Is this the signal of the transmission failure?

[Michael Xie]

I really want to keep my 02' Ody for another several years, after I moved it from TX to CA. So I have the EGR cleaned and changed the tranny oil and spark plugs (on-going). But, it still has the problem which makes me struggled and frustrated.

The problem is: It fails to gear up, once a week or about 150 miles. When I depress the pedal, the RPM easily goes up to 3000-4000 but the speed of the van doesn't goes up. So I have to stop and then it turns to be normal again. I just found out yesterday that it can function normally again just after I wait the speed of the van to slow down enough, probably 15 MPH.

If it only happens once every week, it doesn't bother me too much. But do you think it is a signal of the failure of the tranny, that it will gradually stop working and I will have to change the tranny? If not, I might think keep driving it this way, since investing another $2000 on it is a serious issue.

Any information and suggestion will be helpful and appreciated.

[davedrivesody]

Michael, what you describe could be caused by a worn out clutch pack - no friction material left. If that's the case, a rebuild is the only solution.

Others have suggested that this situation could be caused by insufficient ATF pressure at the clutch. Search the site for many threads on replacing the OEM ATF filter, cleaning the solenoid screens, and inspecting the solenoids.

[Rockwood]

If it drives normally most of the time, that's the wrong diagnosis.
From his description, I say that he is getting dirt in the valve body and the car is going into neutral.
Do another drain and refill.


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[herrhaus]

If it drives normally most of the time, that's the wrong diagnosis.
From his description, I say that he is getting dirt in the valve body and the car is going into neutral.
Do another drain and refill.


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+1. Try this first.....and hope for the best.

[Michael Xie]

Thank you guys. But I just changed the tranny fluid 1 month before. Before that, I already had the problem. After the fluid changed, the shifting is obviously better but still have the problem, not happens so frequently, maybe, but still there. Do you mean I need to change the tranny fluid one more time?

BTW: I didn't go to a honda dealer for the fluid change. Did this matter? Thank you and happy new year.

[OdyinNH]

A drain and refill only gets some of the old fluid out. The recommendation here is draining and refilling 3 times to get over 90% of the fluid to be new. You would need to drive it on a highway between each drain/refill. Will this fix your problem...there's no way to know. You should use a synthetic fluid that says it is ok for a Honda. The dealer does not need to do the change.

My bet is the issue will get progressively worse but may as well get what you can out of it.

[Michael Xie]

Wow, draining and filling for 3 times will cost about 300 bucks, right? How difficult it will be if I want to change tranny fluid by myself?

[bruce2]

No Michael, you can get a case of DW1 from the dealership or at link below. It is easier then changing oil since you don't have to replace a filter. The drain plug is toward the front so you may not even need to raise the van or just a little if needed. Each d&f takes about 3.1 US qts, so you would have some left over from a case of 12. You also need a new 18 mm crush washer on the final d&f. There are a bunch of discussions and tips on this subject here. Don't over tighten the plug.

Genuine Honda Acura Auto Transmission Fluid ATF DW1 | eBay

[herrhaus]

Wow, draining and filling for 3 times will cost about 300 bucks, right?

If that's what the stealership told you.....man, they are getting desperate for ca$h. Very simple procedure.....that's highway robbery.

How difficult it will be if I want to change tranny fluid by myself?

As indicated by Bruce, save yourself a good chunk of change and do it yourself. There are pictures and different things attached to my signature. click around on there.

[SheaLaking1]

Yep, do mine once a year... 4x drain, drive, refill. Yearly interval works out to approximately 15, 000 kms. Anal of me maybe? Who cares, I've still got my original tranny with over 250, 000 kms. Mind you, I also have added a filter and a large cooler. Filter gets changed at last drain and fill.

Regards,
Shea

[Michael Xie]

Thank you all for the suggestion, I will do the homework and research this weekend. SO, all of you do think that d&f several times will help in my case, right? I'm contacting some local mechanics for the price of replacing the tranny, if d&f will help my tranny, then I will give a hit.

[davedrivesody]

I think everyone would agree that it's worth trying, but is not guaranteed to fix the problem.

Chance of success increases if the present ATF fluid is very dirty.

[herrhaus]

I think everyone would agree that it's worth trying, but is not guaranteed to fix the problem.

Chance of success increases if the present ATF fluid is very dirty.

+1. I think it's your cheapest option. If that doesn't work....well, your only out the cost of the fluid. If it does help, it may buy you some time to save up some $$$ for the new tranny.

[Michael Xie]

OK. I will definitely d&f the fluid. Now actually I just received a high mileage transmission treatment. This is the link

Buy CRC Trans-X® High-Mileage Transmission Treatment 402916 at Advance Auto Parts

Will I d&f the fluid first and then add the treatment or I apply the treatment and then d&f?

Thanks you all.

[Michael Xie]

I tried to get the fluid from ebay, but the shipping kills me. and since it's better to change it this weekend, where can I get it locally?