2011 CX-9 225k miles

I get the “AT” warning ligth and I am pulling a Torque Converter problem code on my UBD, and the driving symptoms are clearly consistent with a bad converter. For example, when stopped and the transmission in drive, the transmission does not disengage, rather it wants to “go”. Or when in park and going into drive, it “clunks” into gear with a jerk, sometimes stalling the car.

I took it to a local shop and they said they could not read diagnostic info they needed so I need to go to the dealer (they referenced a “service bullentin” on this). So that is next

My question is on the transmission. The car drives great otherwise and there is no slipping with the transmission. So is there a scenario where only the torque converter is replaced on a car with this much mileage? or would it wise to replace the transmission at the same time?

thanks

  • nedal8@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Personally I’d do just the torque converter. It’s a crapshoot even with new. Sometimes you’ll get a new thing and it goes to crap quickly. If you got a good one thats working fine, and is proven. I’d stick with it.

  • Substantial-Reward70@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    For example, when stopped and the transmission in drive, the transmission does not disengage, rather it wants to “go”.

    My 2011 Mzd 3 does this as well, I always thought it was normal?. Isn’t?.

    • Lancer2468@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      How many miles? Does the AT light come on after awhile? And the check engine light?

      The torque converter is supposed to act like a clutch so that when the car is stopped the transmission isn’t driving the wheels.

      I’m not a mechanic but that’s my layman’s understanding of what’s going on. So no I don’t think it’s normal,

  • Lancer2468@alien.topOPBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    So I got a quote last night to replace Torque Converter at $5k, and $12k for this and a new transmission. I think my current transmission is good, so I am only considering the TC

    This is an expensive replacement. Should I go to an independent shop or AAMCO and ask them for a price to replace Torque Converter? How much is too much to spend on a vehicle that has 227k miles? The car overall is solid and the engine is in good shape, and looks OK. I’ve got a daughter just out of college who needs a car, so my hope was I could give this to help her get started so she can avoid a car payment.

  • Lancer2468@alien.topOPBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Can an independent shop replace the Torque Converter? or is there anything proprietary that only the dealership can do (e.g. reflash software that controls the transmission)?