I have a 94 Accord EX Wagon with 353689, miles on it. A couple of weeks ago the automatic transmission died, I replaced it with a used, not rebuilt transmission with about 116,000 miles on it. The problem is that it downshifts hard sometimes and when you pull the dipstick it sounds like pressure is being released. Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing this? I understand the hard downshifting could be caused by the transmission just sitting a while, but the pressure build up concerns me. Thanks

 

What does the fluid look like/does it smell burnt? 353k on an automatic tranny is absolutely amazing!

 

Nope the fluid is fine, clean and smells like it should, no leaks. It shifts about where it should on rpms just hard. I have to say the whould car is amazing all that has ever been done is routine maintenance and replacing parts as they wear out.

 

When they replaced the tranny do you know what kind of fluid they put in? You could try a simple drain then re-fill it with 3-4 quarts of Honda ATF and see if that at least helps it.... As for the pressure build up, is the tranny fluid over-filled at all?

 

I have tried the drain and fill with Honda ATF, and the level looks right on to me, but I will try it again.

 

alot if not most of the 94-95 trans shifts hard, i dont know why, but i have seen plenty of them shift that way. i am suprised that your original didn't, guess thats why it lasted so long. I have a 94 and it shifts hard, harder than any car i ever owned, it was scary at first, but i start noticing other people shift just as hard and still get over 200k, i have about 228k on the trans with no problems.

 

I think you are right about the hard shifting, I will learn to live with it. I am still concerned about the dipstick issue, any one have any clues why it would have pressure behind it?

 

Make sure the throttle control cable from throttle to trans is adjusted per manual. If misadjusted, it will cause hard shifts and other problems. Throttle control lever on trans and throttle plate linkage should begin to move at same time.

There should a inverted, U-tube tube venton the trans that vents pressure buildup inside trans. It may be pinched or blocked w/ mud or insect nest. In south dirt-daubers may fill any open tube w/ mud, but only during heat of summer.

good luck

 

Go get a case of GenuineHonda ATF and perform a do-it-yourself power flush. It is very simple. Drain the transmisison fluid and fill with 2 3/4 quarts of the new fluid and drive for a few days or about75 to100 miles. Then, simply drain and repeat the process (with the fluid hot). Use the final 2 3/4 quarts on the final fill.You should feel a noticable improvement in the shifting quality on the transmission. This is the easiest way to clean the valve body and the torque convertor. Be sure to use Genuine Honda ATF and also be sure to clean the metal shavings off of the drain plug magnet when draining the fluid. The first couple of fluid drainings, there will probably be a considerable amount of metal on the drain plug magnet, but this should become less and less as you continue to perform the power flush.

As for the pressure.... As you probably already know, gears moving in fluid naturally makes pressure and so engineers must provide a venting process. This transmisison has a vent as well and it is located in the top of the transmission case and has a hose on it.Atmy shop, Accurate Automotive, wehave specialized in Honda and Acuravehicles for over a decade now and I just happen to have an old transmission case upstairs. I went up and took a picture of the case with my finger pointing to this vent. Make sure this tube is not clogged with mud or something that could have accumulated in it while this transmission sat. Also, make sure the tube is not bent or kinked.

This should help

Ed Brian
Accurate Automotive, Inc
www.accuratecars.com


[IMG]local://upfiles/16306/C0DA7A5C0C784691BE1FD964C4FF49BA.jpg[/IMG]

 

Very nice! You should send a scan of your ASE certs to WheelBrokerAng and he'll hook you up with the ASE Certified logo under your name.