Wondering if anyone has idea about transmission trouble we're having. Feels like hard shifting but also slipping mostly at start off, then every year jerks as it shifts.
thinking along the lines of solenoid for torque converter.

 

How is your ATF? How many miles on the transmission? How many miles since the ATF was drain/filled? What brand of ATF?

 

I'm trying to obtain that information now, it's always been serviced with reputable business, I'm not at all sure if my girlfriend has put anything else into it she says it needs some now however, I'm not there at the time.
just started recently.230,000 miles, no code showing is about it for now untill I can speak with her tomorrow.

 

Four cylinder engine or a V6?

 

4 cyl, she is 2nd owner bought from brother so I know it was well maintained while he owned it.
my girlfriend states she has not added any trans fluid in but she has checked it and it needs some, how much I can't say or if she checked it properly.
I will not not be at the residence for a bit longer

 

Method for checking the ATF is a bit different than most other car companies. It's pretty common to check the ATF dipstick with the engine warmed up, transmission in PARK, and the engine IDLING.

Honda (at least the generations that I know about including 2002) wants the engine warmed up, transmission in park, and the engine shut off for a short while before checking.

Also, the transmission dipstick is way down low on the right-side of the car (passenger side in US). The engine-oil dipstick is way up on the top on the drivers side and it right there where you don't have to search for it.

 

Per my 2001 Owner's Manual, the automatic transmission dipstick has a yellow loop on the top and the engine oil dipstick has an orange loop on the top, and as @JimBlake stated, for the 4-Cylinder models, the ATF dipstick is on the right side of the car and the engine oil dipstick is on the left side of the car.

Also, per my Owner's Manual:
Check the fluid level with the engine at normal operating temperature.

1. Park the car on level ground. Shut off the engine.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
3. Insert the dipstick all the way into the transmission securely as shown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.
5. If the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into the tube to bring it to the upper mark. Always use Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid). If it is not available, you may use a DEXRONŽ III automatic transmission fluid as a temporary replacement. However, continued use can affect shift quality. Have the transmission drained and refilled with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is convenient.

Given the instructions in item 5 are roughly 20 years old, I'll reinterpret for the year 2020:

• If the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into the tube to bring it to the upper mark. Always use Honda DW-1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Acceptable alternate ATFs are Idemitsu ATF TYPE-H PLUS and Aisin ATF DW-1. Usage of any other ATF as a temporary replacement can negatively affect shift quality; if such ATFs are used, have the transmission drained and refilled, three consecutive times (with a short amount of driving in between each change) with Honda DW-1 as soon as it is convenient.

 

Transmission shop says it needs new transmission or rebuild and for some reason I find that questionable but I don't know.

Thank you everyone for your help and advice very much appreciated.