Ok, a friend bought a 1997 Accord w/ a 4cyl/automatic for $400.
That's the good news. The bad news is that after about 6 miles, the trans slips to the point where he has to pull off to the side of the road and wait about ten minutes. Then he can start it back up and go another 6 miles.
Anybody have a clue here?
Thinking that we need to change the fluid/filter, he was told that to change the filter he has to pull the transmission.
I didn't think that there was a filter in there.

 

Now he knows why he was able to buy a $5k car for $400.
He was told correctly, Honda doesn't incorporate a replacable filter.
It's acting like it's WAY low on fluid, ..... but that would have been the first thing checked.
Unfortunately, all the cheap fixes may not work, like:
Changing the Transmission fluid
Cleaning the Shift Solenoid Screens
Checking the Trans throttle cable adjustment

He may ultimately require a Trans Transplant.

P

 

P is correct of course but I for one am not opposed to a fluid flush as an attempt to correct a malfunction. Use Honda tranny fluid and ask the dealer if there is also an additive that they recommend. Many times the additive will enhance the OEM fluid.

If you dont mind spending some money to try, then try. The tranny does not slip cold, maybe if some good fluid is flushed in, then maybe the tranny will not slip warm, at least long enough for you to find a good low milage tranny to swap out later. See if a quiklube type place will flush with your OEM fluid, go ahead and tell them the can mark the receipt AS IS, NO WARANTEE.

 

prolly toasted the tans pump when the previous owner ran it dry........good news is that u can get that one rebuilt for about 2.5K or just order one from honda and install it.

 

LOL, here I was; trying my best to not mention Flushing the trans .... ( sinse I'm often taken to task over it) and along comes ..... (just kidding)

It's well worth a shot, but I think he's dealing with an internal leakage/ pressure loss issue once the fluid heats up.

 

I also believe you have given another correct statement but look at what you just stated, "once the fluid heats up", the viscosity of the fluid changes and the tranny starts to slip. In the end, the tranny is bad but doing a flush with OEM fluid and some makers offer an additive to help with such small problems.

It would be nice to have some extra time to find a really good used tranny to swap out since it is an eventual outcome, good trannys dont slip when they are full.

I am lucky enough to have a fill and flush machine available.