2001 EX auto with 207k miles.
OK earlier this year I noticed that my tranny would sometime miss 4th gear (it would over-rev and then grab the gear). It was very infrequent but months later it became more frequent and started doing the same with 3rd gear. Shortly thereafter 2nd and so forth. I tested all the solenoids (linear, TCC and A-C), I found that solenoid B was nothing operating when I did a voltage test. All other parts passed a resistance and voltage test.
Replaced B, then test drove and here what happens: When I start the car it sounds like an old belt whining (coming from the tranny), when I put it into reverse sometimes it clunks but backing up is otherwise fine. When I put it into fourth, I have to wait a moment as it makes a jerking movement (as if getting into gear). Sometimes it doesn't hold the gear (engines just revs) but it I wait and give another try it moves forward. Usually I can crawl in 1st and sometimes it will go into 2nd, rarely into 3rd. I don't have 4th anymore. But after a little while it won't hold any gear, I have to sit and wait and try again.

Worst case scenario, the tranny needs to be replaced (overhaul may cost more than just replacing it with a used one) but if you guys that have experienced similar tranny problems could offer suggestions on what else I could look into before replacing the tranny, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,

 

Common problem on high mileage Honda ATs with infrequent fluid changes.
More than likely the sump pickup is impacted with clutch debris from wear and tear.
With restricted or blocked flow the AT pump begins to cavitate, that whining sound you are hearing.
No flow, no go.

And the biggest kicker, the sump pickup filter is not a readily serviceable component, there is no pan to drop to replace the filter.
What you can try and do is park the car so the sump drain for the AT is at a down angle and park the car for a few hours, drain it and pull as much gunk out. Refill, just use the cheap generic Dexron III by the gallon.If the transmission operates better, repeat 2X. And you may be lucky and get the junk out of the sump.

But usually the filter is just impacted with crap and you either have to rebuild/replace, or be a super hero like Tyler Dirden. Only problem is his trans is the H4A used in 90-97 Accords, not the M6HA found in the 2.3 98-02 Accords.

 

Hate to piggy back on this, but I checked the Dirden thread and wondered if you ever got the flexible cleaning hose idea worked out.

 

After futzing about, and goofing and getting covered in ATF... no.
The location of the pickup is not a direct shot from the drain plug. You can kind of see where you want to be but you can't get to where you want due to the shape of the sump area.


As you can see the case bolt to the right of the brass plug, that hump to clear the bolt prevents you from gaining access to the pickup. So close, yet so far. Albeit if you are good at snaking you might be able to get to the screen. Or you can just man up, drill a hole, blast out the screen, tap it, and install a plug.

 

Thanks Mad_Mike, Tyler's case is what happens to me - I had to shut it off or park it for a while and retry which works but is no way to get around.
I did have the trans fluid service done at a dealer when I took it in for the airbag recall about 2 yrs ago/approx 20k miles. I'll try your suggestion, that ATF gallon jug at WalllyWorld is less than $20 so it's cheap enough to try.

 

Here's a thought: using a flexible straw attachment, would it do more harm than good to spray some cleaning solvent (brake cleaner) in there? -Get closer to the screen this way to clear out any sludge.

 

Cleaner won't do any harm, problem is if the bottom of the M6HA is anything like the H4A, you are not going to be able to reach the filter pickup easily.