Transmission or Torque Converter not working properly

Tiny
JENLYNN79
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 ACURA MDX
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Car in D5, first had issue on highway when turned on cruise control, going around 70MPH, RPMs revved up 6,000. Turned off cruise control, drove it around 70MPH steady for another fifty miles, made it home. Next day I checked for any leaking engine bay and under car, did see power steering fluid on top of reservoir, and realized that the top wasn't tightened right, but just flushed power steering fluid last week. (Total different issue) Drive car up and down the road several times, whining noise coming from serpentine belt, even though it's new, added a little conditioner and it was quiet again. Hear grinding sound when turning steering wheel back and forth, still somewhat tight/hard pull. Drove around ten miles around the block to go to AutoZone, turned at light was probably around 2nd gear, about 1/2-mile, car basically felt as if in neutral, no acceleration, just coasted downhill pulled off side of the road. Turned car off, checked/looked to see if anything is noticeably different, car would crank up, can move shifter, after 20 minutes. Put into G5 and was able to accelerate forward and backward for about 3 minutes. Then it lost acceleration again, all lights are on, engine light has been on but only getting a P4636 (or3646?) Code reading, (but that's the oil circuit arm switch) Can this possibly be a new Transmission needed, or Torque Converter. Any suggestions on what to do, I'm out of town, away from my normal mechanic, and stuck! Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Saturday, January 8th, 2022 AT 10:52 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,268 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked the transmission fluid level and condition? Also, when you are in D5, does the light flash?

Also, please let me know which lights are staying on. Low battery voltage can cause havoc on these vehicles, so I'm hoping it's something simple for you. However, it leaves me to think there is a transmission line pressure issue.

Because of the 4th clutch transmission fluid pressure sensor's location, it isn't uncommon for them to fail. If you lose pressure, it can feel like it goes into neutral as you described.

Take a look at pic 1 below. It is from Acura and indicates the potential issue. I would like you to locate and inspect the sensor, wiring, and connector to it. Pic 2 shows its location.

As far as the codes you provided, they are identified for this year and model. It would be a great idea if you could get your hands on a scan tool and see what is there presently.

Let me know if this helps, what you find, and if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, January 9th, 2022 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
JENLYNN79
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your response.
I'm still working on this issue.
I'm going to try to fill you in on all of the details of what I have.

Friday evening on the way down to Columbia from Charlotte Car in D5, first had issue on highway when turned on cruise control, going around 70MPH, RPMs revved up 6,000. Turned off cruise control, drove it around 70MPH steady for another fifty miles, made it here to Columbia, I travel back and forth each week. Next day I checked for any leaking engine bay and under car, did see power steering fluid on top of reservoir, and realized that the top wasn't tightened right, but just flushed power steering fluid last week. (Total different issue) Drive car up and down the road several times, whining noise coming from serpentine belt, even though it's new, added a little conditioner and it was quiet again. Hear grinding sound when turning steering wheel back and forth, still somewhat tight/hard pull. Drove around ten miles around the block, turned at light was probably ar1/2-mile, car basically felt as if in neutral, no acceleration in any gear, just coasted downhill pulled off side of the road. Turned car off, checked/looked to see if anything is noticeably different, car would crank up, can move shifter, after 20 minutes. Put into G5 and was able to accelerate forward and backward for about 3 minutes. Then it lost acceleration again, all lights are on, engine light has been on but only getting a P4636
(or P3646, I can't remember exactly) but that's the oil pressure circuit arm switch. No blinking light on dash Gear module. Approximately 190,000 miles, only had for a year and I've kept up with regular maintenance, and I've put close to 80,000 miles since I bought it, is time for oil change, was going to do that over the weekend, but this happened. It will still crank and sometimes it will move when put in gear, but only for a few minutes, transmission fluid is dark, doesn't smell burnt from what I can tell.
Unfortunately, I can't speak for the vehicle past owner maintenance.I saw that the transmission fluid was changed back in 2017 in the car log. But that's all I know.
Any suggestions on what to do, I'm out of town, away from the mechanic I use regularly and stuck in a bad situation, and horrible timing! Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Jen Heavner
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Monday, January 10th, 2022 AT 9:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,268 POSTS
Jen,

Were you able to check the sensor I mentioned? It sounds like it is losing line pressure. It could be something as simple as a plugged transmission filter. As far as all the lights, that requires a scan tool to retrieve codes. Is there a parts store near you that could do it for you or lend you a scan tool?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 10th, 2022 AT 3:46 PM

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