2001 Acura MDX vibration

BARBARA KEOWN

MEMBER
2001 ACURA MDX
V8
AWD
AUTOMATIC
14,550 MILES

When driving at 17-23 mph sometimes my MDX vibrates like I am driving over railroad tracks! It does not do it every time. For the past year I have taken it to several repair shops, starting with the dealership and no one could find anything wrong. This morning I drove the dealership service supervisor through the neighborhood and was able to reproduce the vibration. He just called saying that I need a new torque converter and would also need to replace the PCM - including transmission fluids, parts and labor totallying about $2,750. I called my local Aamco Transmission and they were confused about why they would replace the PCM. I will drive the car for them tomorrow to see what they think. If the torque converter is bad, do we need to replace the PCM? Is this a reasonable estimate? Am I better off with the dealership or Aamco when it comes to my MDX transmission?

Thank you.

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for the donation.

It is good to get a second or even a third opinion when it is difficult to determine the probable cause of the problem and an expensive recommendation on top of that.

Make sure the diagnosis is correct before proceeding with repairs. The source can be from the engine performance and not transmission. If Honda personnel recommends PCM, most probably there might be a known product defect, check if there is any recall for your vehicle.

I understand Aamco is quite reliable and well known so whom you choose should not be a problem. Just make sure they are able to provide you with the required warranty of the job carried out.