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Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    What do you want for it? I'm rebuilding the tranny in our 1999 right now. The parts came yesterday, and soon the valve body will be in dozens of pieces!

    Seriously, it isn't that hard. I'll spend about $800 on parts. If you have access to another car and you're decent with the wrenches you can do it and save yourself $1000.
  • rockygigliorockygiglio Member Posts: 2
    If I had the space right now it would definitely be in pieces. Unfortunately I don't have the space, so I will pay to have it fixed. At least the dealer is covering half of the cost. If it happens again though....
  • farmdog1farmdog1 Member Posts: 9
    “…Honda USA says "sorry, but since you bought from a non-honda dealer and the vehicle is old we can't help…."

    Honda has an excuse for everything except why it is they continue to screw Honda owners and slink out of responsibility for their faulty design. I don’t understand how a company thinks it smart to screw their customers, where do they think the next sale comes from? Certainly not me after how I was treated on a dealer and corporate level. It’s unfortunate Honda benefited from recent Toyota bad PR when Honda deserves as much bad press but the lawyers and NHTSA are too lame (or corrupt?) to help. I do blame NHTSA as being similar to SEC when it comes to they are hiding behind little scrutiny of their jobs. You see what happens when there is no accountability in govt. agencies, you have mortgage fraud, AIG, insider trading, unjust severance packages, and nearly great depression revisited. It would appear to me companies like Honda screw their customers because just as CEO’s had no fear of the SEC, they have no fear of class action attorneys and the limp NHTSA.

    http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=b7470310034098307acd244b423dcdc6&- threadid=100814
  • bwaitbwait Member Posts: 1
    Hi

    We have a 1998 Odyssey. So far, it has been a great minivan. Reliable, good to drive, etc. 160,000 miles,

    But, last week, the transmission started to go bad. To replace it will cost 4000 or so. This is more than the blue book for the car. But, the car is in okay shape otherwise so we are tempted to fix it anyway. But, what will go bad next? Anyone driving a 1998 with more miles than 160000? Any problems?

    Thanks.
  • vanwaanabevanwaanabe Member Posts: 15
    Show other people how Honda treats its customers:
    http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/hondaodyssey
  • triniman70triniman70 Member Posts: 2
    Its really sad all these complaints were seeing about the Odys
    We have an 07 and have the Tranny replaced already , luckily extended warranty covered it, even though manager was hesitant to admit it was the Trans.
    Now have 80k on it and debating weather to move to Sienna now or what
    Overall the Ody drives great and we really love it but was wondering future headaches
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,948
    I'd trade now since it's working fine...probably just a matter of time till it goes again. Friend at work has an older model but still going strong on tranny # 3...also told him to dump it now that it's working o k...it could crap out again tomorrow. Sometimes it's just better to cut one's loses & trade. Did that with my '03 Sentra after they got the service engine light to finally go off. Once it hit 36k, I traded it in that day & never looked back. Financially not a smart move but felt it was a ticking bomb waiting to go off again. Right decision for me!

    The Sandman :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • ark_honda_fanark_honda_fan Member Posts: 5
    Have a 2001 Ody with 85,000 miles. Today when i first started driving it, the check engine light came on, along with the TCS light. The D4 light was also blinking. I took it to the dealership and they ran the codes and, you got it - the transmission is going to need replaced. I have been able to drive it the rest of the day, but it could go at any time.

    Since I knew about the problems here with the Odyssey, I called Honda of America and talked to someone there. They said they couldn't help because though I was far below the mileage for the extended warranty, I was passed the allowable time. I said I wasn't satisfied and wanted to talk to a manager. Manager said the same thing and told me to talk to the dealership to see if I can get a discount from them, but Honda of America couldn't/wouldn't help out. The dealer was suprised by that and said he'd make some calls, but I haven't heard back yet today.

    Couple questions for others that have been through this -

    1. when the tranny first started having problems, how long did it last before it completely failed?

    2. anyone have luck working with Honda of America to get some help paying for this if they were past the mileage or time warranty deadline like I am?

    3. if honda of America won't help, anyone have luck working with the dealership to get a discount?

