My check engine light went on so I took it to the Acura dealer today to have to checked out. It pulled a code P0740- transmission (transaxle). Anyway they cleared it and test drove it twice, so far it has not come back on and my car seems to run fine. The guy at the dealership said if the light kept coming on that I might need to replace the tranny. Plus, I am confused cause I thought the CE light is supposed to indicate a problem with the emissions system, not the transmission. It's a '98 LS automatic with only 58K miles (no more warranty!) and I am very easy on it. It makes me sick to think of spending 3 grand for a new tranny when the car's not even paid off yet. Anyone hear of any extended warranties or similar problems? Thanks!

 

Umm... well, until the check engine light comes on again, I really wouldn't worry...

And I would really suggest that you search around for a dealership alternative... The only thing I take my car to the dealerships for is the super cheap fluid changes...

Ask around in the basement for a really reliable shop down in your area... I've ALWAYS had better luck with independent shops... Not necessarily because the repairmen are better, but because independent shops depend on building customer satisfaction for a consistent customer base, and thus work hard to get your return business...

but don't trust any mechanic at first, unless they are direct friends or family


***edti: Upon a google search, that engine code you posted means "P0740 = Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfuction" Umm... basically, this is an annoying failure that means you wont get as good of gas milage on the freeway, assuming it's the TC clutch that failed and not the sensor.

When was the last time you flushed your tranny fluid?

Also, this isn't necessarily a failure of the whole transmission... it just means that the car couldn't figure out if the automatic clutch engaged... it could be a faulty sensor, faulty wiring, or a faulty TC clutch

 

Also Remember that the dealer does not fix tranny's they only replace then, so even if it is a 50 dollar repair they will say you need to replace it, thats just the way they work.

 

I hope you don't need a new tranny, the symptoms dont sound right anyway, only 58k miles and you baby it, a new tranny needed can't be the case... :thinking:

 

Thanks for all the relpies, I feel a lot less worried now; the support on this board is great!!!!