Hello, I have a 97 Accord coupe 2.2L AT with 156,xxx miles on it. I recently bought it and the guy I bought it from just did a transmission flush on it. He didn't use Honda atf just valvoline high mileage. I've heard you only want to use Honda atf, why is that? Anyway it seems to shift hard or take too long to shift up, it usually shifts at about 3k rpms going 25mph. Does this sound normal for this car and should I flush the tranny and replace with Honda atf? Thank you.

 

I'm a fan of Honda trans fluid for this gen Accord and newer. Why, too many times I've seen/read of delayed shifts (when really cold...really bad), hard shifts, ect. Again my opinion is based upon my experience with my Honda's and what I have read from others.

Others will have their opinion and experience.

IMHO, three drain and fill cycles with Honda ATF should be done. If you change your own oil, you can do this yourself.

 

Honda auto's are very challenging. They don't like high temps, and while 240 would be getting a little too hot for domestic autos, 210 is pushing the limit for hondas.

I am fanatical about changing out my trans fluid every 15-20k. after replacing one trans I really don't want to do it again.

 

You can adjust the throttle control cable (throttle body to transmission feedback). For details download a 94-97 Accord shop manual if you don't have one. See Online Manuals post in DIY forum.

good luck

 

Another good resource for harsh shifting and other Honda auto trans quirks:

"http://techauto.awardspace.com/transmission.html"

The earliest my automatic will shift into 4th is 30-32mph with my foot barely touching the gas.

 

Mine will not shift out of first on it's own I have to put it into gear two then gear three if it goes into gear for the tans shuts down

 

Are there any stored codes from the TCU - many parts stores will scan they for free, just be sure to get the actual code number from them and not their description of the code.