I just bought my first Honda last week. It's an '02 Accord EX (4cyl. VTEC) with an automatic. It has 50k original miles and seems to be in very good shape except for some rough paint.

I noticed the transmission seems to shift hard at times. it mostly occurs when it's colder outside when the car hasn't warmed up well. Is this normal? Will a drain and fill help? I don't know the service history of the car but the ATF level is good and the fluid doesn't smell burned. I looked at it at night so I don't know if it is still red. If so, should I only use Honda ATF?

Thanks!

 

they all do that, and eventually the tranny will need replacement. check with honda as the 00-02's have an extended warranty on the tranny to 100K miles. i would do the drain and fill 3x's just to extend the life as much as you can.

 

98,99, and 02 cars are not covered under any warranty extension. however it can get covered under a good will program.

when that trans acts up cold, it's just a matter of time before it dies....prolly within the next 15K

change the fluid and keep maint records on the car, when it dies try to get it good willed although 2002 accord warranty will end in 2009

new terms are 7 years 9 months or 109K

http://www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com and plug your vin in to see if you are covered

 

When you say, "new terms are 7 years 9 months or 109K" are you talking about that settlement? If so, mine isn't covered according to that website.

What's the cost involved in having the transmission either replaced or rebuilt? Should I be concerned and look to get out of it? I don't have a few thousand dollars to put in to this thing after I just bought it.

Thanks!

 

You typically can get an '02 covered by Honda if you explain the situation to them. I've seen several failing '02 transmissions (all with well under 100,000 miles) replaced recently under "good will" by Honda. However, there has to be an actual problem such as slipping in gears, shifting erratically, or very harsh shifting. If you feel it is noticeable enough that a reasonable person would think there is a problem, then take it to the dealer and explain to them that you understand there was an extended warranty on the Accord 4-cylinder transmissions up to 2001, and that you've heard of a few people having their '02 transmissions replaced as well.