'98 EX 4dr Auto tranny problems
 

My sister-in-law is having some problems with her tranny. I haven't driven it yet, but she and her husband describe the problem as feeling like the tranny is slipping when trying to shift and then once it does shift, it engages very harsh. It does it both when accelerating and decelerating. It's got just over 36k miles on it. Tranny fluid is topped off (although I don't know if it's ever been changed). The Honda dealer quoted a brand new tranny at around $4500. Local tranny mechanic quoted $1500, unless it was the torque converter, that would be a few hundred more.

Anybody have experience with this particular problem? Any idea which parts would need to be replaced?

Thanks,
Gary

Re: '98 EX 4dr Auto tranny problems (GJC)
 

Could be dirty fluid. Might try a tranny service. New fluid, and filter could solve the problem. My friends auto GST eclipse did the that and a tranny flush and filter fixed it. If the tranny does need replacing you should be able to find one under $500. If not come on here and ask around, we'll find you one. Then again it could be the tq converter. I wouldn't pay over $500 for the labor though. Since labor on changing a clutch is roughly $200 a auto tranny replacement couldn't be too far off from that. Good luck!