ls00722

Hi all:
I bought a 1996 Handa Accord Lx V6 last Oct. The milelage is 74K at that time, and the price was $6000 ( a pretty good deal , I thought). Things started getting ugly after 6 month. Last week i spent $800 fixing the ABS problem(ABS lights came on, modulator has a crack cause the break fluid leaks). My SRS warning lights also came on, the mechanics told me "Passenger side airbag inflator has a open circuit". I didn't fix it because of the cost. The other problem is that some times, in 45 MPH ~ 65 MPH range, i feel either the engine or the transmisson is not stable, producing some "pulsing" effect. It's not always, but does happen pretty often.
My car is at 80K right now, and mechanics did told me the timing belt is due to replace, and need front/back brake system service. Again, didn't do it because I am not sure if it worth it.
Among all these problem, the engine/transmission unstable issue bothers me most. Do you think it's because of the timing belt? The transmission shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear sounds really loud some times. Tech suggest me to flush the transmission, but i refuse it coz i don't think it will fix the problem.
Any comments on what i should do for this old car is appreciated!
ls

General Kenobi

Uhm, the force tells me you should sell it before the car you own, owns you. That is a lot of stuff to have to pay for, just balance it out and write out how much it will cost and see if its worth it. With the Timing belt being the priority.

ls00722

Thanks for the quick reply, I was just wondering if the engine/transmission unstable problem is really caused by old timing belt. The mechanics didn't find out that problem because it doesn't always happen.
The timing belt cost about $950, brake service - $600, i am not sure how much it would cost for SRS warnning light.
With current condition, how much i can ask if i sell it privately?

h22DNA

Wow, what is wrong with the breaks ? 600 bucks.. explain ?

i20ar

well you NEED to change the timing belt... or else your DONE for... its about time for it.. and while there changing that ask them to change your water pump.. it will save you sum time and money later... maybe you need to check you motor mounts for the vIbRatiOn you get around 60

aZnAcCoRd02

A car is like a girl, its worth the investment until you find out more about her. But certain things must be done to keep a car in good working order. You cant say something wont work until you try it.

I have a 97 with 62k and it runs smoothly with only minor problems

if a timing belt must replaced i wouldnt doubt it.

Brakes are more simple than you think. Parts for it are cheap because 600 is absurd for someone else to fix.

SRS is something that can be ignored until an inspection is needed (make friends with mechanics/inspectors).

Flushing the tranny is easy if you have the right equipment. I used to have the same problem with a loud shifting b/t 2nd and 3rd but after a flush and noticing all the shavings that came out its runs pretty smooth.

the vibrations might be the motor mounts(dont know much about that)

the only other problem you will have is the hydraulic valves with this motor. C27A4's are notorious for this. Ask all legend and accord owners with this motor.

my guess is to invest in a helms or haynes manual and make friends with car enthusiast and they can help you. Thats how Ive gone from changing oil to installs and puttin in suspensions.

pm me if you have any other questions

deserthonda

ABS modulator has a crack???? i have seen many leak and they can be resealed for about $ 20 in parts + labor but never seen a cracked 1 .if so was car in frt end accident??? that is the only thing that could explain a cracked abs modulator ,, mmmm

94cordlx

My mom has a 95 V6 and has had nothing but problems since she bought it. The problems are exactly like yours, brakes and the pulsing effect. The pulsing feels like your driving with the parking brake on and the Tach is going nuts. It is a problem with the computer that was actually recalled by Honda. I can't remember the recall #, but find a list of the recalls for your model and it should be there. The dealer should fix it for free or at least at a big discount . My mom has had everything checked or replaced, and still has problems, along with axles. I am trying to get her to sell it but she won't. Cut your losses now and get an Accord 4cyl. Those V6's suck.

i20ar

^ great advice... maybe your rotors are warped causing the breaks pulsing