I just got this car (97 accord LX with 130,xxx miles, auto trans)from a friend of mine, I can put the car in gear and its fine for about half mile and it will act like its in N, the rpm would just rev. If I let it wait(shut the engine) for about 5 mins and it would drive again until it feel like in N again.
Any advice? Do I need a new trans?
Thanks

 

Got any D4 codes ?
First thing to do is trans fluid change, with warmed up fluid. See if the problem goes away for a a few days.
Sounds like the filter is getting plugged up.
This used to happen in the 92 models when the TC would come apart, you could drive until the pickup filter got plugged up then shut off the car and the trash would drop loose from the filter then you could drive again until it plugged up the filter again.
We used to drop the trans, remove the case,Clean out junk, replace the filter, and install new TC.

 

Thanks for quick reply. It does not show any flashing D4 light. I will do a fluis drain and see if it will get better.
Is there any write up for trans removal/filter cleaning? Is it worth the effort or just put in a used trans?
Thanks again

 

Or if there are any ways to get rid off all the junk that plugs the inlet pickup tube by installing a external transmission filter that I can get from Summit Racing Catalog?
Thanks for the help!

 

The tranny needs an overhaul. The converter is failing. Clutch material is clogging up the filter and solenoids, possibly the lube passage for the clutch drums inside. Installing the external filter will not help. The transmission need to be open up, clean all internal parts, will need a new filter and a torque converter, and whatever else is bad in it. Also clean out the solenoids screen out.

 

You could try changing the fluid, I did on my 97 and the shifting improved but the problem was not as bad as what your's is doing.

It is pretty easy, there is a drain plug on the passengers side bottom of the tranny. A 3/8 ratchet fits right into the square plug.

You can only drain 3 qts out, and the system holds about 9 qts I think. Also I only use Honda ATF fluid from the dealer for about 6 bucks a quart.

Might be worth a try.

JM