badbart

So, I read a lot of people on here are replacing the 3 and 4 gear pressure switches to help prevent issues with the transmission, but I am wondering if I am too late for this fix or if it could still help.

Backstory:

Replaced trans fluid with Amsoil about 3000 miles ago. Fluid was fine but used, very little/no metal on the drain plug. Thought it was great!

I notice a "clicking" noise at around 50-55mph shifting into/out of 4th/5th and a shudder at 30-35mph, and now starting at the 50mph level as well.

The last several months, I have though I caught my car lurching when starting the engine. Having driving manuals before, it felt like I didn't have the clutch in all the way or something... but it was infrequent and I figured the fluid change would fix it.

I have owned the car for 40k miles, and it now has 150k on it. All that time I have had the torque converter "whine" noise that my Odysseys have had as well, just figured it was a Honda thing... and maybe it is.

From what I am reading anywhere except here, it sounds like my torque converter is shot. Not a happy thought.

What say you all?

csmeance

sounds like you have too much fluid in there, check the fluid level. If it's high the trans will engage in netural!

You could have damaged pressure switches and debris in the trans switches. If that is the case, the computers are receiving incorrect signals and cannot time the clutches to switch and engage/disengage properly. What amsoil did you use?

badbart

I actually checked my fluid once I got home in the garage (it's super nasty outside today) it does seem to be a little high... any good way to lower that without pulling the drain plug?

I was trying to "feel out" the trans. It doesn't do it as much/at all in manual, and it does feel like a "lugging" engine- which could be it wanting to shift out of 4th and back to 3rd at that 30/32mph cutover and the pressure switch just not working quick enough or something. If I manually downshift into 3rd it smooths back out.

My concern with the Torque converter is if it is bad, I want to get it replaced before it throws shrapnel through my trans... but I don't want to pay for replacement if it isn't warranted.

I used the normal Amsoil ATF...It was supposed to be rated for Honda transmissions (other than CVT's) I run it in my Odyssey, and it actually smoothed it out quite a bit, very happy with the fluid in that application.

mc1114

I always briefly remove the drain plug and let out some fluid whenever I overfill something. Little messy but effective

01acls

It's hard to say if it's too late or not. It's up to you if you want to try or not.

This is what I would do.

1. Replace atf external filter and 3x3 with dw1.

2. Replace Shift Solenoid C.

3. Replace Pressure Solenoids A, B, and C.

Check for debris under the Pressure Solenoids A, B, and C.

4. Replace 3rd and 4th Clutch Pressure Switch Solenoids.

5. Replace Torture Converter Clutch Solenoid.

OEM PARTS ONLY.

badbart

How DIY is this list? I didn't do the external ATF filter, forgot about that one. 2,3,5 I haven't seen a walk through on, but I can keep searching.

Majofo

Which Amsoil ATF did you use? Signature series?

I'd drain it out, put either Honda DW-1 or Redline D6 instead. Do a full 3x3.

01acls

Look in 2 g tl.

csmeance

open the drain plug and let some fluid come out and quickly reinsert it. Check level and add new ATF as needed.

Don't put the cart before the horse! High fluid can cause a lot of issues that seem like a failing torque converter bc all the pressures are off

Majofo

01acls is just throwing parts at the trans, pretty much a poor man's overhaul, even though some of those solenoids / switches are pricey. External filter is only on 04-06 ATs. It's all DIY-able, just don't forget to get all the o-rings with those parts if you go that route. Do fluid first. If it shits after the 3x3, none of those parts are going to help you. Anything relating to engaging drive and 1-2 is mechanical.

Majofo

You don't even need to remove the drain plug, just loosen with 1/2 to 1/4 turn left on it and it should drip out slowly. Make sure when you check the ATF level it's on level ground and within a minute of turning car off. I don't think the fluid is too high because their's a blowoff on the trans and he has already 3k miles on it without the issue. I think it's the fluid itself.

badbart

Going to try the 3x3 first, and work my way deeper down the rabbit hole. Checked the fluid last night and it is still perdy ruby red and smells like that lovely ATF smell. I have dealt with a failing trans before on my 99 Ody (they are known for their trans problems for sure) so I have more experience with dirty/dead trans fluid than I care to think about.

The shifting is not hitting hard into any of the gears, it just wants to hunt around more than it should it seems. Holding the throttle steady when driving ~33mph in 4th the tach will bounce about 200rpm and causes the car to drive like the wheels are out of round.

Engaging 1-2 is not a problem, shifts fine in those gears.

badbart

Does the 05 have a user serviceable trans filter?

Majofo

It should, top of the case on the outside. You'll see a banjo fitting leading to it. Replaceable part on acuraoemparts. Change o-rings while you're in there if you plan on doing it.

Majofo

#7

badbart

Hoping to get another 100k out of this car before I give up on him. He's been good to me so far and I really love him... and they are irreplaceable. Although, the new TLX is starting to make my eyes wander from my 3G.

Thanks for the exploded parts diagram. Saw the DIY in the garage, but could not tell what years had filters, seemed like there was disagreement on the topic in one of the posts... which seemed odd.

cam_2

I don't think that there is a disagreement - all years have filters but '04-06s have an accessible filter and the '07-08s don't (it's internal). Here is the filter on Rock Auto: RockAuto Parts Catalog

It's the Beck/Arnley 0448002 for $10.70.

badbart

DW-1, not Honda Z1? Or is all OEM Honda Genuine the same... sorry, asking some n00b questions here.

Majofo

Z1 is crap, they reformulated it with a new add pack, DW-1 is the new fluid. Not sure you can even buy Z1 anymore.

badbart

Z1... well that explains my last trans failure...

It did run a lot better on Amsoil, which is what made me a believer, maybe just anything was better than Z1 :-)

badbart

Well, I did a drain and fill tonight. Lot of grit and metal in the pan, but not on the plug. Not sure how much was in the pan to start with, but it doesn't look good. Crossing my fingers but not holding out much hope.

Good re-manufactured transmission brands to look for?

Majofo

What region are you in? There's quite a number of reputable rebuilders. The dealership may charge anywhere from 2500 to 4000 for a reman transmission replacement. A good rebuilder can do a full rebuild for ~1500.

Alternatively you can find a junk yard trans and swap for a few bills. Might try to source it locally as shipping will be a few bills as well. If you go this route, try to find a place that gives you some sort of money back guarantee in case you get a shit trans.

badbart

I am in Iowa, so midwest region.

$1500 seems pretty reasonable for a rebuild. Is that including the install and removal?

lilsid112

iTrader: (7)

Try doing a 3x3 with DW-1 fluid first and replace the switches. Hopefully that will improve the problem.