Rough Tranny
 

Hi there,

I know this is common of the generation but my transmission is very clunky and kind of jumps changing gears... it goes into reverse with a major thud when its cold. I have a 1997 Accord 4dr LX automatic. I know Honda doesn't like people adding fluids to their transmissions but i believe that there has to be something to smooth it out. Otherwise it is fine... i don't think it is the clutch...

Cheers
Steven

RE: Rough Tranny
 

Hi,

There is another posting regarding the same topic. Others have encountered a slow shift changed, and also clunky. Replies to that included blaming on cold weather, not letting it warm up, lack of oil changes, lack of transmission fluid changes. I have tried all of the above, and after the tranny fluid change, it helped for about a week and then it went back to the choppy shifting. If you hear anything that actually works besides replacing the entire transmission, fill me in!

RE: Rough Tranny
 

I have the exact same car and notice the same thing! Sometime when the weather is EXTREMELY cold I have to wait about 10 seconds for it to engage in drive. I dont hear the "Thud" when changing to reverse to often though. Basically, sometimes for the slow shift is because the tranny fluid is so thick and the seals havent warmed up at all so it takes a while longer. My dads car does the same thing, only its worse b/c he has a tranny cooler on it. If you are in cold weather and it is taking forever to go into gear then let it sit while you are in neutral. The tranny fluid will still be being pumped therefore warming it up more quickly, unlike in Park according to him. But if it doesnt engage never keep revving the engine, b/c if you have it revved and it suddenly drops into D then that is one of the hardest things you can do to a tranny.