Recently, my 99 Honda CRV began downshifting hard right before I come to a stop. It also occasionally won't go into the last gear as soon as it should. This had only happened 3 or 4 times each. Now, this past weekend I was on vacation and in some steep terrain. Stopped to put in 1st gear, and it wouldn't go. Then tried 2nd, and it went, but was a hard shift. I never use those two gears, and not sure when it quit working. (2nd will work, but not a smooth shift). Took yesterday to a transmission shop. They say the machine didn't bring up any codes, but that there is definately a problem with linkage, and shifting. Want $360 to open transmission, then will decide what is next. I had hoped to put off buying a new car for a couple of years. I've only got 89,000 miles on my car. Any tips or help for this Texas gal??

 

I am assuming that this is an automatic transmission. Has the car produced any CELs (check engine lights)? If you look at the Integra FAQ thread, there are instructions on how to pull CELs.
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread/1230496

When was the last time the fluid was changed?

Try the CRV forum:
https://honda-tech.com/zeroforum/80

 

Thank you for the input. No......there have been no engine lights. It only started shifting down too quick about 3 weeks ago, along with not shifting to the last cruising speed until later than usual. Perhaps it already wasn't going into 1st, or hard into 2nd, and I just didn't know, as I seldom use them until buying property last week in hilly county. Now, I'm really needing those gears.

The fluids were changed at about 45,000, and I'm now at 89,000, so it's on the "to do" list. I didn't do it yet, as I was trying to decide whether to keep the vehicle. It has all the needed items coming up now, like timing belt, brakes, and other items. which are around $1,000 or more. That is why I hate to pay $350 to open the transmission, and perhaps find I'm in for a lot of money. Sell or Not To Sell. If this is not a big transmission issue, I probably will keep. OH YEAH, the trans guys also said that there were a lot of metal pieces floating (not hooked to the magnet). Also, that the fluid looked real burnt (which may be because its due a change)? Do I need to just have it changed, or cleaned? I thought they said something about it being sealed?? (AS YOU CAN TELL I'M CAR IGNORANT).

**** THANKS AGAIN, AND PLEASE CONTINUE ANY SUGGESTIONS. ALL ARE WELCOME. Appreciatively, StoneGirl

 

I'm not an automatic transmission specialist. The filter could be clogged with the aforementioned debris. I would suggest a transmission fluid and filter change, which shouldn't be that expensive. If something catastrophic is happening, the transmission oil pan should hold the pieces.

It looks like there are three filters in that transmission. The shift and the torque converter lockup solnoids could affect the shift quality. The main valve body also has a filter.

Does the transmission slip at all? (If the shifts are firm, it is most likely not slipping.)

 

OK. I'll take it and do the "transmission fluid and filter change". Is there anything I should make sure they do a certain way, or anything I should ask for other than that particular procedure above. It isn't leaking, as it was full, and last checked almost 3,000 miles ago at the last oil change.

No. There doesn't appear to be any slippage, just the things mentioned previously.

Again, my thanks for your kind help.

 

I Did the Transmission fluid and filter change. Seems like the Honda is changing more fluidly, but it did nothing to make the gearshift be able to go into 1st gear. Will still go into 2nd, but is very stiff. Anything else? Does this sound more like a linkage problem that could be fixed without opening the tranny?

 

With that little miles I doubt it's something internally in the transmission, but then again i'm not sure about how different an automatic is from a manual. If it won't shift at all i don't think there's something you can do yourself to fix the problem, I would just let the shop do what they are trained to do (besides rip you off).

 

Does the lever shift to the first gear postion? If it does not, it is most likely an issue in the console (interior) of the vehicle.

 

There are no serviceable filters on a Honda transmission. that requires a transmission overhaul. Also there is no transmission pan either.
Seems to me there may be two problems here. #1 there is a bind somewhere in the shift cable. #2 you may have a shift solenoid going bad.

 

Had a customer tow their vehicle to our shop one day. They came from a trans shop that completely disassembled their transmission. I mean EVERYTHING. Stripped every shaft, EVERYTHING. Then, when they couldn't find a problem, they threw everything loose in the trunk and told the customer to bring it to Honda because it would be covered under warranty. Don't let the same thing happen to you.

 

Sorry to highjack the thread but would you (phootbag) go look at my thread and see if yiu anything about my problem? Thanks.
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread/2075867

 

damn

 

I don't believe anyone covered this in this thread yet but I believe your 99 is equipped with 'grade logic control', same as mine. Basically, Honda sent out a recall notice on this transmission many years ago, may I suggest you goto the dealer armed with this information and have them search your VIN# to see if the recall work was performed on your vehicle. Usually the failure or 'limp mode' occurs in exactly the same instance as you described in your 1st post.