Automatic transmissions

psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
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I've been driving my uncle's '95 Accord lately (85k miles) and noticed that when I shift to D or R, it takes awhile for it to engage.

For instance, if I'm backing out of the driveway, I put it in reverse, let go of the brake, and it sits there for 2-3 seconds and then you'll feel it "kick into" reverse.

Or if I'm on a hill, and I go from P -> D, it'll roll back a little (as if it was in neutral) and then go forward.

Is this normal as the tranny gets older? Because I don't remember it happening when the car was newer.
(but it happens on my sister's newer '99 Protege (35k miles), but not as exaggerated as the Accord)

And I also don't feel it on my '95 Sentra (65k miles) or my mom's '94 Quest (75k miles).
Heh, the Nissan's are free from this problem :p
 

SuperSix

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,872
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Check the fluid, the filter may be getting clogged, but more than likely, if the fluid level is fine, it's time for a rebuild.
 

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
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my car rolls back on hills too until I give it a good amount of gas but that's cause it's HEAVY.
 

etech

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
10,597
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I'll agree with toph99 and SuperSix.

First check the fluid level in the transmission. Check the owners manual for the proper way to do it. You don't just pull the dipstick. Normally the fluid must be hot(drive at least 10 miles) and the transmission in neutral(parking brake set). The Honda may be different so check your manual.

While you are checking the fluid smell it. If it smells burned or the color is brownish you need to get it changed. Take it to a shop that can change the filter and flush all of the fluid out. A normal service is to drop the pan and only change the 3 quarts or so in the pan. Some shops can hook up a machine to the transmission and flush all of the fluid. I'd check into that.

Bad or low fluid can cause slipping.

After all of that you may still end up getting your transmission rebuilt. Start saving up, it usually isn't cheap.


 

Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
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The fluid on a Honda automatic needs to be changed every 15,000 or 30,000 miles, or else it won't last. Flushing is not necessary if the schedule is followed. A simple drain and refill is good enough. If the change is thousands of miles over due, two changes in a row a few days or few dozen miles apart should be performed.

This is incredibly easy on a Honda because there is a drain plug for the transmission, so there is no excuse not to do it as scheduled.

In my own opinion based on experience, genuine Honda brand ATF is best for a Honda.
 

Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
9,773
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71
Oh, and unlike most cars, on a Honda, the fluid level has historically been checked with the engine hot, but not running. Check the manual to see if you're supposed to screw the dip stick all the way in to check the level, or just insert it to the top of the threads.

EDIT: Also unlike most cars, Honda historically does not use a filter. This is the reason frequent changes are scheduled. The drain plug makes it easy to follow through.

Many cars make you unbolt and dump the pan to drain the tranny, making a God**** huge mess for a DIYer without a hoist and a huge catch pan. What a pain!
 

toph99

Diamond Member
Aug 25, 2000
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why in the world would they not have a filter and make you change it every 15k miles? :confused: that's like not having an oil filter and saying to change the oil every 500 miles, kind of a waste of money isn't it?

oh, and can you use Dextron III in a honda? some guy came into work yesterday asking if we had any honda tranny fluid, but all we carry is dextron 3
 

psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
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Thanks for the replies guys.

It's my uncle's car, and he is absolutely horrible with car care.
I was driving it around 2 weeks ago, and car started to over heat.
It had absolutely NO coolant in it.
Lucky the gas station was a couple of blocks away.
I had to blast the heat on the way there in fear or thermal damage.

The car will definitely be serviced by a mechanic, so I won't be touching any of this.
I'll mention the fluid/filter change to him.
 

XZeroII

Lifer
Jun 30, 2001
12,572
0
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My car (it's a manual) takes 10w30 motor oil in the transmission. It's really wierd. It said that on the dipstick and I called a ton of garages to make sure that was right. Most didn't know, but one was positive that it was correct. I put the motor oil in and it has worked fine for the last 40k miles. I should probably check that again soon...