Hi everyone ... 05 Element AWD Automatic 160k mi. After purchasing from public auction (ruh oh), vehicle barely made it home, but was jerking. Drained and refilled transmission fluid 3x (Honda Dealer DW-1 fluid) and changed inline transmission filter 1x. Removed A solenoid + B and C solenoids and cleaned screens, reinstalled. Vehicle was shifting well, however, there was a 3rd gear flare of around 200-300 rpm + on 1 or 2 occasions, the D light would flash, then go away for a long time... drove the vehicle up steep mountains, several times, no issues other than 3rd gear shift flare. Replaced B and C solenoids with used junkyard solenoid just to see difference. Tested original and replacement solenoids for engagement (clicking with 12V running through), both solenoids were clicking strong. With the junkyard solenoid installed, there was no difference, same flare, so reinstalled original B and C solenoid, returned junkyard one to seller. From day of purchase, noticed vehicle would slightly hesitate from a standing stop, especially on inclines. Vehicle developed a cracked radiator core (unrelated), so I swapped the radiator with a cheap one off amazon, noticed transmission cooler lines go into radiator. Drove vehicle up steep mountains for an hour, again, everything was great, except for the 3rd gear flare. No transmission related trouble codes, ever, up to this point, just a catalytic converter code (which was present from purchase date). On day that transmission gave out, while cold, vehicle delayed a little bit more before moving forward from a standing stop. Drove vehicle about 20 minutes on the freeway, parked vehicle for about 60 minutes, turned vehicle on and jumped back on freeway. While on freeway, in overdrive, transmission started losing power, seemingly staying in a higher gear (felt like overdrive). Limped vehicle to surface street parking lot, trans lost almost all power. Let vehicle cool down, tried to limp vehicle home, vehicle would no longer move, gave out 2 blocks from my house. Vehicle felt like it was in overdrive and would take a long time to engage during all attempts to limp home. It is now in my garage and none of the gears will engage, including reverse. Codes pulled on two different occasions, while trying to limp vehicle home after resetting CEL = Instance 1: P1736, P0780, P1735 ... 2nd Instance = P0722, P1736, P0780 ... Thinking about retesting and cleaning both solenoids, disconnecting transmission line and running Dextron III fluid through system to completely drain torque converter of remaining contaminated fluid, then refilling with DW-1 Honda fluid. Also, remove inline filter and check for obstruction, and blow low pressure compressed air through transmission lines and radiator trans cooling lines to free up possible obstruction. If no go, replace sensors, I guess start with the output shaft sensor P0722. Note: the wiring for I believe the VVT on far passenger side of the engine is wet, there's a leak from the upper sensor seal.. any transmission related wiring on that side that could cause this?

Very interested in solutions that have worked for you in the past or any technical / mechanical advice ... disappointed at Honda for not give us easy access to the trans pan filter on this vehicle... would love to keep this sled, it's in excellent cosmetic condition... cheers...