barijan

Hi folks,
That's my first post in this forum. I'm writing from Brazil, so please forgive my bad english. :D
I have a 1998 Honda Accord EX (2.3 I4 engine, BAXA automatic transmission).

Since a couple of months I'm experiencing the following problem:
When rolling to a stop, (i.e. in a red light), just a second after a complete stops, the car jerks, just once, in almost every stop. It's like a small jump forward, sometimes subtle, but most of times hard and strong enough to be quite annoying to the passengers.

If I hit the gas pedal just before it stops (i.e. light turns green before I had a complete stop), it jerks even harder that sometimes make tires scream, specially when going uphill. And even at relativelly light throttle.
This could happens a lot in stop-and-go traffic.

Doesn't matter if the weather is cold or hot, or if the car is warmed up or not.

No problems with upshift, always very smooth, no slips.
The engine mounts seem to be ok. No cracks, no wear and no excesive engine movement when testing.
ATF level and condition are pretty good. I use to do the fill-drain procedure every 30k with Honda ATF, and it looks always nice and red, no burnt smell.
No error codes in the scan tool as well.

It seems to me that it's taking more time than usual to downhsift to the 1st (does it just 1 second after a complete stop) and when it shifts, does it harder than it used to be. That's the jerk when stopping. And if I hit the gas when it still in 2nd, so it shifts hard to 1st. And as the engine is putting power on the transmission, the jerk is quite more pronounced.

Some folks told me that it's the normal on Honda transmissions, that they are stiffer, and I have to learn how to deal with it, stop slower, less pushing on the gas... But it wasn't like that before!

I notice that at the same time this problem started to show, it started also to have larger delay to engage when shifting from N or P to D4 or D3. Usually it takes less than 1 second, but now it takes a bit more than 1 second, sometimes 2 seconds, and then thumps harder than usual when engages.

The shifting from N or P to R seems pretty normal, whith a soft but quick engagement. As it's supposed to be, IMO.

Last week I removed, cleaned and tested the lockup solenoids assembly and the small filters attached to it. Almost no debris.
But this procedure made no difference at all.

Since it's quite more difficult to have access to the rest of solenoids and sensors (and parts are very expensive here in Brazil for doing a "trial and error" approach) I would like to know which one I should try first. Shift solenoids? Or the clutch pressure control solenoid (plus pipes and filters)?
Could it be some pressure sensor defective or going to die?

I'm planning to remove, test and clean the Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid. I've already ordered a new CPC gasget and o-rings for the pipes and also o-rings for the Shift Solenoids, just waiting for delivery. Probably it will take a week to come from U.S.
The local dealer has these parts, but at very abusive prices.

Any advice will be welcome, even to reduce a bit the symptoms and gain some more time to the transmission, because here in Brazil this car is a "not-so-common" import, so it would be very expensive to replace or rebuild this tranny.

BTW... Congratulations for this great forum.

nhldogg

Be prepared fo a rebuild!

slamstrom

No, that is not normal.

Are you using Honda ATF? Even though my 98 doesn't exhibit any "jerks", the Honda ATF does work better than the aftermarket ATF.
I can tell even without any "jerks".

barijan

OMG! That's my fear!
Anyway I'll try first some fiddleing with the solenoids and sensors a bit.
Maybe I'm lucky!

barijan

Yep, just original Honda ATF.
I don't risk using anything else.

Jaber

could be the motor mounts, i have a 93 and it did a smiliar jump when i would take off, when it shifted i would feel a pull, kinda like play in the engine?

barijan

My mechanic checked the mounts a couple of months ago, just after this problem started. But he's not a Honda specialist at all. I'll take your advice and double check the mounts myself.

nhldogg

Trannys gone, put on a cooler to extent the life but start saving up for the rebuild.

double b from wv

try checking the rubber inside the front engine mount (if there is one, mines 91 model). a lot of times a trans problems will cause jerking like you describe, and will eventually tear the mount insert. even if it wasnt torn when the guy looked it over, it could be now.

as for the trans, have you tried changing the fluid and filter (if serviceable)? there are some solenoids involved with the trans, like you mentioned, that might be worth looking at.

as for the ATF, there is a thread on this forum about that touches on the topic of honda z1 and dextron 4 (or whichever). basically, they are the same fluid, except that the honda fluid has added friction modifiers. in a worn trans, this can lead to slippage and other problems. its recommended that you use the dextron for worn trans. it will shift a little harder, but its easier on the clutches. or so i was told. search the forum for the full post.. i cant find it right now.

nhldogg

Filter is not servicable on this model assuming its a 98-02 v6? Fluid would help for a short amount of time and may extend the life. Best bet is to just save up for a rebuild.

GregS34

I have exactly the same problem with a 2001 Accord. I can take off and stop all i want if i leave the shifter in 2nd but once it shifts out of 1st you better give it the couple of seconds before taking off when shifting back to 1st. Looks like motor mounts would clunk just about as hard when shifting back inot 2nd??
You also had a lot of replys about needing a rebuild. I would love to hear what the problem is??? Is it clutches, solenoids, bearings, or what???
I will be searching for the answers with you and i will let you know if i find the actual cause of our problem. Please do the same. i will be following your problem.

GregS34

Wow, I just noticed your posts were back in 2010. Did you ever get answers????