It doesn’t shift terribly but it doesn’t feel perfect.

Sounds like its time for a fluid drain and fill, even if the level is correct. The first sign of 'old' fluid is normally on the 2-3 shift while accelerating 'normally' - the RPMs will hunt up and down through much of 3rd while the torque converter is trying to lock. This is what Honda calls 'judder' - that can normally be fixed by a simple fluid exchange (ones or 3x, depending on maintenance history).

-Charlie

 

Forgot to mention this is after an overhaul. New CV’s, new radiator, lines, and the like.

 

My fans are supposed to go to HIGH SPEED at 205-216F, but turn on to LOW SPEED at 196-203F. (I previously said 196-206F and that was incorrect.)
I have a 2003 Ody EX-L.
I believe my low speed comes on between 194-198F in actuality.
My high speed seems to come on between 204F and 208F.
Buffalo4

 

My fans are supposed to go to HIGH SPEED at 205-216F, but turn on to LOW SPEED at 196-206F.
I have a 2003 Ody EX-L.
I believe my low speed comes on between 194-198F in actuality.
My high speed seems to come on between 204F and 208F.
Buffalo4

Where did you find the information for that?

 

I have looked around and cannot find a consistent temperature when the radiator fans kick on. I am asking this question since we are trying to get an accurate transmission fluid reading and the manual states:

• Check the ATF level within 60-90 seconds after turning the engine off.
• Higher ATF level may be indicated if the radiator fan comes on twice or more.

1. Park the vehicle on the level ground.
2. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on), and turn the engine off.
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) (A) from the dipstick guide tube, and wipe it with a clean cloth.

I have noticed little difference in the readings when checking the ATF whether the fluid is pretty warm or at operating temp. personally.
If the fluid is not between the marks, do what is needed to get it there.
If it is dark or not looking like new, do at least a single drain and fill with the proper ATF.
Buffalo4

 

I have noticed little difference in the readings when checking the ATF whether the fluid is pretty warm or at operating temp. personally.
If the fluid is not between the marks, do what is need to get it there.
If it is dark or not looking like new, do at least a single drain and fill with the proper ATF.
Buffalo4

Fluid is brand new. At cold, it’s way over the line. At 160ish it’s low. At 205 it’s right in the middle after 60 seconds of shut off.

 

The van's normal operating temperature range starts at right around 170F - that's when the thermostat opens. If the cooling fans kick on you are on the way to exceeding the normal operating temperature range, hence the need for the fans to kick on and cool the engine.

That direction from the service manual is weird - you do not have to get the fans to kick on in order to be considered warmed up. If that were the case my Ody would never be warmed up anytime between Halloween and Easter.

The engine is fully warmed up at fro VCM purposes at 167F (or 75C for us Canadians). You're good to check the ATF level at that point or later.

You obviously have the ability to read the engine coolant temperature precisely - just go for a drive, get everything good and warm, and then check your fluid level. Don't overthink this.

 

The engine is fully warmed up at fro VCM purposes at 167F (or 75C for us Canadians). You're good to check the ATF level at that point or later.

I'll disagree with this - the transmission fluid (and engine oil, for that matter) take much longer than the coolant to warm up to 'operating temperature' Often, my trans fluid is still below 150*F by the time I get done with a 30+ mile highway drive from my house (I live 1/4 mile from the freeway). 5 miles or so around town on a non-winter day (say, above 45*F) should get the trans up to temp. You need shifting and some driving with the torque converter unlocked (first and second gear).

-Charlie