I got a 2003 pilot awd with about 169k miles. recently about a month ago, the "D" shift light starts blinking on and off. the vehicle started jerking when it shifts. I got a transmission flush from Honda dealership thinking that was the issue. the issue went away for a few days. then the issue resumed. the catch is the light don't always come on. when the light does come on, the vehicle drives perfect like there is nothing wrong. the jerking only occurs when the light don't flash; usually jerks between shifting into 2nd and 3rd gear. Is this an expensive fix and does anyone know what this is or has had similar problems?

 

Sounds like it's time for a new/or rebuild of the trans. I bet if you check you'll have one or more trans DTC's, usually a p0720/0730.
What does the fluid smell like (burnt smell)??

 

Check the transmission speed sensor and trans temp sensor. The flashing d light is a fault sign from the tcu, and also check the fluid level and color obviously

 

just had the fluid changed right after the light came on. so don't think that's the issue. is it costly to rebuild or get a new one? so is it possessible for the vehicle to act the way it is because of a faulty sensor?

 

It's very possible. I would recommend diagnosing the problem rather than having the whole trans rebuilt or replaced. Have you had the codes checked as stated above?

 

so any idea what sensors would cause the issue? where are those sensors located? I'm gonna try the sensors first.

 

It will be either the 3rd or 4th pressure switch, very common problem for the pilots, my money is on the third due to me changing more of them.

 

so how much would that cost?

 

Parts is about 50$ from the stealership