The Acura CL was equipped with the MGFA , B7VA, B7WA, B6VA and MGFA transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Acura CL transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Acura CL Transmission Models
Acura CL: MGFA Transmission
Acura CL: C6VA Transmission
Acura CL: B6VA Transmission
Acura CL: B7WA Transmission
Acura CL: MGFA Transmission
Acura CL Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Acura CL transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Acura CL Transmission Recalls
None Found
Acura CL Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Acura CL Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
Okay, if your truck can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Acura CL transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Acura CL transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the OE Acura CL transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Acura CL transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Acura CL transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Acura CL transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Acura CL transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed to accept the new gearbox.
Recommendations for Acura CL transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Acura CL transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Acura CL Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Acura CL Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Acura CL Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Acura CL Transmission
Many owners depend on their Acura CL to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Transmission Problem Does Your Acura CL Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Spins on first and second, third and forth is good. My understanding based on reviews is that it was a por design and when it is overhauled there are some areas that are enlarged so the fluid pass easier.
My 2001 Acura cl type s starting jerking in 5 gear today. My reverse was hesitant what would changing my fluid help with the problem
2001 acura cl type s I was driving everything was fine & then I noticed I was slowing down but had mug foot pushing the gas. My rpms were way over where they should be so I pulled over. Turned the car off & waited a few mins car turned on I put it in drive & it wouldn’t move. No in any gear. Had it towed to a shop & I was told it was the transmission it needed a new one which would cost $1200 & $600 for labor. I bought it for $2200. The check engine light came on & the tcs light.
Hola tengo un problema con mi 97 acura cl 3.0 cuando lo conduzco como a los 20 minutos se empieza a patinar hasta quedarse en punto muerto y lo más malo es que no arroja ningún código y tampoco prende la luz de chequeo de motor
Code PO740 TRANS SLIP after a few block
I’ve changed the transmission fluid three times in about 1500 miles. Each time I drain the “new” fluid, it comes out nasty black and smells bad. It is the most finicky system you can imagine. But I think it can be fixed by getting the right fluid level and type and baby it. I will NOT spend $3000 on a new transmission
2001 Honda Accura CL.You can drive the car for about 5 or 10 minutes then it just won’t go any more.The engine keeps running but the car won’t move.
Stop go and restart and go again
When i pit it in rnd it jerks rnd when i stop it jerks 1999 acura cl 165,656 miles on it