    4. if I have to get a new tranny from a non-Honda shop (because it would be cheaper than the dealership), what's a reasonable price?

    5. anyone have their tranny replaced with a Honda remanufactured one and have it last for a while? the dealership worker said he hasn't seen one come back as Honda has made changes to the tranny and it's not just replacing it with the same faulty one.

    Thanks!
  • wackywandawackywanda Member Posts: 3
    Hi Sam- Do you know of anywhere online where there is documentation for the extended warranty settlement? Links that I go to are no longer active, I've searched everywhere. we have a 2005 EX with 94K and the transmission did this WEIRD STRONG shuddering/vibration last week like I was going over train tracks! the whole steering wheel shook. also it seems to be making a weird hum/slip sound at 45 mph lately. i am bring it to the original dealership (i am 2nd owner) tomorrow afternoon to have them diagnose issue, which i am assuming is going be VERY BAD NEWS. so i want to know i can find ANY documentation online about if it's covered under the ext warranty?? help? anyone? thanks so much... this is our 2nd honda.... might switch to toyota next,
    :confuse: :mad:
  • robpwrobpw Member Posts: 5
    I had the same issue but I owned the 2005 Odyssey since the start. It always shuddered shifting gears around 40MPH when accelarating slowly. I complained about it for years and they said they could not see any issues and updated the software twice, which ultimately made it worse. I took out the car for a drive with the dealership technician and I was able to replicate the issue.
    They finally replaced the torque converter (although not the trannmission which is odd/probably bad) and it seems to be better. I had a 5 year/100k warrantee and they honored even though I was a little over because I reported the issue during the coverage period. The engine/tranny still is not silky smooth for such a new car so I wonder if something else down the line is looming...
  • rfreitasrfreitas Member Posts: 63
    The extended warranty was only for 1999-2001 models. The rest of us are screwed until someone starts a new class action lawsuit...
  • angelfan1angelfan1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey with 71,000 miles, purchased Dec 2001, that
    recently ran out of the extended warranty period:
    On Aug 27th while travelling on I10 10 miles east
    of Indio, Ca the van lost all power, the engine RPM went to redline, and
    smoke was pouring out of the engine compartment. After coasting to the
    shoulder, I noted transmission fluid all over the engine compartment and
    transmission fluid all over the ground. After an hour hike in the
    desert and another hour waiting for the tow truck, the van was towed.
    02 Odyssey at 71K needed a new transmission. Have a call into Honda
    to see what can be done.
  • lbreeslbrees Member Posts: 3
    Our 2004 Odyssey did the same shuddering, sounding like we were going over RR tracks. I dismissed it at first, but after dismissing it for almost two years, I took it in to a Honda dealership. All they told me was that I needed to replace the transmission, and they would do it for $4,800! I took it to a transmission specialist, who put in a rebuilt tranny for $3,200, and guaranteed it for 3 years. It runs great now, we just got back from a vacation in the Smokies, and had NO problems. Just like new. It's a shame that we didn't see this coming, because everything else on the Odyssey works great.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    That shudder usually comes from the torque converter, not the transmission itself. But, to get to the torque converter you have to drop the transmission. By the time you do that it's not a great deal more money to rebuilt the tranny itself.
  • tgwgtgwg Member Posts: 4
    It is too bad that the transmission is faulty because everything else it terrific on the odyssey. I am in complete aggreance with you. What I do not understand is that you can bring the van to a transmission dealer and replace it for approx.$3200.- with a 3 year warranty, but when taken to a Honda dealer the price is $4500.- to $4800.- Why such a dramatic difference in price?? Seems that the dealer is just trying to make some extra money even though it is their product with the faulty tranny.

    Something seems amiss on both parts!!

    Maybe a Honda rep can get on this blog and explain the reasons why people are getting hosed twice by the same company!!
  • mccordsnnmccordsnn Member Posts: 1
    Soooo, here I sit with so many of you. My wife told me that our check engine light came on on our cherished 02' Odyssey. I took it in to get checked out, only to find out that the unimaginable has happened - P0740 & P1730. For those that are new here those little codes mean I get to decide to pay for a new transmission, or I can trade it in for another vehicle.

