Got a 99 accord lx 4cyl 2.3 vtec from a buddy that had not been maintained very well. The transmission was way too low on fluid and the shift solinoid was not working correctly. I filled the transmission with new fluid and replaced the solinoid with a used one and the car worked perfect for a few weeks. I'm driving on the freeway yesterday and suddenly it doesn't want to shift past 3rd gear for what feels like a minute and it also didn't want to shift into reverse. It took it home let it sit for a while and now it works fine except for a couple rough shifts. Now I'm trying to figure out what caused it to happen? Could this solinoid could also be no good or is it something else?

 

A solenoid problem will set a DTC indicating a circuit malfunction. If you set a DTC for a range-performance problem, that is internal to the transmission. Low oil pump output, clogged filter assembly, and clogged valve body screens are typical in most higher mileage 98-02 Accords, V6 or 4 cylinder. Clutch wear is also as concern.

I would prepare for a replacement or a rebuild kit. Start with a DTC check. A refusal to shift for over a minute will set an incorrect gear ratio code at the least.

Low fluid levels cause all kinds of wear and shifting problems.

 

Ok well it's throwing p0740 code. And now it seems to be slipping in almost every gear. can only drive it in 2nd gear otherwise it will slip between every gear. I'm thinking the transmission is toast at this point.

 

P0740 can be indicated by converter clutch slippage or 3-4th gear slippage in some rare instances.

Having only 2nd gear function is quite unbelievable. I would surmise with enough engine output, it will also slip. 2nd gear bears the brunt of transmission clutch wear. A low oil level, clogged filter, or a leaking oil pump will cause the systemic problems you describe.

Did this car ever shift correctly since you have owned it?

 

Well the other gears work. I just wouldn't trust it on a busy road. it will just slip and take a few seconds at least to get into any of the gears and second gear is the only way to get the car moving without having it automatically trying to shift. The car was in bad shape when I got it so I wouldn't be suprised if it's toast. When I first got the car it would feel like it was slipping everytime you try to turn and hit the gas. After adding fluid it felt like a new car for maybe a month and now im.having these problems.

 

The previous owner took great care of the engine. The transmission not so much. I'm suprised it's made it to 175000 miles. Though I really don't know any of the service history. I got the car for pretty cheap to get me around until I can get a new one.

 

It sounds like toast if it is slipping that much. Might as well buy a new one instead of rebuilding it, if needed.

How rough is the shifting?

 

When it first starts up cold there's definitely a jolt between first second and third. Then it smooths out works ok and maybe ten or fifteen minutes later it starts slipping.

 

Once it starts slipping each shift is pretty rough and even made the tires chirp once

 

There's this guy named Javier Guttierez I seen on youtube, he's done a bunch of you tube videos on automatic transmissions that I've watched. He seems really knowledgeable. I never buy cars with auto trannies since I only like to have manuals but it was ever me I would find a way of having that guy rebuild my tranny. I'm sure it would be done right the first time.

 

It sounds like poor pump output or material blockage.

Rebuild parts will run you around 700 dollars and will include:

Rebuilt converter.
New steels/clutches/pistons/seal kit
Aftermarket PR valve and clutch pressure control valve.

The clutch pressure control valve end plugs are know to leak or damage the bores. The PR valve (pressure regulator) has been updated to include a more linear fluid flow across its stroke. It also has pilots from main line pressure to the converter fill and lube circuits, increasing longevity and converter clutch life. There are a host of other features the kit offers as well.

A used unit will cost over $1,000 at least. A new one I can't even fathom. Rebuilding is by far the best option.

 

Is this shifting hard(chirped the tires) or slipping(taking a long time to engage the next gear)?