We have a security guard at work that monitors our parking garage in the AM. Today he told me my car was making a humming sound and that he had a Honda that did same, then his tranmission went out.

On the drive home today I tried to pay close attention. What I do hear is a higher pitched "whirring" (hard to describe) sound thats most noticeable in 1st and 2nd gear and when the car downshifts in those gears. Car shifts OK.

Is that a sound that may indicate a problem is looming?

THanks

 

I would suggest you change the trans fluid; if at all possible, catch the old fluid in to a shallow pan.
Then use a strong flashlight to look for 'glitter' in the old fluid.

 

Thanks, I will do that. I will assume glitter=bad. If so, what then?

 

If the fluid is glittery, start saving for a tranny repair. Then try changing the fluid a couple more times.

Use real Honda auto-tranny fluid - it seems to make a difference.

Only about 1/3 to 1/2 of the fluid drains out. So if it IS dirty, you have to drive aroundto mix it up, then change it again.