Automatic Transmission shifting problems

[rb516]

I have a 97 CRV with automatic transmission, 160,000 miles. When you drive it it likes to build up the RPMs and not shift (all gears especially 1-2, and 2-3). If you play with the gas pedal you can get it to shift. Sometimes it will shift like normal like nothing is wrong. The fluids have all been changed recently by HONDA. Other than transmission solenoids is there anything else I should look into??

[Black Pearl]

When Honda changed the fluid, did they charge you for 3-4 quarts of fluid or did they charge you for 10-11 quarts of fluid.

Honda has a flushing procedure which you can read about here in post #1:

Honda Auto Trans Flush Procedure - Official

If you only got charged for 3 some odd quarts of fluid, then they performed 1/3 of the above procedure. The volume of fluid that is in the pan is roughly 1/3 the total volume of the transmission. So when you change the fluid the fluid, you have 1/3 new 2/3 old. Hence the procedure above. It won't get to 100% new fluid, but it will be good enough. Notice, no power flushing with an external machine!

If they only drained and replaced the fluid, verses the above procedure, I would recommend performing the remaining two drains and refills. You can do it yourself. You must use only Honda brand ATF. Drain the existing fluid, add the new. Go for 5 to 10 mile drive to mix everthing up. Go through all the gears, punch it down so it downshifts etc. You are trying to get the new fluid into every passage in that transmission. All the complicated brouhaha in the above procedure is because they are doing it on a lift, and trying to save time. You don't need to worry about that, just drive it and put the transmission through its paces. Drain and refill again, and your done. Give it week or so to see what happens.

If things don't improve then proceed with your additional troubleshooting.

If you know that they performed the 3X drain and refill, then ignore this post and continue with your troubleshooting efforts. However, if they only drained and refilled the fluid once, I think you should try the two additional drains and refills because 1) it should have been done anyhow, and 2) it may save you a lot of money. The worse it can do is cost you about 6 to 7 quarts of ATF.

The key is driving it between to mix everything up, otherwise you are just dumping out the new ATF. We have had a couple other members do this with good results. Good luck and keep us posted on what happens.

[rb516]

They just did a drain / refill

I will change the fluid at the next oil change again...

[Black Pearl]

After I posted the above reply, I actually read the procedure (imagine that) and counted 4 changes not 3 changes.

Honda Auto Trans Flush Procedure - Official

Post 9

So if you want to do it by the procedure, change it 3 more times not twice. Doing the math on my 2007, 3 X gives 71% new fluid, 4 X gives 81%. Each additional change provide diminishing returns because you end draining ever increasing portions of new fluid. 5 X = 87% and I didn't go no further.

Don't forget to drive it in between changes to mix the fluid up.

If you read down further in that post Badgerland proposed an interesting alternative which I checked with a tribologist at work. I am not sure that I would recommend that for you at the moment because your are experiencing shifting problems. But it certainly could be applicable in the future, but realize that it is not following Honda's procedure.

Again, because of your shifting I would not recommend waiting till your next oil change, unless it is soon.

One thing that bothers me is why didn't your dealer follow their own procedure, or at least offer it up to you.

Well good luck, I hope the new fluid helps with your shifting problems.