P0700 on Acura: How to Diagnose & Fix
Transmission Control System Malfunction
6 Acura models · 7 documented issues · 6 critical · $150-$4,500 repair
P0700 on Acura by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The third-generation TL automatic transmission is notorious for 3rd gear clutch pack failure, often between 80,000-120,000 miles. The 3rd gear clutch pack burns out due to insufficient fluid flow and a weak pressure regulator design, causing the transmission to slip, flare, or refuse to engage 3rd gear entirely.
Common Symptoms
- Transmission slips or flares when shifting to 3rd gear
- RPMs spike without acceleration in 3rd
- Harsh engagement into 3rd gear
- Check engine light with transmission codes
- Burning smell from transmission
How to Fix
Rebuild or replace the transmission with upgraded 3rd gear clutch pack and updated valve body. Use only Honda DW-1 ATF. Install an aftermarket transmission cooler to reduce operating temperatures. Change ATF every 30,000 miles to extend the life of the rebuilt unit.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda DW-1 service fluid
Verified repair fluid. Approved replacement: Genuine Honda DW-1 service fluid.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningChange the ATF every 25,000-30,000 miles religiously. The TL transmission is a known weak point, and fluid changes are the single best preventive measure. Do NOT use non-Honda ATF — it accelerates clutch pack wear.
Sources for this issue (4)
1999 was the launch year of the 2nd-gen TL with the 3.2L J32A V6 and a new 5-speed automatic. This transmission family turned into one of the worst Acura defects of the early 2000s — torque converter failure, 3rd-gear clutch pack burn-up, blocked oil passages from debris, and complete failure became common. American Honda extended the transmission and torque converter warranties in 2003 (per TSB 02-027). The 1996-1998 TL uses the older 4-speed automatic which is generally reliable; the failure pattern is specifically the 5AT introduced for 1999. If you are car-shopping a 1999 TL, the model year alone does not tell you which transmission you have — the early-1999 carryover may have the older 4AT while the mid-year 2nd-gen launch got the 5AT. Check the build date and trans serial to know.
Common Symptoms
- Flaring on 2nd-to-3rd or 3rd-to-4th upshifts
- Harsh 'thunk' downshifts when slowing
- Slipping in 3rd gear under load
- Transmission shudder at highway cruise
- Burnt-smell or dark transmission fluid
- Check engine light with P0700-series transmission codes
- Complete loss of forward drive (catastrophic stage)
How to Fix
If you own a 1999 TL with the 5AT and it's slipping, flaring on shifts, or showing harsh 1-2 / 2-3 changes: STOP driving aggressively immediately. The damage compounds quickly. Get a transmission specialist (not a dealer) to drop the pan and check for clutch material in the fluid. If found, the only durable fix is a rebuilt transmission ($2,500-4,000) — not a fluid change, not a solenoid swap. The original Honda warranty extension to 7/100k expired in 2006, so out-of-pocket cost is now on the owner. Many owners install an aftermarket transmission cooler with the rebuild — the original spec is undersized for the load and contributed to the failure pattern. Avoid 'flush' services — pressurized flushes on a worn transmission accelerate failure by dislodging clutch debris.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningDo NOT 'flush' a worn 5AT. Pressurized flushes dislodge clutch debris from the case and accelerate the death of a struggling transmission. Drop and fill with manual fluid changes only.
- TipAlways add an aftermarket transmission cooler with any rebuild. The factory cooler is undersized for this transmission's load and was a contributing factor to the original failure pattern.
- TipWhen shopping a 1999 TL used, check the build date and transmission serial number. Cars built before the mid-year 2nd-gen launch have the older 4-speed and are far more reliable.
Sources for this issue (2)
Third-generation MDX models with the ZF 9-speed automatic suffer from torque converter shudder during light throttle acceleration between 30-50 mph. The lockup clutch in the torque converter vibrates as it engages, creating a sensation similar to driving over rumble strips that many owners mistake for an engine misfire.
Common Symptoms
- Vibration/shudder at 30-50 mph under light throttle
- Sensation like driving over rumble strips
- Shudder disappears under hard acceleration
- Vibration felt through seat and steering wheel
- Transmission slipping sensation
How to Fix
Update the TCM software to the latest Acura calibration that modifies torque converter lockup strategy. Perform a complete ATF drain and refill with Honda DW-1. If shudder persists after software update and fluid change, the torque converter assembly must be replaced.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipGet the TCM update first — it resolves about 70% of cases for free under warranty. If the shudder returns after 10,000 miles, the torque converter needs replacement. Do not let the dealer just change fluid and send you home.