    I really can't believe this. We actually reported tranny issues at approx 62K, but the dealership assured us it was nothing, so we pressed on. Now, the beast is basically dead. Amazing... I would of never guessed this would happen with a Honda, but I - and many of you would be wrong, because it appears to actually be happening to most of us...

    Well I do have a Honda case number, but from the sounds of it here I would have better luck asking for them to buy me a new van than a new transmission. Heck, maybe I should of asked them to just give me directions to the nearest Toyota dealership... :-) Darn shame too, considering the 2011 Odyssey looks pretty good.

    Good luck to all of you in the same boat as me...
  • cy123cy123 Member Posts: 3
    Question to pgnagel and others,
    In regard to transmission cooler and in-line filter that you suggest to add on, what will be cost roughly? and where can we get this done normally? I think I have to get my trany re-built soon, and am just wondering if it's worth to install both you have suggested, should this be done separately or should be done altogether. But I'm not sure the shop who will re-build my trany know how to install transmission cooler and in-line filter. I guess those things should help with new re-built trany in long run.
    Thanks.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    The recommended cooler, a Hayden unit, costs $65 at Pep Boys. The Magnefine filter is $16 plus shipping. If you're handy you can do it yourself with a few feet of 3/8" ID rubber hose, a few hose clamps, and a half dozen stainless steel zip ties. Give yourself 2 hours for the install.

    If you are not so handy but have a good mechanic, buy the parts and ask them to install them. I expect a pro to be able to do it in an hour, roughly $75 depending on where you live.

    My transmission, which I am rebuilding myself, will be finished tomorrow. Once installed I will be sure to let everyone know the outcome, even if I end up with egg on my face. I'll spend about $800 on parts (including $150 for bearings) and another $700 or so for my mechanic to do the removal and install.

    For what it's worth, I'd do it again in a second. Honestly, the transmission isn't that bad. If you stay organized and clean someone with average mechanical ability and a morbid sense of curiosity can pull this off. I'm not kidding.

    I'll keep you all posted.
  • zillabzillab Member Posts: 1
    Our '01 Ody transmission just failed completely... and fast. Honda Dealer just put the first replacement (thanks goodness under extended warrantee) in 2.5 years ago and less than 20K miles ago. Had it towed to dealer and they wanted $5000 for rebuilt transmission. YIKES. Had it towed the next day to AAMCO. It's going to take a week, but only $2400. I can't believe this is happening. I bought a TOL Honda back then because I could keep it for 100K+ miles. Now I'm terrified to keep it. Less than 20,000 on a Honda dealer-installed transmission? And they claim no responsibility. Is anyone working on a class action lawsuit? I'd like to get rid of it while it's working and get a new Odyssey, but hate to give Honda a sale after this mess.
  • browneeebrowneee Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 Honda Odyssey with 147K miles and the check engine light came on about three months ago. I tried buying a new gas cap and using premium fuel, but neither worked. I took it to the Honda dealership for a diagnosis and they came back with codes P0740 and P1259. They said I needed a new transmission and Vtec sensor. They wanted to charge me $5,400 which is more than the value of the vehicle, so I decided to get a second opinion.

    I received a couple of recommendations to go to a transmission place not to far from my home. They got the same codes but recommended that I they replace the 3rd gear pressure component and do a transmission flush for $250. It took one hour.

    That was 4 days ago and no check engine light so far. They said they see a lot of Hondas (mostly Accords) and were surprised that I made it to 147K miles. They also said that in most cases this fix works, but if it doesn't they would credit me the $250 and fix my transmission for $3000.

    Hope this helps,

    Browneee
  • browneeebrowneee Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 Honda Odyssey with 147K miles. The check engine light came on so I tried premium gas and a new gas cap. Neither worked. I then took the car to the dealership for a diagnosis. They said the car came up with the codes P0740 and P1259. They told me I needed a new transmission and Vtec sensor for about $5,200. I decided to get a second opinion.

