I have a 2004 Odyssey that when driving slow in a residential area and the speed hits about 30 the "D" will dim and the engine will stumble like its stuck in 4th gear until i give it gas to speed up. Almost looks like an electrical surge. It has started flashing a couple of times in the past but doesn't do it the next time i drive it.

Took it to Honda and they said the fault code was for a 4th gear pressure switch but also said i need a new transmission. Question is do i really need a new transmission or will a new pressure switch take care of the problem with it acting like its stuck in 4th gear? I am aware of the transmission problems.

Dealer is no help on info, just wants to sell a transmission at 81,000 miles.

 

Depends on why the code is being set.

If the 4th clutch pressure switch is clogged with clutch pack material or isn't receiving the correct oil pressure, replacing the switch won't solve the problem - you'll need a transmission.

If the switch itself is bad (and yes, I've seen a number of these switches fail, particularly on Pilots and CR-Vs), then you'll just need a switch. If the wiring harness connector is just loose or dirty, then you don't even need the switch...

Frankly, I'd tell them to replace the switch. It's around $60 plus labor. If it doesn't solve the problem, you're only out $60 + labor on top of the $3000-4000 you'll be paying to install a transmission. If it does solve the problem, then you've avoided being suckered into a $3000+ unnecessary repair.

To pacify them, make sure to let them know that you're fully aware that replacing just the switch may not solve the problem at all, so you'll be eating the cost if it doesn't work (and if it doesn't, make sure you stick to your word).

I'm basing this advice on the assumption that the only trouble code stored in the computer was a P1740. If you had any additional transmission codes - e.g. P0700, P0730, P0740, P0780, P1750 - then the trans is indeed bad.

If it comes down to replacing the entire trans, contact Honda of America Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009 and ask them to help you out monetarily with the repair. Depending on vehicle age and mileage, Honda has helped out a number of customers with these transmissions in the past by either covering the entire bill, offering to split the cost 50/50 (or otherwise) with the vehicle owner, or covering parts only and requiring the owner to pay for the labor. The worst they can do is decline.

 

I am with Targa start with the switch and go from there hopefully you have records of replacing the fluid at the dealer that will help on Hondas decision if you end up needing a transmission .

 

Good luck. At 145k my 2000 Odyssey is now on its 3rd transmission. I took very good care knowing how much of a problem these seem to have. I think they have a bad bearing that self destructs and dumps metal all in the transmission ruining it. The 1st time the dealer took care of for me at no cost and they gave me a rental. They did not even look at it. I just gave them the engine code and they said it was the transmission. I was very happy at how well they handled the situation. That unit failed at almost the same mileage while I was on a trip it just started slipping badly and smelled like burned transmission fluid. If anyone figures out how to make these last longer please let me know. I would be willing to change the oil every 5k if it would do the trick. O. The last transmission cost me just over 3k from a dealer. When I got home it was leaking all over the driveway. I took it to my local honda dealer and they told me they could not help because they did not use a "Honda Transmission Rebuild". I said I just asked from a honda dealer that they fix my car and I did not tell them what parts to use. Lucky for me it was just a shifter seal that cost me an extra $150 or so. Good Luck.

 

How can you tell if its just the switch? A code is not showing up. I was driving and all of a sudden the van stop moving, it just coasted to a stop. You can put the key in and move it to D, D2, R, N and all of them except Park (if in Park you cannot move the van). And then manually push the van, it goes frontwards, backwards when you push it the engine is not running. When you start the engine it runs, but will not move when you put it in any mode. Is it the transmission? or just a solenoid? or does the lever you move to park, N, R, Drive not working? Thanks.

 

The main problem is that debris come loose inside the trans cooler inside the radiator, it clogges it up and prevents the fluid from circulating properly, causing the clutch packs to wear out quickly. There are some other things that also may cause the failure. First thing I do when I get Odysseys in, I install a auxiliary oil cooler and completely bypass the cooler inside the radiator.