Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
My sister has a 2001 Acura MDX SUV with 62,000 on the odo and is now having transmission probs. Appears to be and is confirmed by Acura dealer that the TC lockup clutch is slipping and causing a shudder when engaging. The dealer wanted to review maintenance history to make sure everything has been changed as recommended and then he was going to *try* to pursue some sort of help from Honda/Acura for the repairs. Upon investigation, we find the transmission was serviced at Midas @ 45,000 miles. Their receipt indicates two items done to the trans:
T-TECH TRANS FLUSH $49. 99
FRICTION MODIFIER $19. 99
The dealer indicated that the Honda/Acura service procedure indicates DO NOT POWER FLUSH THIS TRANSMISSION and DO NOT USE ANY ADDITIVES IN FLUID and the same service manual and the owners manual state USE ONLY HONDA/ACURA APPROVED TRANSMISSION FLUID.
My immediate thought is that the friction modifier, possibly the power flush, and possibly incorrect fluid have caused this problem. We think Midas should be held responsible for this. So far, we haven't contacted them. Any ideas on how best to proceed? I am thinking that Midas should be the ones to drain and maybe refill the fluid in hopes that it might (help) correct the problem. I also think that we should be present and observe this change and also get a sample of the fluid should we need it for future testing and potential litigation. Are we best to approach the GM of the particular Midas store first, or would it be better to go to Midas Corporate or something? Anybody else had a problem like this? Is it possible that just correcting/changing the fluid would correct the issue?
Thanks for reading.
-Deon
T-TECH TRANS FLUSH $49. 99
FRICTION MODIFIER $19. 99
The dealer indicated that the Honda/Acura service procedure indicates DO NOT POWER FLUSH THIS TRANSMISSION and DO NOT USE ANY ADDITIVES IN FLUID and the same service manual and the owners manual state USE ONLY HONDA/ACURA APPROVED TRANSMISSION FLUID.
My immediate thought is that the friction modifier, possibly the power flush, and possibly incorrect fluid have caused this problem. We think Midas should be held responsible for this. So far, we haven't contacted them. Any ideas on how best to proceed? I am thinking that Midas should be the ones to drain and maybe refill the fluid in hopes that it might (help) correct the problem. I also think that we should be present and observe this change and also get a sample of the fluid should we need it for future testing and potential litigation. Are we best to approach the GM of the particular Midas store first, or would it be better to go to Midas Corporate or something? Anybody else had a problem like this? Is it possible that just correcting/changing the fluid would correct the issue?
Thanks for reading.
-Deon