    I then took my car to a transimission shop that was recommended to me. They ran the diagnosis and found the same codes. Their recommendation was to replace the 3rd gear pressure component and conduct a transmission flush for $250. That was four days ago and the check engine light is still off. They said they see a lot of Hondas (mostly Accords) and were surprised that I made it to 147K miles. They also said in most cases this fix works and no transmission in needed. I will post again if my check engine light comes back on.

    Hope this helps,
    Browneee
  • jmnygaardjmnygaard Member Posts: 48
    edited September 2010
    I have a 2002 EXL with 126,000 miles on it. Last January, I started having problems going uphill. The van seemed to lose power. A couple of times, I had to restart it. Luckily, that only happened in parking lots or I could have been killed. I drive a major hill to work and that's where I seemed to have the most problems. The first time it happened, I drove it directly to the local repair shop. They couldn't find anything wrong with it. I only had this problem sporatically, usually when it was cold, right after I first started the van. In March, I got the name of a friend's mechanic. When I called him about it, he thought it might be the fuel pump relay and told me to check with the dealer to find out if it was one of the year's covered under a recall for that issue. (It's not.) I found many message boards where Ody owners were having the same problems going uphill and blaming either the fuel pump relay or the EGR valve.

    So, a couple of times last week, the van started racing on acceleration, RPM's to red. Then, this past Sunday, I was going downhill on the highway when the check engine light came on and the "D" began flashing. It felt like I couldn't get the van to go. I made it up the major hill to the next exit, then drove it to the repair shop. They did the diagnostics Monday and said the error code showed the #1 and #2 selenoid needed to be replaced. They did that, the check engine light went out, and the diagnostics said the problem was fixed. The mechanic drove it, though, and said it was still "freewheeling," (The way he describes freewheeling seems to me like the problem I've been having with the van since January.) Anyway, now he wants to charge me $4000 for a rebuilt transmission.

    My question is, if the computer says the error code was fixed by replacing the selenoids, do I really need a new transmission, or could the remaining problem really be the fuel pump relay? I don't want to pay for a new tranny and still have the same problem with the van. Any ideas? :confuse:
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    are not an exact science. They basically tell you which area the problem was in (by getting a reading outside of spec), not that it is specifically that part in all cases.

    can't say about this particular problem, but it is possible for a failure at one place can show up as an error code downstream.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    It sounds to me liked you've smoked a clutch. There is no error code for that. Symptoms of a burned or glazed clutch are just as you described (freewheeling, climbing engine revs without increase in speed, especially on a grade).

    Unfortunately there is no fix except to replace the clutches (and steels) as part of a rebuild. There is no magic sauce that you can add. The damage is done.

    Are you using a transmission cooler? I think they should be required on these vans. Have one added when you do the rebuild. Hayden makes a good unit for about $70.
  • liz_in_seattleliz_in_seattle Member Posts: 1
    My 2001 Odyssey, 104K miles, is in the local tranny shop for a complete rebuild. This will be tranny #4. Lynnwood Honda (WA) said it would cost $3800; the local shop said $2600. Apparently the dealer sends the rebuilds to the same local shop (KC Martin), and pays $2600 itself. The dealership wouldn't offer me any discount, even though I've had my van serviced there since day 1.

    The mechanic at the local shop, who *only* works on Odysseys, and *only* owns Hondas himself, says it's absolutely necessary to change the transmission fluid every year. He also says that Honda won't tell you this, because that would be an admission of a problem. And of course the warranty and class-action lawsuit have just expired.

    Oh, and I was in the (small) shop with two other Odyssey owners. A pox on Honda.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Don't have the work done through Honda. Take it to the local mechanic. I would agree about the fluid change every year, if not more frequent than that. Also insist that a Hayden coller (or equivalent) be installed. Add a filter like a Magnefine as well, unless you want to put another transmission in a few years. And stop driving it like a race car.
  • mawizardmawizard Member Posts: 4
    Hi

    I have a 01 EX Odyssey with 74K miles on it. Honda Dealer performed a trans oil drain/fill 5 days ago. I noticed since then when engine is cold trans gets stuck from changing 1st to 2nd gear, after a while changes with big slip. This happens only when the engine is cold and I have to take it easy on accelerator until it changes to 2nd.

