DC2_R

I am trying to get as much info about the car. I have owned other Hondas before but not an Accord let alone the V6.

I read on another site about issues with the transmission. People said they had issue with slips, slow engaging when going into reverse. People mentioned going from Honda ATF to Redline's ATF.

This car was is a theft recovery. It's glove box is busted up (looking for one, need black) also the drivers door shakes/vibrates. Is there a way of tightening things up?

Thanks in advance!

BLKFLSH

I have an 03 V6, and I do a drain and fill about every 15k miles. I use the new Honda DW-1 automatic transmission fluid. I would say do a drain and fill as often as it takes to keep the fluid red and clean. When you do a drain and fill, the amount of metal on the magnetic drain plug, and the color of the drained fluid, are what I use to determine how soon to do the next drain and fill. There is also a transmission fluid filter you might want to change periodically. I replaced the original filter at 60k miles, and changed the filter again at 100k miles. I buy most of my maintenance items, and parts from online dealerships because they cost much less than local dealerships even after shipping costs.
You may be able to get a glove box from a salvage yard. As far as the door is concerned, you would have to find out what is loose. Is it the entire door, or just the inside panel? How many miles on the car? If you are close to 100k miles, the timing belt replacement will need to be done. Good luck with the car. I still love mine, after 10 years and 107k miles.

DC2_R

Thanks for the info.

The car has 141k on it, yes I know that is a **** ton of miles for the year. Unfortunately I don't know if the timing belt has been done. Checked the CarFax the dealer provide but no maintenance history.

Where is this filter located at? Where do I refill the tranny at? Is it good to run a magnetic drain plug or no?

BLKFLSH

They have magnetic drain plugs on the transmissions from the factory. Here's a link on how to change the filter. The link also has other useful information, so you might want to save it.
http://www.brisdance.com/Honda/AutoFilterPage.html

DC2_R

Thanks for the link. I seen a few videos on YouTube last night. But none of them showed the location of the filter.

How about an exhaust? Any recommendations? Looking for something quiet, but yet effective.

BLKFLSH

Got me there. I don't see anything wrong with the stock exhaust (silence is golden). Something better would cost a bundle, IMO, and replacing it with something that will rust out in a couple years is just plain idiotic.

DC2_R

Yea true plus it's the wife's car, so I am sure I won't get the go ahead.

DC2_R

BLKFLSH

Nice. Looks like it's in great shape.

DC2_R

Thanks, ordered a glove box from B&R Autowrecking yesterday. Hopefully it's here soon.

BLKFLSH

About the timing belt, I don't think you can tell if the belt has been changed before or not, by looking at it, so I would be listening for any rattling noises coming from under the timing covers. The belt might last to 200k without any problem, but that's a chance I'm not sure I would take.

DC2_R

Yeah, the engine sounds nice, typical clicking from a Honda motor. The transmission is a different story, dirty and low. Would it being low cause the shitty shifting?

BLKFLSH

I guess it depends how low/dirty the fluid is. I would probably try changing the fluid and filter, then maybe the pressure switches mentioned in this link below. If the fluid is really dirty or black, I'd do three drain and fills, driving a few miles in between, changing the filter on the last D&F. I haven't changed the switches myself yet, but I'm thinking about it. I have 107k on my 03, and I've changed the filter twice, and three quarts of fluid every 15k miles.
http://www.brisdance.com/Honda/AutoPage.html

DC2_R

The fluid is barely on the tip of the stick even hot. It's a dark brown, no burn smell. I will get them changed ASAP.

Again thanks for the helpful link!

DC2_R

Well I forked over the money and had Honda do the timing belt as well as the transmission. Got out of there for $1300. They flushed three times and the trans shifts so much better. I am glad I went ahead and had them do it.

They went over the car and recommended needed maintenance, replace brake fluid, ps fluid, rear brakes/rotors. I can handle all that myself doing so is going to save me anywhere from 500-700 in parts/labor.

BLKFLSH

You can definitely save money doing it yourself. The price of Honda's rotors is rediculous for what you get IMO. Have you done rear brakes on a Honda before? You have to turn the calliper piston back in, then line the slot up with the tab on the inside pad.

DC2_R

Yeah I built my 99 Honda Civic hatch. Did full brake upgrade, bleed and replaced all bushings.