2013 Acura TL 6 Speed Manual Pulling Transmission

The 2013 Acura TL with 6-speed manual transmission features a robust FWD powertrain with a 3.7L V6 engine producing 305 horsepower. This guide covers the process of pulling the manual transmission for maintenance, repair, or replacement, including safety precautions, required tools, step-by-step procedures, and troubleshooting tips for common issues encountered during the removal process.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Required Tools & Equipment 3. Preparation Steps 4. Transmission Removal Procedure 5. Technical Specifications 6. Common Issues & Solutions 7. Reinstallation Guidelines 8. Torque Specifications 9. Maintenance Tips 10. Troubleshooting

Safety Precautions

Always prioritize safety when working with vehicle transmissions. The transmission weighs approximately 150-180 pounds and requires proper handling equipment.

Safety Item	Description
Vehicle Support	Use jack stands rated for vehicle weight; never rely solely on hydraulic jack
Transmission Jack	Required for safe removal and installation of transmission assembly
Personal Protective Equipment	Safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots recommended
Battery Disconnect	Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning work
Fluid Containment	Have drain pans ready for transmission fluid (approx 2.5 quarts)
Fire Safety	Keep fire extinguisher nearby when working with flammable fluids

Required Tools & Equipment

Specialized tools are necessary for proper transmission removal on the 2013 Acura TL.

Transmission jack with safety chain
Floor jack and jack stands (minimum 3-ton rating)
Socket set (8mm-19mm, including deep sockets)
Torque wrench (¼" to ½" drive)
Pry bars and screwdrivers
Clutch alignment tool
Drain pans and fluid transfer pump
Wire ties and marker for labeling connections

WARNING! Do not attempt transmission removal without proper equipment and experience. Serious injury or vehicle damage may occur.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation ensures a smooth transmission removal process.

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Disconnect negative battery cable
Remove air intake assembly and battery if necessary for access
Drain transmission fluid using drain plug on transmission case
Remove starter motor and wiring harness connections
Label all electrical connectors and vacuum lines before disconnection
Support engine with appropriate support bar or jack

CAUTION! Engine must be properly supported before transmission removal to prevent damage to engine mounts.

Transmission Removal Procedure

Step 1: Remove shift linkage and cables from transmission
Step 2: Disconnect clutch hydraulic line at slave cylinder
Step 3: Remove driveshaft and half-shafts from transmission
Step 4: Support transmission with transmission jack
Step 5: Remove transmission mount and crossmember
Step 6: Remove bellhousing bolts in crisscross pattern
Step 7: Carefully separate transmission from engine
Step 8: Lower transmission using jack and remove from vehicle

Technical Specifications

2013 Acura TL 6-Speed Manual Transmission Details

Specification	Details
Transmission Type	6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Gear Ratios	1st: 3.266, 2nd: 1.888, 3rd: 1.212, 4th: 0.885, 5th: 0.675, 6th: 0.545, Reverse: 3.583
Final Drive Ratio	4.389:1
Fluid Capacity	2.5 quarts (2.4 liters) Honda MTF
Clutch Type	Hydraulic, single disc
Weight	Approximately 165 pounds (75 kg)
Case Material	Aluminum alloy

Common Issues & Solutions

Typical problems encountered during transmission removal and their solutions.

Stuck Bellhousing: Use pry bars evenly around perimeter; avoid damaging mating surfaces
Frozen Bolts: Apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before attempting removal
Input Shaft Stuck: Rotate crankshaft slightly to relieve pressure on splines
Limited Clearance: Remove additional components like exhaust sections if necessary
Electrical Connectors: Use proper release tools to avoid breaking plastic tabs

Tip: Take photos during disassembly to aid in reassembly.

Reinstallation Guidelines

Proper reinstallation ensures optimal transmission performance and longevity.

Inspect clutch components and replace if worn
Clean mating surfaces on engine and transmission
Apply light grease to input shaft splines
Use clutch alignment tool during installation
Install transmission carefully, ensuring input shaft engages properly
Tighten bellhousing bolts in crisscross pattern to specified torque
Refill with proper Honda MTF fluid
Bleed clutch hydraulic system

WARNING! Do not force transmission into position. If resistance is felt, realign and try again.

Torque Specifications

Critical torque values for proper reassembly.

Component	Torque Specification
Bellhousing Bolts	47 lb-ft (64 Nm)
Transmission Mount Bolts	40 lb-ft (54 Nm)
Starter Motor Bolts	33 lb-ft (45 Nm)
Driveshaft/Half-shaft Nuts	134 lb-ft (181 Nm)
Drain/Fill Plugs	36 lb-ft (49 Nm)
Crossmember Bolts	47 lb-ft (64 Nm)

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance extends transmission life and performance.

Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles with genuine Honda MTF. Inspect clutch hydraulic fluid level regularly. Check for leaks at seals and connections. Listen for unusual noises during operation. Address shifting issues promptly to prevent further damage.

CAUTION! Use only specified transmission fluid. Incorrect fluid can cause premature wear and failure.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Difficulty shifting	Worn synchronizers or low fluid	Check fluid level; inspect synchronizers during repair
Grinding noise	Damaged gears or bearings	Complete transmission disassembly and inspection
Fluid leaks	Worn seals or cracked case	Replace seals; repair or replace case as needed
Vibration	Worn mounts or unbalanced components	Inspect and replace mounts; check for damaged components
Clutch slippage	Worn clutch disc or pressure plate	Replace clutch components during transmission service

Professional Service: Recommended for complex transmission repairs. Contact Acura dealership or certified transmission specialist.