The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission paired with the V6 in first-gen TLX models exhibits a pronounced shudder during low-speed acceleration and harsh shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear. The torque converter lockup strategy causes a noticeable vibration between 25-45 mph that worsens in warm weather.
Common Symptoms
- Shudder between 25-45 mph during light acceleration
- Harsh 2-3 upshift
- Hesitation on downshift
- Vibration felt through steering wheel and seat
- Transmission hunting between gears on hills
How to Fix
Perform a transmission fluid drain and refill with Acura ATF Type 3.1. Update the transmission control module (TCM) to the latest calibration from Acura, which improves shift logic and torque converter lockup mapping. Severe cases may require torque converter replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Acura ATF Type 3.1 08200-9017
Verified repair fluid. Approved replacement: Genuine Acura ATF Type 3.1 08200-9017.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipDrain and refill the 9-speed with Acura ATF Type 3.1 every 30,000 miles. The shudder is often caused by degraded fluid. Two back-to-back drain-and-fills replace about 60% of total fluid volume.
The 2013-2015 ILX 2.4L with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) exhibits severe shudder, jerking, and hesitation during low-speed driving. The clutch packs engage roughly in stop-and-go traffic, and the transmission frequently hunts between gears on slight inclines, making city driving extremely unpleasant.
Common Symptoms
- Violent shudder from stop in 1st gear
- Jerking during low-speed acceleration
- Hesitation when pulling away from traffic lights
- Transmission hunting on slight inclines
- Grinding sensation during slow parking maneuvers
How to Fix
Update the DCT software to the latest Acura calibration which improves low-speed clutch engagement. Perform a DCT fluid change with genuine Honda DCTF. In severe cases, the clutch pack assembly needs replacement. Acura extended warranty coverage on the DCT to 7 years/100,000 miles due to widespread complaints.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningCheck if your VIN is covered under the extended DCT warranty (7yr/100k). Many owners have had full clutch pack replacements covered at no cost. Document every shudder incident with date, mileage, and conditions.
The 2007-2012 RDX's 5-speed automatic uses clutch pressure switches to confirm hydraulic apply of the 2nd and 3rd clutch packs. These switches are a recurring failure point on the first-generation car — the 3rd clutch switch most often. When one fails or its circuit shorts, the TCM sets P0847/P0848 and flags P0700 at the PCM, illuminating the check engine light and frequently the D light. The car may drop into a fail-safe gear pattern with harsh or limited shifting. This is an electrical/sensor failure, not internal clutch damage, and is regularly misquoted by shops as a transmission rebuild.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0700
- D indicator light blinking
- Harsh or limited shifting / fail-safe gear
- Loss of some forward gears
- No other driveability symptoms when cold
How to Fix
Scan the TCM (not just generic P0700) to identify which clutch pressure switch circuit is faulted. Inspect the connector and harness for oil wicking and corrosion first — a contaminated connector reproduces the same code. Replace the failed 2nd or 3rd clutch pressure switch (a screw-in switch on the transmission case) and change the fluid with genuine Honda ATF DW-1; do not substitute generic ATF, which degrades shift quality on this unit. No recall or warranty extension covers this.
Sources for this issue (2)
P0700 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0700 mean on a Acura?
P0700 stands for "Transmission Control System Malfunction." P0700 is a general code indicating the transmission control module (TCM) has detected a fault somewhere in the transmission control system and has requested the check engine light be turned on. By itself it doesn't pinpoint the problem — it's an 'umbrella' code that tells you to look for additional, more specific transmission codes stored alongside it. The actual fault could be electrical, a sensor, a solenoid, or an internal transmission issue. You may notice harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, or the transmission going into a protective 'limp' mode. On Acura it is documented across 6 models: TL, MDX, TLX, ILX, RDX, CL.
What are the most common causes of P0700?
The most common causes of P0700 are: Stored companion transmission codes pointing to the real fault, Faulty shift solenoid or pressure control solenoid, Low, dirty, or degraded transmission fluid, Faulty transmission speed or input/output sensor, Wiring, connector, or ground problems at the transmission, Failing transmission control module (TCM), Internal transmission mechanical wear or clutch problems, Valve body fault or sticking valves. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0700 on a Acura?
Published repair estimates on Acura range from $150 to $4,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0700 on a different make?
View P0700 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.