Hey Guys,

Car: 1997 Accord 4-door 4 cyl, 2.2L Automatic

I have attached a pic of a cracked side-dash(?). Don't really know what it's called. Friend of mine cracked it accidentally. Now when I drive (windy or not), it's really noisy in the car. The wind comes in from there.

Questions:

1. Can this be fixed? If so, please help me with the best recommendation on how to.
2. When driving at 80mph, my RPM is at 3250. Is this normal?
3. My car jerks when shifting gears from 1 to 2. It also jerks (more noticeably) when shifting down from 3 and almost at a full stop. Anyone know why?

I have read that - in regards to the last question above - dirty transmission fluid could be the culprit. A transmission oil change or flush was recommended. But I am pessimistic about this. Reason being this is a 180K miles car. I changed the transmission for a used one around September 2010 (155K miles) but never drained or changed the fluid since then.

Last question:

• Is it recommended to drain the transmission fluid? Or deal with the gear shift jerks until transmission dies?

 

The part is an instrument cover, Honda part number 77215-SV4-A01ZJ. Honda list price $28.17, internet Honda dealer around $20.62 plus shipping.

Or go search for one in a salvage yard.

 

What type of transmission fluid is in it? If you dont know I would suggest doing a drain (not a flush) and fill twice with Honda ATF and seeing if it makes a difference. Thats a $25 easy test. Drive it ~100 miles between drains.

I have a 96 accord its not the smoothest shifting car but I would not define it as jerking between gears but you definitely know it shifted.

 

Many posts regarding Honda's emphasize only using Honda AT fluid.

Also there is a new synthetic Honda fluid called DW-1. That is what I am now using on my 97 Accord, and do a drain/refill once a year.

It takes 3 quarts at about 7 or 8 dollars a quart, so cheap insurance.

Also the drain plug is easy to get to, takes me about 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Thank you all for the helpful responses. Very much appreciated.

Question about the transmission drain; I searched and saw the DIY: Automatic Transmission Fluid Change. I have a similar question to the one someone else asked on that thread but did not get a response.

As opposed to doing steps 4-6 while on a lift, can I just drive around doing all those?

Also, does the car have to be leveled?

 

Yes, you can drive the car around to do the same. Idea is to "mix" the fluid.

You want it on level ground when you are filling the trans, this way you are sure you have the proper reading on the "stick".

 

I just jack my 97 Accord up some, it doesn't take much as the drain plug is very easy to get to and pull the plug. It will have residue on it as it is magnetic, so clean it up good. Also get the plug washer at the dealer when you buy the fluid.

Lower the car, add 3 qts with those long style fill tubes and your good to go!

 

You dont have to drive it 100miles to mix it up. Just get the car up to about 65 and drive it for about 15 minutes. Easiest thing is put it on the highway and go for alittle drive and that will mix it up. Honda mechanic told me thats the easiest way

 

Thanks for the clarification guys. jerrym, I didn't get the washer. I didn't see your post till I was back from the dealer. I plan on doing the drain on 05.16.12 though, so I will get the washer before then. Thanks for the tip.

Thanks to all who responded.

 

I have reused the washers many many times on tons of different cars not 1 ever leaked.

It is not something to worry about. Just use the one you have.