98 Auto tranny Problem
 

Just looking for some info on whether my tranny is toast or not. I have the common problem that it takes a little too long to shift from first to second, but I have other issues that bother me more that are not the common ones mentioned. If i am coming up to a stop light and slowing down, but before I come to a complete stop the light turns green, I have to really ease on the gas or it revs up like in neutral and then drops into gear hard. It also rolls backwards like in neutral when stopped on a hill in gear and I end up having to hold the brake while giving it gas until it catches at about 1200 rpm. Other than that, it works great and there is no slippage like what i see usually mentioned in these posts. Thats why i am hoping that it is something easier than a full tranny rebuild needed. i have seen people say they needed a new actuator, but i have searched and can't find what that is. Any help is appreciated,

RE: 98 Auto tranny Problem
 

Welcome to the forum! first things first but have you checked your fluid levels? I don't imagine that low fluid would cause this but I'm not very adept at troubleshooting auto tranny's... It sounds like it's not engaging which it may just be the actuator or whatever piece takes care of that....

RE: 98 Auto tranny Problem
 

I have checked my fluid level and it is perfect. The problem seems to get worse as time goes by. I am going to take it to a shop when I have time, for a diagnosis, but I know there are a lot of knowledgeable people on here that might be able to save me the hassle and point me in the right direction.

RE: 98 Auto tranny Problem
 

what engine? v6? either way your tranny is most likely on borrowed time. for the next one, drain and refill every 15k.

RE: 98 Auto tranny Problem
 

Its a 2.3 I4 VTEC - I haven't had it that long, so I have no idea of the service intervals that were performed on the tranny

RE: 98 Auto tranny Problem
 

how many miles are on it? you might be able to get honda to pay for a little of it. when it slams into gear like that from a stop, that is a telltale sign of a toast tranny.

RE: 98 Auto tranny Problem
 

142000 miles - I don't think Honda is going to do anything for me. I've only had it for the last 15,000, so I don't know the exact history, but I think it is original from the the records that I did get.

RE: 98 Auto tranny Problem
 

It sounds like you have a shift flare, that is when you the RPM jumps in the middle of the shift. That usually means that your shift timing is off which could be caused by a problem in the valve body or one of the solenoids. During a shift flare, there is a point where the transmission is holding two elements at once, which give you neutral. Which actuator are they talking about?

RE: 98 Auto tranny Problem
 

Shift flare - theres another new term I have never heard of. I dont know which actuator, I just saw it mentioned somewhere but could never find out what they were talking about, part of the reason why i posted on here. I have been looking for a forum that has technical help for everyday problems and not just info on what offset wheel to run with a 2" drop. I do now know the correct offset from reading forums but still know next to nothing about automatic transmissions, except that Honda makes a mediocre one at best.

RE: 98 Auto tranny Problem
 

heh all automatics are mediocre compared to stick :D

honda automatics actually aren't all that bad when their fluid is changed on time. But if you let it go, they can wear fast (like any auto tranny)