1998 Overdrive Problem

[seven8]

I have a 1998 CRV 2-WD, automatic transmission with 77 K miles. A couple of months ago, the overdrive gear would not engage until the vehicle was running a while. I had the automatic transmission system flushed and fluid changed at a Honda dealership. The fluid change did not correct the problem. After driving almost 30 minutes, the overdrive will start to engage, but with a noticable hard shift. All other gears appear to operate fine with no slipping. Any ideas as to where to go from here?

[2RedV's]

There is a solenoid that controls it. Some people have reported a "fix" by pulling the connectors on the tranny, cleaning them and putting some dielectric grease on the fitting/connector to keep moisture and crud out of the connection. I'll try to find a good pic of it on slhondaparts.com and post it later to help you in locating it.

[2RedV's]

I think part number 5 is it. I haven't been under the 99 V in a while though.
See if a couple of wires go there and pull them and clean the connectors. I do know that in cold temps, the V's AT won't go into OD until it warms up to some specific temperature.
Part 5 is:
28300-P24-J01 SOLENOID ASSY., LOCK-UP (KEIHIN) $163.80

This reminds me that you may have a coolant problem. Check your coolant resevoir and fill it to the MAX. Then, go out and run the V at high revs in low gear in a parking lot for a few minutes with the heater on full WARM. This will not only clear any bubbles, but will help draw in coolant to the radiator. See if this fixes your issue before crawling under and pulling the wires.

Never mix tap water with your coolant on a Honda. Only use distilled water or buy a pre-mix solution.

http://www.slhondaparts.com/images/PCI/13S100/000/2.jpg

[nhyel]

It might help if you also check your thermostat, as it might not be working properly. Although the engine is warm already but if this is not registering in your thermostat then it would still let your car computer know that your engine is still cold hence, it would not let you go into overdrive.