Acura Transmission Repair Manual

The Acura Transmission Repair Manual provides comprehensive guidance for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining Acura automatic and manual transmissions. This manual covers transmission fluid service, clutch replacement, torque converter issues, solenoid repair, shift linkage adjustment, transmission control module programming, and complete transmission overhaul procedures. Below are key sections for safety protocols, diagnostic procedures, repair techniques, specifications, and troubleshooting guidelines.

1. Transmission Types and Features 2. Safety Precautions 3. Diagnostic Procedures 4. Technical Specifications 5. Tools and Equipment 6. Transmission Fluid Service 7. Clutch System Repair 8. Automatic Transmission Repair 9. Manual Transmission Overhaul 10. Transmission Control Systems 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Transmission Types and Features

Key transmission systems: Automatic transmissions with sequential sportshift, manual transmissions with short-throw shifters, CVT transmissions with paddle shifters, and hybrid transmissions with electric motor integration.

Transmission Type	Features
5-Speed Automatic	Sequential SportShift, Grade Logic Control
6-Speed Manual	Short-throw shifter, helical gear synchronization
CVT Transmission	Paddle shifters with 7-speed manual mode
10-Speed Automatic	Direct shift programming, torque converter lockup
Hybrid Transmission	Electric motor integration, regenerative braking
SH-AWD Transmission	Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system
Dual-Clutch Transmission	Quick shift response, launch control capability
Sequential Manual	Paddle-operated clutch, rev-matching technology

Safety Precautions

Essential safety measures before beginning any transmission repair work.

Disconnect battery: Remove negative terminal to prevent electrical shorts.
Secure vehicle: Use wheel chocks and parking brake; lift with proper jack stands.
Wear protective equipment: Safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed shoes.
Allow cooling: Let transmission cool completely before beginning work.
Proper fluid handling: Use drip pans and dispose of transmission fluid properly.

WARNING! Transmission components are heavy; use proper lifting equipment. Hot transmission fluid can cause severe burns.

Diagnostic Procedures

Systematic approach to transmission problem identification.

Scan for trouble codes: Use OBD-II scanner to retrieve transmission control module codes.
Check fluid condition: Inspect color, smell, and level of transmission fluid.
Road test: Evaluate shift quality, slippage, and transmission behavior under load.
Pressure testing: Measure line pressure and clutch apply pressures.
Electrical testing: Test solenoids, sensors, and wiring harness continuity.

CAUTION! Always follow diagnostic flow charts in sequence to avoid misdiagnosis.

Technical Specifications

Transmission Fluid Capacity: 2.7-3.5 quarts (varies by model)
Fluid Type: ATF DW-1 for automatic, MTF for manual transmissions
Torque Specifications: Transmission mount bolts: 40-50 ft-lbs
Shift Points: 1-2 shift: 15 mph, 2-3 shift: 25 mph, 3-4 shift: 40 mph
Line Pressure: 85-150 psi (idle), 150-250 psi (stall)
Clutch Pack Clearance: 0.015-0.035 inches
Band Adjustment: 3-4 turns from seated position
Shift Solenoid Resistance: 5-15 ohms at 68°F

Tools and Equipment

Specialized tools required for Acura transmission repair and diagnosis.

Essential Tools: Transmission jack, torque wrench set, OBD-II scanner, pressure gauge set, multimeter, clutch alignment tool, snap ring pliers, bearing puller set, seal installer kit.

Diagnostic: Transmission pressure test kit, scan tool with bidirectional controls, oscilloscope for sensor testing. Repair: Valve body holding fixture, clutch spring compressor, band adjustment tool, synchro installer. Special Service Tools: Honda/Acura specific transmission tools for seal replacement and component testing.

Transmission Fluid Service

Proper procedures for transmission fluid change and maintenance.

Locate drain plug: Position drain pan beneath transmission drain plug.
Drain fluid: Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely.
Replace filter: Remove transmission pan and replace internal filter.
Clean pan: Thoroughly clean transmission pan and magnet.
Refill fluid: Add specified ATF through dipstick tube.
Check level: Start engine, shift through gears, check fluid level warm.

Tip: Use only Acura-approved transmission fluid to ensure proper operation and warranty coverage.

Clutch System Repair

Manual transmission clutch replacement and adjustment procedures.

Remove transmission: Support engine, disconnect shift linkage, remove transmission bolts.
Replace clutch: Install new clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing.
Resurface flywheel: Machine flywheel surface to specification.
Bleed hydraulic system: Fill reservoir, bleed air from clutch hydraulic system.
Adjust pedal: Set proper clutch pedal free play (0.4-0.8 inches).
Test operation: Verify smooth engagement and proper shifting.

WARNING! Always replace clutch components as a set. Do not reuse old pressure plates or release bearings.

Automatic Transmission Repair

Automatic transmission internal component service and repair.

Valve body service: Clean and inspect valve body, replace solenoids as needed.
Clutch pack replacement: Measure clutch clearances, replace worn clutch plates.
Band adjustment: Adjust bands to specified torque and turns.
Torque converter: Inspect for damage, replace if contaminated or damaged.
Seal replacement: Replace all external and internal seals during reassembly.
Pressure testing: Verify proper pressures after reassembly.

CAUTION! Keep transmission components meticulously clean during assembly. Small contaminants can cause valve body malfunctions.

Manual Transmission Overhaul

Complete manual transmission disassembly and rebuilding procedures.

Disassembly: Remove case halves, document component orientation.
Inspect gears: Check for chipping, wear, and proper engagement.
Replace synchros: Install new synchronizer assemblies and blocker rings.
Bearing replacement: Press in new input and output shaft bearings.
Seal installation: Install new seals with proper seal driver tools.
Shift mechanism: Rebuild shift forks and replace worn bushings.
Assembly: Lubricate components, reassemble with proper clearances.

WARNING! Use proper bearing press tools to avoid damaging transmission case or bearings.

Transmission Control Systems

Electronic transmission control module diagnosis and programming.

TCM Diagnostics: Scan for codes, monitor sensor data, perform solenoid tests. Sensor Testing: Input/output speed sensors, transmission fluid temperature sensor, range switch. Solenoid Operation: Shift solenoids A, B, C, D; torque converter clutch solenoid; pressure control solenoid. Programming: TCM initialization, adaptive learning procedure, software updates via Acura diagnostic system.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Transmission slips	Low fluid, worn clutches	Check fluid level; test line pressure; inspect clutch packs.
Hard shifting	Valve body, pressure issues	Test line pressure; clean valve body; check solenoid operation.
No reverse gear	Reverse clutch, band failure	Inspect reverse clutch pack; check reverse band application.
Delayed engagement	Fluid level, torque converter	Check fluid level and condition; test torque converter.
Transmission overheating	Cooler flow, fluid condition	Check cooler flow; replace fluid; inspect for restrictions.
Check engine light	Sensor, solenoid issues	Scan for codes; test sensors and solenoids; check wiring.

Reset Procedure: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset adaptive learning.

Technical Support: 1-800-ACURA-TECH; www.acura.service.tech