[Zsmith3727]

Hello everyone,
I have a 2013 crv that recently started making a sort of rattling/grinding noise at idle from what seemed like under the car right behind the engine. It also was having a rough time down shifting.

For context I also did have the transmission fluid replaced about a year and a half ago. I’ve only owned the car for two years.

I decided to take it to my dads transmission guy and on the way I got the flashing D. He called today and said that the issue is a failing torque converter but that he doesn’t recommend replacing the torque converter without also replacing the transmission.

Is that a pretty normal thing for these cars or is he taking me for a ride?

 

[Traylaw]

Need more information, a flashing D is like the check engine light for the transmission. There will be one or more error codes stored in the cpu concerning the transmission. You need to contact your dad's transmission guy and find out what those codes are. We might be able to help with this information.

 

[Zsmith3727]

He told me that the code (did not specify which code exactly) was related to the throttle body starting to fail. He said that typically if this happens you don’t just replace the throttle body, but the whole transmission with it. I hope that helps a little, but I’m sure more info on the code would be best.

He told me that the code (did not specify which code exactly) was related to the throttle body starting to fail. He said that typically if this happens you don’t just replace the throttle body, but the whole transmission with it. I hope that helps a little, but I’m sure more info on the code would be best.

@Traylaw

 

[mrtn]

Unless the torque converter has failed to a point where it had contaminated the whole transmission with metal bits (from the grinding) or something similar there's no need to replace the whole transmission. I have had the converter replaced in two of my Hondas and it had fixed the problem I had. I never reached the point of error codes tho.

 

[Traylaw]

Is he taking you for a ride? Maybe or there is some confusion as to the issues. The torque converter is part of the transmission. As previously mentioned it is normally replaced without replacing the entire transmission. The throttle body is part of the engine which controls the amount of air going into the engine's air intake. When you step on the gas you are opening up the throttle body to allow more air into the engine. The throttle body and torque converter are two unrelated parts of the car.

The flashing D is letting you know there is a problem with the transmission and there is a pending error code describing the issue. So there is definitely and issue there.

As to the throttle body, maybe your dad's mechanic also saw something else going on. But you normally don't replace the entire throttle body. You might replace the electric actuator module on the throttle which is what opens/closes the air valve (aka throttle plate) when you press and release the gas pedal.

I would at least get a second opinion here and ask lots of questions. Good mechanics have no problem answering questions and explaining why they believe something is wrong. Bad mechanic tend to get irritated when confronted with questions.

 

[Kazoo2U]

One other point to consider is the brand of transmission fluid used when you said that the fluid was replaced 18 months ago.

Was Honda brand transmission fluid used, or did your mechanic use generic one-brand-fits-all fluid? Honda transmissions &/or rear differentials are quite finicky about using Honda fluids.

Cheapest attempt at a fix would be to buy a case of the correct Honda-brand transmission fluid & do the recommended 3x drain-old, fill new, drive a while, then repeat. After 3rd drain / fill, adjust fluid level.

While doing the 3x drain/fill, you can also check the solenoids on the transmission. The filter screens on them may get plugged up with gunk, limiting the solenoid's ability to function.

Here is an excellent detailed video about the Honda automatic transaxle that may help you.

 

[Zsmith3727]

Is he taking you for a ride? Maybe or there is some confusion as to the issues. The torque converter is part of the transmission. As previously mentioned it is normally replaced without replacing the entire transmission. The throttle body is part of the engine which controls the amount of air going into the engine's air intake. When you step on the gas you are opening up the throttle body to allow more air into the engine. The throttle body and torque converter are two unrelated parts of the car.

The flashing D is letting you know there is a problem with the transmission and there is a pending error code describing the issue. So there is definitely and issue there.

As to the throttle body, maybe your dad's mechanic also saw something else going on. But you normally don't replace the entire throttle body. You might replace the electric actuator module on the throttle which is what opens/closes the air valve (aka throttle plate) when you press and release the gas pedal.

I would at least get a second opinion here and ask lots of questions. Good mechanics have no problem answering questions and explaining why they believe something is wrong. Bad mechanic tend to get irritated when confronted with questions.

I’m an idiot and wrote throttle body (cleaned one on my other car recently so it’s on my mind) when meant torque converter. I’m sorry haha

 

[chidog]

First thing to check is the torque converter to flex plate bolts, are they tight?

Since I have done many automatic transmission overhauls/ rebuilds, if it was mine and the converter was rattling inside, I would be opening up the transmission. Any thing that comes apart in the converter, like metal parts and chips ends up in the transmission. Suction screens help, but since there is no other way to clean, but to open the transmission cases.

Yes have done some jobs on heavy industrial transmissions, just changing the converter and cleaning the screens, never on a car or truck though. Its one of those yeah try it deals, but don't pay someone to do it. Because there is the possibility of not so many miles down the road the transmission may have to come out, and the replacement converter gets replaced again.

You never rebuild a transmission and use an old or reused non rebuilt converter.

 

[agentl074]

Back when my 2000 Mustang GT dropped the tranny, the torque converter was done, but they rebuilt the whole thing since they had to tear it open anyways. It was $1500 for a complete rebuild on the Mustang back in 2006. The labor is the kicker here... clutch packs are cheap and Honda torque converters aren't too bad (about $700). Also, if you go to a true transmission shop, the rebuilt transmission is usually stronger than the factory transmission -- at least mine was -- not sure about the Honda (depends on the parts).