    This is 2nd trans which was replaced at 42 K in 2004. Is this a sign of another trans failure ? Should I contact the dealer/AH and check if it's still under warranty ?
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Have it serviced again. There may be some gunk floating around in the 1-2 shift solenoid. Servicing the tranny only replaces 3 quarts of fluid, while the transmission might hold up to three times that amount.
  • cy123cy123 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks pgnagel for your message, that's good info, and can't wait for your updates on your rebuilding. Hope all goes well.

    I'm not mechanic (just made my transmission fluid change but that's it) so I'm thinking to get cooler and in-line filter installation done by some shop. But I'd like to understand better before asking the shop to do it. Two specific questions:

    1. Does the new cooler replace the existing one or it's new add-on? I saw several types of Hayden transmission cooler on their website, I kind of confused what kind I should choose. Are they all fit or just specific one? Which part number are you using?
    2. I imagine the in-line filter placed outside the tranny, do you use any existing hose run through it, or how it goes? (I guess it can be put on hose connected to the cooler, am I right?)

    Again thanks a lot for your input!
  • jjpcatjjpcat Member Posts: 124
    As you may know, there are recently 2 recalls. One is for soft brake pedal. The other is transmission noise. I had the dealer fix both recalls. I immediately notice the shifting pattern is different. That itself might not be an issue as they changed the transmission shifting program. However, the van is now shaking frequently (but not always) when my foot is on the gas pedal. It isn't wheel alignment or tire balancing. Anyone has the same experience? The van has only 14k miles but it's already out of the warranty.
  • sbou7sbou7 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2010
    jjpcat...

    I just did exactly what you did and experienced the same thing with my 07 Odyssey. I brought it back in, and they discovered that the tourque converter needed to be replaced. I just got it back yesterday, and that seems to have solved the problem. We'll see in the next few days if the "shudder" (as they called it) remains gone.

    Also, the trasmission is still covered under warranty to 5yrs/60000 miles.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    That Honda cooler is a joke, but it doesn't hurt anything. You can leave it where it is.
    Any Hayden cooler is better than that thing that Honda uses, but a *stacked plate* design is more efficient, although more expensive than a *tube and fin* style. I like this one:

    http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=- T&Product_Code=1677&Category_Code=hayden-transaver-cooler

    I need to check to make sure it will install without problems (specifically the orientation of the fittings).

    You can splice into the factory cooler lines to add the filter. Just be sure to use TRANSMISSIONS FLUID LINES! Don't buy fuel line, it can't handle the temperature and pressure.

    The Magnafine that I had really saved my bacon. When that clutch disk decided to check out, it barfed metal shavings into the case. The filter caught the debris before it could end up in the valve body and mess up the servo and soleniods.

    My mechanic should be working on the van Friday. I'm anxious to get it back. It's been a valuable experience in a lot of ways, but I'm ready to move on to another project.
  • robpwrobpw Member Posts: 5
    I had the torque converter replaced too but now the car idle is rough and the check engine light went on. I will be back there tomorrow. They should have replace the transmission along with the torque converter since it is a combined system and I am sure the tranny has been comprimised from these problems.
  • arvinparvinp Member Posts: 1
    I have 147,000 miles on my 2003 odyssey and I just had the TCS and Malfunction lights come up too. Have not taken it any where yet since the van is driving good. Somedays the lights even go out completely and then out of the blue just come on. I am strongly assuming, from reading online, that the transmission is on its way out. Hopefully Honda will come up with a recall if we have enough people complaining here.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    When was it last serviced? Do you have a cooler on it? Your TCS light will come on whnever any transmission slippage occurs. When ours would do it I would replace the fluid. I drove it over 100,000 miles like that before a clutch let go. Proper heat management goes a loooong way toward a long happy life for these transmissions.
  • wamphyrwamphyr Member Posts: 1
    I too just recently did the trans oil drain/fill about a week ago. Car started acting funny when cold, slipping from 2nd to 3rd. Two days ago the transmission completely gave out (it's as if I'm in neutral no matter what gear I use except park). Towed it to the dealer, and the dealer indicates the transmission is shot (they want $5K to replace). Dealer indicates I'm 'out of warranty' since I'm after the 7 year 9 month time window.

