LRD100

Hi everyone,

I've spent the entire afternoon searching through archived posts, but I haven't found an answer to my specific transmission question. Hopefully someone can help...

I have a 2000 Accord LX 4 cylinder with 123,000 miles on it. Over the last week or so, I've started to notice some transmission issues. Shifts from first to second, and second to third take longer than usual and are a little bit "clunky." Also, when I come to a stop, I will sometimes get a "clunky" downshift. From what I've been reading here and at carcomplaints.com, it sounds like my transmission is on its way out I just checked the fluid...it's at the proper level, the color is light brown/tan (not overly dark), and it does not have any debris, metal flakes, or burnt smell. The fluid has NEVER been changed before, and is factory original (I know...real bad).

Here are my questions:

1. Is there anything I can do to extend the life of this transmission, and fix some of the shifting problems?

2. Would it be worth changing the fluid (using Honda fluid) or could this make things worse? I've seen mixed reviews on changing trans fluid on high-mileage cars that have never had a fluid change...some say it can fix problems, others say it can cause the transmission to go downhill fast. What's your opinion?

3. Would there be any harm in adding some Lucas Oil transmission fix to the transmission? I know Honda transmissions need Honda fluid, but would adding this product to the existing Honda fluid be helpful or harmful?

4. For people who have had similar problems...how long did your transmission last from the time that problems first started to appear until the time of total failure? I'm just trying to judge how long I have to save up for a replacement transmission or a new car.

Sorry for all the questions...I'm really frustrated that this is happening to my car. I bought this car expecting 200,000+ out of it...I had no idea that there were so many issues with automatic transmissions in this generation of Accords.

Thanks a million for your help!!

AndyD

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to hear about the problems. There are quite a few car companies that have flawed transmissions.

Have you taken it to the Honda dealership to see what they have to say? I know they extended the warranty on the trannies, but I think it's only up to 100K miles. It's not a bad idea to see what they have to say though just in case.

I don't think there is really a fix for it, besides a rebuilt tranny with the fix installed in it. My friend has a TL and he had to have his tranny replaced. They gave him a rebuilt one with the updated part installed.

herrsoft1

I having almost the same problem. I can't decide if I should change the trans oil, Where do I drain it from. When I'm on steady speed and I slightly release the gas pedal the trans shudders then catches. any clue?
M.

Vinceg99

I decided to start looking into Accord trans issues when my brother in law came to me asking about his 2001 Accords tranny, it definately feels different from just a slipping trans and from how it seems he needs a new trans, he has had this problem for about 2+ years now but more recently it has been bugging him more his car has 69k miles now and he has noticed it since around 50k miles.

Seems like the 98-2003 Accords have had some bad trans issues and they did do an extended warranty however it was only like 7 years and some months long or 100k miles which ever comes first which puts most of those years out of the warranty time frame, the thing im worried about after reading is people having their trans replaced to just have the same issues a few years down the road again... He is willing to pay me to replace it for him (money isnt really a concern with him) however im wondering if he should just wait till it gets worse before I replace it if its just going to happen again?

Heat

You can have a manual transmission put on for less than the cost of a rebuilt automatic transmission. The best I can figure is that a manual transmission would cost about $1,500 with labor included - I'm not sure because I've never done it, my '99 Accord has always been a manual.

avio

If Honda doesn't do anything for you, try putting in Amsoil ATF, I have heard it does wonders for our transmission over Honda ATF.

Dude CHANGE the damn fluid now, immediately, should be on your to-do list. Honda will most likely DENY any warranty claims now since you've never had your transmission fluid changed, once they find the dirty fluid you will be pretty much out of luck.

nhldogg

What about castrol high milage atf? Im thinking about using it in my car next time i do a transmission flush. Has anyone heard anything good about this fluid compared to honda fluid?

nhldogg

would the dealership be able to do this? if not where would you go to get the swap? my transmission is on its way out and i would love to swap to a manual.

avio

Don't cheap out on the ATF, either get Honda Z-1 or Amsoil ATF. I can guarantee after the drain-refill, you will feel a hell of a difference in your transmission.

Don't take it to any shop for Transmission fluid flush, that will ruin your transmission. Honda transmissions can't handle that, they are only meant to be drained and refilled.

Heat

I'm not sure, I haven't done it since my Accord has factory manual transmission. I know that there are threads on how to do it including what parts you need, but I think those are aimed towards do-it-yourselfers. If you want to hire a mechanic you may want to start a new thread on what questions to ask. The $1,500 quote I gave is what I remember from some other thread on what it would cost to do the swap with labor included, but again I don't know for sure since I haven't done it.

darrinbrewer

iTrader: (1)

same thing happened to my wifes car 00ex 4cyl, same issues, lasted about a week and wouldnt go into another gear but first, she kept her fluid changed regularly too (honda ATF)

i got on car-part.com and found some salvage yards, and got a 60k mile lx for $700 in atlanta. paid a freind $150 to put it in;in TN they were $1200+

i done some reading and lx/ex have the same tranny, its the years that mattered, i think 98-99 is one, and 00-02 is the other.

Canadian Guy

I have a 2000 Honda EX V6. It shifts hard between 1st and 2nd gear. We had it hooked up to the scope. There are no error messages. We had the tranny flushed and fluid changed. No metal pieces in the fluid, albeit the fluid was extremely dirty. When you punch the gas peddle, it shifts very hard. When you drive conservatively, it shifts smooth. Any ideas of what may be causing the problem?

Fred Demara

1-3) Maybe. Flush and refill the fluid with honda atf 3 times. Eric the car guy did a recent video where he used lucas trans treatment to help with his transmission issues - maybe worth watching - he seems to think it helped with his hard shifting.

Also, an external magnafine filter might remove some of the debris clogging your solenoid screens

Clean your solenoid screens.

4) I had a 99 Odyssey with a "juttering" transmission, I installed a magnafine fitler, and the juttering stopped for 8,000 miles (the trans died soon after).

Start planning for the worst, finding a shop to do a rebuild, or try and locate a low mileage replacement.

Best of luck, keep us posted

0BWRSUPPORT

you can Call Joel @ Nite Grind Transmission in Pomona Ca. he is very knowledgeable on these matters

Nastie Garage / Nite Grind Transmissions
1649 East Mission Blvd Unit G
Pomona, CA. 91766

909-728-9967
US

Best of luck..

doctorbee

try flushing the fluid with honda atf and substitute 1 qt for no-slip additive.


video guide for tranny flush on 6th gen accords (should be the same for 5th gen btw) as well.


worth a shot before you blow $1000+ for a tranny swap

Kobie Webb

The red flag in this whole posting is the brown transmission fluid. It should be red. No biggy really. just means you need a service. never flush it. just a service will do. drain the fluid and put new fluid in. im at 147k and my tranny needs new fluid. you should be fine. also drive easy. these transmissions are delicate. cheers