farmersride

I have a 2000 honda CRV LX 4WD A/T with 210k miles, no codes are present. Gear hunting and/or flaring will begin with light throttle application at speeds between 30-40mph on level ground. I am uncertain if this is a TCC lock-up issue or a gear shift issue. With overdrive disabled issue appears to be fully resolved. Trans fluid has been replaced twice with no effect. Issue is less likely to happen if speed is steadily (even slowly) increasing through this range. Issue is more likely to happen if speed drops slowly into this range then stabilizes or increases in speed again. Issue does not occur with hard throttle application. Issue may be related to grade logic as some abnormally hard up shifts do occur during decent; however driving conditions in my area to often cause this to happen (not many steep long downhills). Grade logic partially relies on engine power output being similar to 'like new' engine - so I searched/adjusted for power losses - checked air filter, new spark plugs/wires, checked valve lash, checked for exhaust blockage (none). Engine runs smoother with the new plugs (the old ones were really bad), but no impact on the shifting problem.

I have read the entire factory service manual section 14 on automatic transmissions. I suspect possible issue with TPS or Linear Solenoid but the manual is better suited for diagnosing the cause of DTC codes. Without a code the manual is purely informational.

I have found only one thread online that seems to relate to my issue. One user replaced TPS with aftermarket version and advanced the TPS slightly - he claims it reduced the frequency of his problem. Another user replaced the linear solenoid and claims to have fixed his problem completely.

I purchased a month membership at http://www.eautorepair.net/ to gain access to a complete list of TSB - none of them relate to the issue I'm experiencing.

My current plan is to replace the TPS and advance it slightly. If this does not work I'm going to remove and check the linear solenoid.

Has anybody seen or dealt with this issue before?

e129822

Hi Farmersride, My 2000 Honda CRV with 160K has precisely the same problem you described (gear hunting at 31 mph under no load) which has persisted on and off for about one year. Three fresh changes with Valvoline synthetic ATF late summer 2014 eliminated the issue until spring 2015. We noticed the problem to be more prevalent when the transmission was warm so its possble the warm weather is partially to blame for the recurrence. After reading many posts suggesting to use only honda ATF, I just performed the first of three changes with Honda DW1. Like you, did lots of engine work before the ATF changes with no improvement.

Were you ever able to see any benefit by changing the linear solenoid? I ohmed mine out and the winding resistance was spot on but it could change with temperature.

The local honda dealer suggested reprogramming the transmission computer for $160 but that does not feel like the right fix since there are no codes and ATF fluid changes improved the condition.

Any suggestions? Anyone?

farmersride

Hi e129822

Finally got around to replacing the TPS and the Linear Solenoid (not at the same time). I tried the TPS first, advanced it slightly so the voltage was 0.62 closed and 4.62 open (spec is 0.5v and 4.5v). This did help some but mostly it just shifted the speed at which the flair/gear hunt (TCC problem) occurred from 40mph to around 30mph. Also the TPS that is stock on the vehicle is capable of being advanced - you don't need to buy a new one. I adjust the TPS back to spec (0.5v-4.5v) and replaced the Linear Solenoid. Replacing the solenoid does require draining the trans fluid. The old solenoid appeared corroded around the connector and slightly dirty in the metal mesh filter inside. After replacing with new OEM solenoid the problem seems to be fixed! Hope this helps somebody decide what to do with their vehicle.


Re-post from 1998 Honda Civic Transmission Flare: I Have a 1998 Honda ..., Page 9

e129822

Hi Farmersride,

Thanks for the quick reply. I just removed all solenoids on my transmission including the linear solenoid. No screens were plugged and there was zero corrosion. The linear solenoid tested 5.6 ohms.

I'll likely replace the linear solenoid with either a wrecking yard or new part based on the success of others posting including yourself. Its not impossible that the resistance changes with heat and I'm running low on other things to try although the PCM is another possibility.

There is also a tech service bulletin for hard shifts caused by the linear solenoid for 1997 - 1999 CR-V's. Seems to be worth a shot.

Thanks again for the quick reply!

farmersride

What is the TSB number for that linear solenoid issue you found?

e129822

Hi Farmersride,

I'm not very good with posting links but here is the web address where the TSB is posted.

CR-V TSBs

The TSB number is 00-012 dated July 2001.

tronic

I've been living with this issue for 70k on my 01 CRV which is now at 220k.. just chalked it up to Honda's clunky older automatics and never bothered looking into it. Glad I found this old thread!

That linear solenoid mentioned in the TSB is part # 28250-P4R-315 which goes for $165+ new.

e129822

e129822

I can provide an update that one year after replacing the Linear Solenoid (with a new Honda OEM part), the problem is completely gone and the transmission has preformed flawlessly. In my case, that was clearly the part which was failing even though the winding resistance was spot on. Good luck!

tronic

Update for me.
My CRV has 228K on it now. A few months ago I installed this aftermarket solenoid ($90 on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B00JB9JX9U ), as well as fresh fluid.
So far, shifting has been perfect and no goofy hunting for gear issues at all.

I wish I'd have done this 80K ago!