    Had the transmission 'repaired' for the warranty recall issue about 18 months ago, so I called Honda North America to file a case; they basically told me 'your warranty has expired, you're on your own."

    Debating if I want to buy another Honda in future. Bottom line, watch out - you're having the same symptoms as mine and their party line is no for a 2001 (too late).
  • badtranneybadtranney Member Posts: 1
    what is the best known factory warrenty on 2010 odessey's?...I'm talking with a dealer who will cover the drivetrain for 5 yrs/100,000 miles...we still like the odessey against all other types out there...getting close, but don't want more headaches with transmissions...we have a 1999 currently, and had 3 trans. (including original)...two (the original and the 3rd) we paid for...is this nuts to think about doing again?
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Be sure to have a clear understanding of what you need to do to keep that warranty valid, i.e. how do you have to document service, does it need to be done at that dealership, etc.

    Also, I know I sound like a broken record, but make sure you can install an aftermarket transmission cooler (like the Hayden 678) instead of that toy that Honda likes to use, and that Honda will still honor the warranty if its installed.

    Proper heat management and maintenance will be the best protection for any automatic transmission, but especially for the Odyssey.
  • fuvangfuvang Member Posts: 6
    Look, I use to believe Honda was a good company.. .they are horrible now. My transmission sucks. at 35 mph, it shakes like crap and near 55, does the same thing. I can feel the gears are grind and I know that Honda knows this problem exist. They are like Toyota.. hoping that no one complains... . until someone dies. There's going to be more incident of transmission failing on the hwy and causing death and someone will finally sue Honda... then Honda will fail like Toyota... Honda knows that 35,000 miles warranty will always cover their [non-permissible content removed] and beyond that, they don't care. Sounds like integrity and honesty means nothing for a company from Japan ... there is no such thing as HONOR in Japan anymore.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Ummm...have you had it serviced lately? If the vehicle is vibrating it sounds like the torque converter is about to check out. It might be a relatively cheap fix if you have it diagnosed now instead of waiting until you are stranded on the side of the road with nothing but your temper to keep you warm.
  • happpyhapppy Member Posts: 1
    I too, own a 2001 Odyssey and at about 75k miles the repair light came on. I took my van into the dealer where they diagnosed the problem as P0740, and told me I needed to replace the transmission. The quote ranged from 3600. to 5100. I was devastated. I could not afford to replace the transmission and was blown away that with such low miles, I needed to replace the transmission! I immediately wrote a letter to Honda and explained the situation. I asked for them to please keep the integrity of the Honda brand and offer "goodwill assistance". Two days later, we received a phone call from Honda. After my husband answered a series of questions, we were told that they would review the case and let us know what they decided. The next day Honda called to let us know that a replacement transmission was being ordered by the dealer and it would be REPLACED AT NO CHARGE! The transmission was installed in record time (one day) and it was absolutely FREE. I cannot emphasize enough about how pleased we are with this outcome. If you live in Orange County, CA. I highly recommend Weseloh Honda in San Juan Capistrano. I am a truly happy customer and would definitely purchase another Honda. I received EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,244
    Good for you. But I think it's pretty stupid (financially) for Honda to be replacing transmissions 7 years out of warranty. It never hurts to ask, but I sure wouldn't expect such compensation.
    2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere, 2007 Kia Optima
  • ark_honda_fanark_honda_fan Member Posts: 5
    happy-
    were you the original owner or not? I am in the exact same situation with a 2001 around 85K miles and needing a new transmission and Honda has told me "too bad", I'm assuming because I am the second owner. The original owner had all service and regular maintenance done at the dealership up to 75K miles. I know Honda owes me nothing as I am past the time period for the warranty even though I am below the mileage limit. But seeing Honda come through for you makes me want to try again with them, though I suspect it is the fact that I am not the original owner that will keep Honda from helping me.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Is anyone asking *why* the transmission needs replacing? I mean, really, what is THE one cause that is killing all these gearboxes? The infamous FLASHING D4 isn't a fault code at all, it simply signals a pressure abnormality. There is ONE pressure switch in the B7TA transaxle, and if it goes out of range the light starts flashing and people start freaking out.

