. I do think it's a decent vehicle but I notice a lot of areas where corners were cut. I'm still happy with it but I think it rivals the quality of the Explorer I had previously which is either good for Ford or bad for Acura. I was expecting more from Acura to be honest.
 
Caveat is, I don't know of any manufacturer that offers a good quality transmission cooler from the factory except for some heavy duty trucks (yes, maybe they exist as I have not inspected every auto trans setup from each brand, but it's definitely would be unusual at best). Why don't they include them? I guess it's the few $'s. To me its the same reason I wonder why manufacturers use $20 speakers even in their "upgraded" sound systems when I can buy an excellent aftermarket speaker for $80. I guess this is the stuff that keeps the price down for consumers.

#568 of 967 Re: MDX Transmission Problem - Some Causes and Advice [wwest] by peted1111

Mar 28, 2011 (8:22 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Mar 12, 2011 11:04 am)
To wwest... First, I posted to try to help a few people who care to understand what might be happening to their vehicles and subsequently their money. You seem to be attempting to undermine my observations/explanation by getting into more advanced technical detail.
 
Certainly you may know more about mechanics than me. After all, it is just my hobby. However, I do think you have a few points of misinformation. First, the lockup torque converter on the MDX doesn't come into play until highway speeds. Heat is rarely building up at these speeds anyway. As you know, its the low stop/go speeds that cause heat and stress.
 
Additionally, the 4WD system really has nothing to do with transmission failure other than maybe making it work a little harder (more heat). There is a separate transfer case for the 4WD components.
 
And yes, I agree there's a lot more than just the torque converter that cause heat. But regardless, heat is the problem here however it's caused and I was simply trying to help people who may be researching this to understand that.

#569 of 967 Re: MDX Transmission Problem - Some Causes and Advice [peted1111] by wwest

Mar 30, 2011 (8:33 am)

Replying to: peted1111 (Mar 28, 2011 8:22 pm)
Undermine, no, just more detail, more depth in the explanation.
 
First, since about 2005 to improve FE the lockup clutch is engaged at any and all speeds EXCEPT under acceleration or when the brake are applied. That's why I often refer to transaxles as having 6(10) speeds, the lockup clutch use is enabled in the top 4 gears.
 
"..the 4WD drive system.."
 
Get into an actual 4WD, transfer case, and with center differential LOCKED, drive it for, say, 20 miles on a highly tractive surface and then take it directly to a shop for repair. The only difference is the MDX has the "center diff'l" LOCKED only under acceleration or during low speed turns.
 
But sooner or later you will have accummulated that same highly stressful, OVER-STRESSING, ~20 miles.

#570 of 967 Re: Solved the whining noise in my 2006 MDX [dc1225] by mdx32

Mar 31, 2011 (11:04 am)

Replying to: dc1225 (Feb 24, 2011 12:28 pm)
I have about 20k more miles to go. I have another issue now, and I think it is time to say good bye to Acura.

#571 of 967 Re: Solved the whining noise in my 2006 MDX [mdx32] by dc1225

Mar 31, 2011 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: mdx32 (Mar 31, 2011 11:04 am)
what's the other issue?
 
I know I am through w Acura after this mdx. I am finally going to pay slightly more and move up to Lexus.

#572 of 967 Re: Solved the whining noise in my 2006 MDX [dc1225] by codog3

Apr 20, 2011 (1:39 pm)

Replying to: dc1225 (Feb 24, 2011 12:28 pm)
my 04 has made the same whining noise ever since I got it 06 with 54k. I never did anything about it and have not had any problems

#573 of 967 Re: Solved the whining noise in my 2006 MDX [codog3] by dc1225

Apr 20, 2011 (1:52 pm)

Replying to: codog3 (Apr 20, 2011 1:39 pm)
that's great to hear...I hope I follow the same route as you. How many miles do you have on it now?

#574 of 967 Re: Solved the whining noise in my 2006 MDX [dc1225] by wwest

Apr 21, 2011 (8:02 am)

Replying to: dc1225 (Mar 31, 2011 1:11 pm)
Unless you mean the GX or LX, which have gas-guzling V8's, a new MDX would be a better value.
 
The 99-00 RXes were dogs insofar as premature transmission failures.
 
The newer, 2010 and after RX350 models have a muchly improved F/awd system but still remains FAR below the F/awd standard set by the SH-AWD system.
 
It appears that the early failures of the MDX transaxles/TC were the result of the use of the VTM-4 F/awd system.
 
On the other hand, for the new RX or the MDX (or even the new Explorer) I would disable the rear drive engagement clutch except for times of suspected need.
 
No reason to needlessly chance a transaxle, TC, rear clutch system, or PTO failure.

Messages Page 58 of 98

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