Get Your Acura’s Transmission Repaired at the Best Garage in Thousand Oaks
By Bavarian Performance Specialists June 11, 2020
Acura is known for its appealing mix of reliability, technology, and dependable functionality across the board. This makes Acura a practical alternative to many of the high-end European models without compromising on the quality or the visual appeal.
Acuras are not without their faults, and the brand comes with a list of things it does well with a few mechanical downfalls. One of the more common issues that Acura drivers face involves their transmission.
Some models, famously including the Acura TLX, are prone to transmission issues as early as 60,000 miles. Frequently, the symptoms of a struggling or failed transmission first appear in the cold weather of winter, though you may initially notice the problems when going to start your car.
While some of these problems can be solved as quickly as updating the computerized transmission software, many times, a transmission repair or replacement is required to remedy the problem. Unfortunately for car owners of all brands and models, this tends to be a costly course of action, which makes it imperative that you keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.
How to Prevent Transmission Failure
While there is no one way to guarantee your transmission will never fail, there are some steps you can take to keep your Acura in the best possible condition. These include:
- checking and topping off fluids regularly
- keeping up a regular maintenance schedule
- knowing the signs of a failing transmission
- bringing your vehicle to a mechanic at the first sign of transmission issues
Common Causes of Transmission Issues
We’ve put together a list of the most common causes of transmission problems that you may recognize in your Acura:
Low Transmission Fluid
If your engine is overheating and your shifter seems to be sticking, you may have low transmission fluid levels. You may also notice your check engine light is flashing. If this is the case, it’s important that you refrain from driving until you can top it off, as you can quickly stall your engine on empty.
It’s important to remember to check your transmission levels when your engine is warm to get an accurate reading.
Worn Clutch Pack
A worn clutch pack can be identified from symptoms such as slippage or difficulty shifting in and out of third gear. Additionally, your check engine light may be flashing. Typically, a worn clutch pack requires a transmission overhaul to replace the clutch pack.
Out-of-date Transmission Software
If your transmission software is out of date, this can lead to issues such as your vehicle shuddering and vibrating while driving. If there is an update available, you’ll need to bring your car to a mechanic with the ability to install the required software.
Failed Torque Converter
If your software is in-date, but you still notice shuddering, growling, or slipping while driving, you may have a failed torque converter. Typically, the only cure for a failed torque converter is a total replacement, which tends to be expensive.
Symptoms of Transmission Issues
There is a laundry list’s worth of symptoms that can be caused by a bad transmission, many of which can also be caused by other things. For that reason, it’s important to note any changes in how your vehicle drives to point your mechanic in the right direction. Potential symptoms of a failing transmission include:
- delayed or sticky shifting
- growling, jerking, or grinding while shifting
- jerking while shifting
- gear slippage
- poor acceleration or no acceleration
- overheated engine
- difficulty shifting in and out of third gear
- shuddering, shaking, or vibrating vehicle
Bavarian Performance Specialists Will Help
Bavarian Performance Specialists are here to help. We have been serving the Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA, areas for over 35 years. Bavarian Performance Specialists services in high-end cars, with a focus on quality customer service and an exemplary mechanical background.
If your Acura is experiencing transmission symptoms of any description, it’s essential to bring your vehicle in to a certified mechanic as soon as you can. Don’t put off the proper inspection and repair of your transmission problems. We are a phone call away. Stop by or schedule an appointment today and -let us repair and maintain your Acura.