    Also, I've learned that Honda is very reluctant to allow dealerships to rebuild these units. They ask that the defective transaxles be sent back for replacement. That just seems odd to me.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Also, I've learned that Honda is very reluctant to allow dealerships to rebuild these units. They ask that the defective transaxles be sent back for replacement. That just seems odd to me.

    It's probably because they can do the work faster and cheaper than the dealership.
  • fuvangfuvang Member Posts: 6
    Yes my van is serviced... change oil when it tells me it's time.. all the requirement I need... but I will get it to the shop to see if it is the torque converter box.... thank you. By the way, are you from Honda?
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    I would still service it again. It's a relatively cheap attempt to save the converter. A new one is $700 (rebuilt units are around $200) plus 10 hours labor to install it. That's pretty expensive.

    In my opinion the service interval is too long for these units. I serviced ours several times a year and it lasted 190,000 miles before a clutch disk let go and trashed a couple bearings.

    By the way I finally got the van back yesterday...and...drum roll, please...it works! Nice crispy shifts, lower shift rpms, clean converter lock-up, and a tremendous sense of satisfaction. I'd do it again in a second.

    For reference we have a 1999 Odyssey with the B7TA 4-speed. It's the same unit that was put in the Accord and Acura TL that year. The same transmission in a heavier vehicle means...more heat. Like I've said before, heat management is extremely important in these units! You MUST install an after market unit (like the Hayden 678), an inline (i.e. serciveable) external filter, and service it annually. Well, I guess you could shell out $4,000 for a rebuilt transmission instead, but why not be proactive?

    If anyone is interested in the summary of the rebuild, let me know. Honestly, it's pretty involved, but if you keep your wits about you it really isn't that bad, assuming you like to turn wrenches and solve problems.
  • honda2000jasonhonda2000jason Member Posts: 1
    Hi - We also have a 2000. No problems at all except for the transmission. We are on our 3rd transmission. First one at 97k was replaced under warranty. Second one was replaced at 160k at a cost of $3,500 - not by Honda because they could not find a replacement - - not a good sign I guess; but by their "recommended alternative" who we were very pleased with. The critical thing to understand is that the transmission cannot be serviced. Usually you can drop the pan and replace or at least clean the filter but not on this vehicle. The only thing you can do is to change the fluid - which you should do every 25k miles. I did not know this and I don't think the fluid was changed since the 100k miles tune up that I had done at 110K. My guess is that you will definately have problems and since the 2000's were replaced under warranty you will be good up until 90 or 100k - I guess. But get the transmission fluid changed regularly and talk to your Honda dealer about the what if's.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Also, I've learned that Honda is very reluctant to allow dealerships to rebuild these units. They ask that the defective transaxles be sent back for replacement. That just seems odd to me.

    It's probably because they can do the work faster and cheaper than the dealership.

    Faster? I doubt it. You really don't need any special tools to rebuild one of these units.

    Cheaper? You bet. If I did these every day I'm sure I could finish one in 2 days. Compare your factory pay rate in Japan vs. paying a U.S. Tech to do the same thing. Now, it costs HOW MUCH to buy one of these from Honda? $4,000. That's a lot of additional scratch going straight to Japan instead of your local dealer.

    That $4,000 gets you clutches, steels, retainers, maybe some new bearings, o-rings, seals, gaskets, and a torque converter. That's a lame deal. I put $500 in parts in mine and it's running great.

    Who needs there 1999-2001 transmission rebuilt? Maybe I'll start a side business building these things.
  • g3guyg3guy Member Posts: 31
    I've still got warranty from Honda until June of next year on the third tranny in my '00, but I'd be interested in a rebuild when that runs out. I love my Ody, and would have routine maintenance done on it locally, but can't find anyone who will redo a transmission without just swapping it out with a Honda rebuild. Set up your business and see what happens....
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