My 1998 Accord (4-cyl, auto) seems to have a transmission problem. When braking, the car shakes in the last moments before it actually comes to a stop. When accelerating, it seems to have reduced power and the 1-2 gear change is abrupt and harsh (note: it could be the 2-3 change, but I don't think so). In both cases, the problem can be all but eliminated by braking or accelerating very gradually.

The car only has 100,000 miles. All of the prescribed maintenance has been performed by a Honda dealer. A computer diagnostic test showed the transmission as the likely culprit. The dealer first changed a "pressure switch" and then the catalytic converter. The two together cost $1200, and the problems still persist. Does anyone here have any experience with this problem or have any recommendations? Any way Honda might buy the transmission for quality assessment purposes?

If I do have the transmission replaced, does anyone have any opinions about remanufactured versus new?

Thank you.

EDIT: Thanks to all that have posted replies. I believe that the first two repairs were made in good faith. The dealer shall remain nameless, but I have a long history with them and they have treated us right before. I knew going in the the cat was a long shot, as I understand it, they generally don't "go bad" or wear out (at lease at this millage, anyway).


Modified by 98ACCORDguy at 2:26 PM 10/29/2004

 

Shaking just before stopping - try putting it into neutral before braking to a stop. If it STILL does that, it's probably the brakes & not the transmission.

How long since the tranny fluid was changed? (Since it was a dealer, I suppose they used real Honda fluid.) Is the fluid nice & pink? Any burned smell?

Did they tell you which diagnostic code it displayed?

Did they explain why they thought the catalytic converter was even remotely related to your tranny problems???

 

Take the dealer to small claims court. You brought the car to them with a specific problem, they replaced some parts to the tune of $1,200, and your car still has the problem? That's not right. You probably won't get anywhere trying to talk to the service manager. Sue them!

If you brought your car back to the dealer and told them you still have the same problem, what would they do? They'd start replacing more parts. And you'd end up paying for all their "trial and error" repairs. Again, sue them.

 

I beleive Honda acknowledged some kind of problem with the transmissions in the accords and they extended the warranty on it (which notice i did receive in the mail). call up your local dealer or check out their website. couldn't hurt.

 

There is a long discussion on anther forum cordclub.com regarding a recall that applies to some of the late 90's transmissions. I believe Honda will pay part or all of some transmission repairs. You might check it out.

Your problem description suggests the lock-up clutch is not releasing or slow to release, as you come to a stop. If it doesn't release at all the engine will stall. It's the same as coming to a stop w/ a manual trans car and not engaging the clutch. Trans codes should allow easy diagnosis.

The catalytic converter was a succulent bite for the dealership at your expense. They probably only made $500-600 on that transaction, after paying the mechanic and their parts cost. Note, mechanic usually get's a nice selling bonus for pushing the part.

A Honda converter is truly a nice product and probably worth more than most, perhaps all aftermarket converters, but if you don't need it,...well you know what happened.

Good Luck

 

My car had your exact problem. The lack of power and all of the sudden you are shot forward out of 2nd gear? Yup.

No one believed me in my family, i had to take it to the dealership to prove it.

The results? My tranny was shot. I got a brand new transmission for free plus gloating rights because I caught it.

6th gens have a faulty *** transmission. Some people are on their third or fourth. Honda should be required to solve the problem for you. I'd get it looked at.