Is my transmission really done?

[MarsCRV]

OK here it is. I took my 2002 CR-V in yesterday to the local Honda dealer because the transmission doesn't snap right into each gear. My thoughts were to change the trans fluid. After having the car all day they finally told me I need a new transmission. It acts like in the old days when a transmission needed a filter change. My gripe with the dealer at this point is moot. My question is, is it worth doing the fluid change at this point at about $80 bucks for the ten quarts recommended on this forum or is the damage already done. The sloppy shifting isn't that bad and there certainly isn't any slipping. One of the On-Line refurbished tranmission guys even suggested a control module being the culprit. Is this also something I should be looking at? I used to be a mechanic so the work doesn't bother but I've lost track of all the new "ways" with the computer controlled trannys. I would really appreciate some feedback. Thanks Rick

[tsmithvt]

Originally Posted by MarsCRV

OK here it is. I took my 2002 CR-V in yesterday to the local Honda dealer because the transmission doesn't snap right into each gear. My thoughts were to change the trans fluid. After having the car all day they finally told me I need a new transmission. It acts like in the old days when a transmission needed a filter change. My gripe with the dealer at this point is moot. My question is, is it worth doing the fluid change at this point at about $80 bucks for the ten quarts recommended on this forum or is the damage already done. The sloppy shifting isn't that bad and there certainly isn't any slipping. One of the On-Line refurbished tranmission guys even suggested a control module being the culprit. Is this also something I should be looking at? I used to be a mechanic so the work doesn't bother but I've lost track of all the new "ways" with the computer controlled trannys. I would really appreciate some feedback. Thanks Rick

Honda automatics have repeatedly proved to be pretty robust. Usually when "sloppy shifting" is the problem, a 3X ATF change has been the solution.

Checking for "lacquer" deposits in the control solenoid valves would also be worth a try if the ATF change doesn't return your transmission to health.

San Leandro Honda Online Parts

It has proved really tough to completely kill a Honda AT.

[Black Pearl]

Sorry to hear you are having difficulties. One would think that if you took it back to the dealer and they told you that you need a transmission, that most likely you need a transmission. I don't mean to sound glib, but I doubt your dealer would rake you over the coals for a transmission. However...it might not be a bad idea to get a second opinion.

The other thing to do is check out the TSBs and see if there are any pertaining to your year and model regarding the transmission. There is a partial listing here:

CR-V TSB's - Released in 04,05,06,07,08

You can certainly try changing the transmission fluid, and looking at the various sensors and modules, but you may be just dumping money down the drain. Hopefully one of our more knowledgeable members can give better advice.

Keep us posted. Good luck.

EDIT: One of our more knowledgeable members just did reply to your post while I was replying. If Tsmithvt thinks its worth a try then I concur. Dealers are known to make mistakes.

[tsmithvt]

"Black Pearl" - I only said what I said because I can't remember a Honda AT completely failing and so many times the old 3X change has brought ailing ATs back. The OP seemed to think his transmission might be a goner.

[Black Pearl]

Smitty, as I said in another post, you have forgotten more about Hondas than I will ever know. Your posts have been a great technical help. Mine are more of the Welcome Wagon persuasion: "Howdy, welcome to the forum, hopefuly Smitty, 2RedVs or Honda Tech will be along to help you, because I don't have a clue!"

Basically I try to get people to ID their year, model, and location so that you guys can actually help them.

If it was my transmission, and you said it was worth a try, I would give it a try.

[MarsCRV]

Today I did the 3x oil change. By the way when you buy the Honda oil by the case the price is right around $5, when you buy one quart at a time they charge you list price which is $7.31 per quart. I had asked for 10 quarts and the parts guy was nice enough to mention the price difference... I bought a case. After the oil change the trans seems to be shifting a little better but it still lurches between 2nd and 3rd. In other words it is accelerating in 2nd and seems to go into a false neutral for just an instant the RPMs shoot up and then it drops into 3rd. If you are a little aggressive with the acceleration it shifts perfectly. The lasy slide from 2nd to 3rd happens under normal acceleration. Everything else seems fine, the other shifts are great, the trans will hold back slightly going downhill just as it should, reverse works fine, cruising on the highway seems fine, passing gear seams solid as always. I'm still thinking there is a valve sticking, maybe a 2nd to 3rd gear valve. I'm not at all thinking this transmission should be replaced as the dealer suggested however and any other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks Again Rick

[tsmithvt]

Originally Posted by MarsCRV

Today I did the 3x oil change. By the way when you buy the Honda oil by the case the price is right around $5, when you buy one quart at a time they charge you list price which is $7.31 per quart. I had asked for 10 quarts and the parts guy was nice enough to mention the price difference... I bought a case. After the oil change the trans seems to be shifting a little better but it still lurches between 2nd and 3rd. In other words it is accelerating in 2nd and seems to go into a false neutral for just an instant the RPMs shoot up and then it drops into 3rd. If you are a little aggressive with the acceleration it shifts perfectly. The lasy slide from 2nd to 3rd happens under normal acceleration. Everything else seems fine, the other shifts are great, the trans will hold back slightly going downhill just as it should, reverse works fine, cruising on the highway seems fine, passing gear seams solid as always. I'm still thinking there is a valve sticking, maybe a 2nd to 3rd gear valve. I'm not at all thinking this transmission should be replaced as the dealer suggested however and any other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks Again Rick

I think your right. When you get a little more aggressive, shift points rise a little and pump pressures are a little higher. Lacquer deposits can put just enough drag on a clutch piston to slow engagement (at lower fluid pressures) and cause what your describing. You used to be a mechanic so you probably are already aware that ATF has cleaners/solvents that are designed to prevent lacquer deposits. With any kind of luck, the fresh ATF will loosen the deposits after a while and get you back to 100%. Let us know if your 2nd to 3rd shifts improve.

San Leandro Honda Online Parts

Part #8 on the 3rd gear side of the clutch may well be the culprit.