How-to: Tear Down and Rebuild 2002 Honda Odyssey Transmission
 

My name is Bruce. A friend at Odyclub.com told me that someone at the acurazine forums told him about the NHTSA report detailing the results of their findings on the automatic transmissions for the TL 3.2L engine. That person told me specifically what that report said were the causes of all these transmission failures which should include the MDX. Our 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey transmissions are nearly identical to your TL. Accords, Civics, and Pilots are also included with these transmission problems. I took what he told me and made a massive video about it. I'll save you the trouble but if you look at the video description it links to my 2 articles about which parts are causing the transmission to fail and the solution I found.
https://www.odyclub.com/threads/quic...ission.353519/

https://www.odyclub.com/threads/foun...roblem.352145/

This is a massive 25 part (give or take) video series. It will get better at around part 5 or 6 so if you are patient it will be worth it. Explains all you ever wanted to know about our transmissions. I'll update this thread when I release new videos.
Part 1:

Part 2:

Also make sure you watch in the highest quality setting: 1080p

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Also for those wondering why I would post this Odyssey rebuild video on an Acura forum, it's because the NHTSA conducted the tests on an Acura engine AND the transmission failures include these models which includes Acuras. this means all these transmissions are similar designs so this video would show concepts that are similar to all of them:

2002-04 Odyssey
2003–04 Pilot
2001–02 Acura MDX
2003–04 Accord V-6
2000–04 Acura 3.2 TL
2001–03 Acura 3.2 CL

Part 6

Part 7

Also part 13 will be one of the most important parts, it talks and shows the thrust needle bearing for 3rd clutch for the 5 speed. for 4 speed auto transmissions you will need to grind out the thrust washer for 2nd clutch yourself. the links for the 2 articles I wrote explain it

Um, wow.

Part 8

Part 9

are these videos interesting or helpful? just curious, nobody has given me any feedback except a handful of thumbs up on youtube, which I'm grateful for

I meant to say it shows the thrust WASHER for 3rd clutch for the 5 speed transmission, not the bearing, although I was told the needle bearing is also a culprit in the transmission failures so replace the washer with the updated new design. replace the bearing too, but the bearing I do not think there is a new design

Not that I drive an automatic of any sort, Honda/Acura or otherwise, but I absolutely think your video series is (or at least will be) extremely helpful to folks. The thing is, it is the rare individual who will be rebuilding their own unit, so it may be a while before someone follows your instructions.

FWIW, just for kicks and grins, I've often thought I'd enjoy buying a failed transmission and upgrading/rebuilding it. If/when I do that I'll certainly take a hard look at your videos. :thumbsup:

Thanks man. yeah I've been told not many people do this, but even if it's not helpful, at least people can find it fascinating taking a look at all the parts inside and stuff

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13 (an important part)

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17

Part 18

Part 19

Part 20

Part 21

Part 22

Part 23

Part 24

Part 25

Part 26

Part 27

Part 28

Part 29 (This is the last part)

Hi Bruce, great work on the tear down and the instructions on the rebuild.

For those in the Seattle, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way and Bellevue Washington area, I know a person who can rebuild the transmission for $1,000, but you need to remove and install transmission yourself. If you want him to remove and install + pickup service, $1450.

Ivan's they guy (253-740-3969) and he has 20+ years of experience working in this vintage year of Honda and Acura transmission. I recently got my other 2003 Acura TL Type S's transmission rebuilt by him and its shifting perfectly flawless now. He uses new torque converter, and Raybestos clutch friction material.

My car has 245,000 miles before transmission hit the shoot. The torque converter had worn out which clogged the internal filter which restricted pressure flow which caused excesse damage to friction material. Plus the friction material had worn down a lot due to age.