I'm new on forum and I guess I put my question in the wrong place. It seems to me to be alittle complicated. I guess it's just because I'm long in the tooth.
My problem is automatic trans that is a hard shift from first to second. The rest of the shifts are just fine. I took it to transmission shop and was told $ 2900
for a rebuild. I ask about solenoids and sensors and was told don't worry about that, they would replace whats needed. Could it be solenoids or something
like that ? How do I know there not just working me over ? I have 200 K on the car and 88 years on me--money tight..I just don't know which way to go at the
moment., and I probably have posted in the wrong place again..If I have, sorry. Just tell me and I'll saddle up and ride outta the honda forum.
Thanks for any response.. Adios, tabtrim

 

You posted in the right place.

The 98-02 V6 transmissions had higher failure rates compared to other years of Accords. Before spending ~3K on a rebuild, when did you last change the transmission fluid? What brand of fluid did you use?

Transmissions are tough to diagnose. Does the D4 light start flashing when you are driving?

The solenoids/screens could be clogged with debris from the clutch material. It won't hurt to remove the solenoids and clean them out. It may not fix the problem.

 

transmission fluid change---1 month ago
transmission type------------honda dw1
D4 light-----------------------does not come on and no flashing.
solenoids/screens------------have not checked them.
milage------------------------200k
I drained the fluid 2 out of 3 times so far and each time the shifting got better.
When you start off the first shift from 1 to 2 is hard and jerks, then the rest of the shifts are smooth.
there are several solenoids and I'm not sure which ones I should check.
also, I don't know where the solenoids are located. Are they on the outside of the trans? If so, I should be able to handle that.
I changed the oil and filter and put in new o-rings and 2 hoses in the power steering.
I'll see if I can find the right solenoids and pull them and check the screens.
The trans shop guy said I was waste'n my time. He would just rebuild trans and replace what it needed and for
me not to worry about it. I think he just saw an old guy and threw out $3,000.
sorry to take up your time, but I appreciate your response pahonda. Adios, tabtrim

 

If the internal solenoids are sticking, then you basically have to tear down the transmission to free them up. There are two solenoids (each solenoid is has 2) on the outside that are accessible. The shift and lockup solenoids. The gasket has a mesh screen that could get clogged over time.

To get an idea of what the parts look like, check out an OEM parts site like hondapartsnow.com. Under the AT-Sensor section, you can see the drawing to get an idea of what you are looking for. It is definitely worth a shot vs the $3000 for a rebuild.

If that doesn't work, maybe a few more fluid changes make improve the shifting. Still less expensive than a rebuild, but it may not fix the underlying problem.

 

PAhonda, Thanks for all the help. I think you have given me enough info to check out everything. Now I can start READING instead of taking up your
time. I'm sure there are lots of people out there who need your expertise on big problems. Thanks for taking the time...Adios, tabtrim.