i got my son a 2001 accord ex 4 cyl auto with 106,000 miles a few weeks ago and last night i started the car and did not really let it warm up, it was sitting for 36 hours or so, the temp outside was maybe 30 degrees, and when i started driving it was slipping for the first mile or so then once the car warmed up it was smooth as silk. the fluid level is good and clean. i had a mecanic look at the car before i bought it, it had a leak that was from the axel seal that the dealer fixed it. any suggestions on what the problem is ? the car comes with a 3 month 3000 mile powertrain warranty

 

the 98-02 automatics had serious problems. My guess is the transmission is on its way out and the problem will only get worse. Sadly I doubt it will completely self destruct during your 3 month warranty period.

I would get it to slip again and bring it back, of course since it only does it when its cold once you bring it there it wont slip.

 

would a code show up on a diagnosis? i thought the 4 cyl were good but the six cyl had all the problems

 

I doubt it, but I'm not an expert on the 6th gen Accords. There was a class action lawsuit against Honda for the failure rate of the automatic transmissions in the 98-02 Accord. The v6 had it worse than the 4cyl, but the 4cyl was by no means exempt from the issue.

 

also no engine light is on

 

Get it in to the dealer now, while it's under warranty. At least the problem will be documented which will give you ammunition for when the trans fails completely. Be very clear about the failure conditions: below-freezing temp/sitting for X number of hours.

 

if the fluid is dirty at all would that be more apt to slip when cold? or any time? and is it true a transmission flush on a car w 100000 miles on it is not a good idea unless it has been done on a regular basis? just want to know so when i take it in i can understand what they might try to do for a easy quick fix if that is what they try

 

Included in this TSB is what Honda calls a transmission fluid flush:

"http://www.pennybaker.com/ody/sb/SB%2001-012.pdf"

If you're taking it to a dealer then they may well try this just to eliminate the possibility that wrong or dirty fluid is causing the problem.

 

That "flush" is good, it's really several drain & fill cycles. When a Honda dealer does that they call it "flushing" the transmission fluid.

Problem is, a lot of other shops talk about "flushing" the transmission, and they're using a power-flushing machine. Honda transmissions don't like having fluid pumped through with an external pump. You have to make sure you know which type of "flush" they're actually talking about.

 

OK i took the car to the dealer and he put it on the lift and it was leaking fluid around the axel seal again! he said that when he grabbed the axel it had a lot of play inside the transmission and something is worn inside so they are going to replace the transmission with a rebuilt one.) Thanks for all the feedback these forums are a great way to get unbiased opinions