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Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    What is the factory recommended transmission fluid change mileage? Look in the owners manual? I'll bet it's not 30K miles.

    On the 2000, it is 30K for severe duty. Since that is how we drive our Ody, I've had it done every 30K.
  • farmdog1farmdog1 Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2010
    “in talking with some other Honda owners, they tell me that if you are faithful to have a tranny oil change every 30-40k and throw in a flush and fill once or twice, your tranny should last you a long time. Maintenance is everything!”

    “The mechanic told me if I maintain this tranny there should not be any issues with it. LESSON LEARNED - and an expensive one at that!”

    Not true, Honda’s design is flawed, they fail regardless of their care. There have been many failures before 10k mi, mine had crud looking fluid at 30k miles even though I was easy on it and has whined ever since. I was told by Thomas Tipton at Honda of Ft Myers they could do nothing since it set off no code, and Thomas Tipton from Honda of Ft Myers (a Sonic Automotive dealer) LIED on my paperwork and claimed they could not reproduce the whine. Now that it has set off a transmission code they don’t want to fix it even though I complained about the same problem under warranty, HONDA SUCKS, they are nothing but crooks! I have done 3x fluid changes with Honda fluid every 30k since the original 30k and still have problems. Don’t believe a word Honda or a dealership says, they are LIARS and CROOKS.
  • nitrificationnitrification Member Posts: 1
    We have a 2003 Honda Odyssey Ex-L with the tow package and transmission coolor. We took it in for the recall and had the jet kit put on for second gear lubrication. The van has 156,000 miles on it and so far no transmission problems.
    1. Should we keep or sell the vehicle?
    2. Is there any way to prevent the transmission from going out?
    3. Does anyone know the failure rate of the 2003 Odysseys?
    4, What is the design flaw that is causing the failures?

    Thanks for any help you can provide :shades:
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,953
    Absolutely believe the folks who've posted with problems in here. Why on earth would someone take the time to be in here if they didn't have any issues...doesn't make sense.
    And Johnnyboy18, posting in all capitals is "shouting" and considered "rude". Most will just pass over the post...in the future, don't do it! Nobody likes to be shouted out even if that was not what you meant to do.

    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)

  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    No one here seems to understand what the core issue is, but the transmission in our 1999 Odyssey (at 190,000 miles) needs to be rebuilt after discovering a failing countershaft bearing. After speaking with my mechanic and a few Honda techs, here is what I've learned:

    The transmission in the 1999-2001 Odyssey is nearly the same as the Accord and Acura TL piece. It is essentially a computer controlled manual gearbox, not the typical planetary design that most automatic transmissions use. The design isn't flawed at all, but it is inadequate for something as heavy as an Odyssey.

    This extra weight, coupled with a typical minivan driver, creates extra heat inside the gearbox, and heat kills transmissions. Heat cooks the fluid, gums up passages, destroys clutches, and eventually causes failures. The pieces that fail are the *consumables* in case. That really means clutches and bearings. The shafts aren't breaking, the cases aren't warping, and the gears aren't breaking.

    There is no filter on these units, only a magnetic drain plug. This is actually fairly typical anymore regardless of the manufacturer, which is too bad, but that can be fixed.

    The only thing that can really be done here is to rebuild the transmission (which I am going to do myself), add the best aftermarket fluid cooler that you can get (The Honda unit isn't really up to task here), add an inline filter (I uses a Magnefine unit) and take it easy with the right foot.

    The root cause is NOT a flawed design, but it is a case of Honda not really putting the best part in the drive train. There is a difference.

    If anyone would like to discuss this in more detail, please let me know.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,244
    If you've changed your trans fluid at least 3 times I'd keep it.
    2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere, 2007 Kia Optima
  • cy123cy123 Member Posts: 3
    Just want to add one more case with my 2003 Odyssey, 110K miles, check engine light on with code P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction) after 105K maintenance (Timing belt package).

    I've been taking care of my Odyssey, and all the major maintenances done in Honda dealer service, never towed anything, several long trips from Dallas to New Mexico (~600 miles distance).

    Honda dealer gave estimate of $4500 to change transmission and torque converter. I'm looking for re-building it for less cost.

    It's disappointing to have transmission failure just after 110K miles on a Honda, but it seems we can do nothing about it. Any other suggestions will be welcome.
  • samspade1samspade1 Member Posts: 5
    Thank you for sharing that information with us. I believe you did an excellent job of explaining it in layman's terms. However, it seems that many people are having different kinds of issues, as well as the one you described in your post. While I might agree with you regarding the root cause of the Honda Odyssey transmission problem, and I may accept that it is NOT a flawed transmission design, I can still hold Honda responsible for their oversight in putting the wrong part in the drivetrain and the wrong transmission in the Odyssey. In that sense, their design of the Odyssey transmission is flawed!
  • samspade1samspade1 Member Posts: 5
    I don't appreciate being yelled (all caps) at by a cheerleader!

    I've owned Hondas for over 23 yrs and never had a complaint against Honda until our '00 Odyssey trans stopped working at 75K mi. We bought it new, paid a premium due to their excellent reviews/popularity, and purchased a 100K mi Honda Care Warranty. So, after regular maintenance and low mileage usage, we're told it's too late for any help from our dealer or Honda America, because it's been 10 yrs since we purchased it. Now, I'd be alright with that if we did something wrong or neglected to have it serviced. However, we did neither. Of course, we could discuss the question of time vs. mileage, but the point is, I feel cheated.

    What am I supposed to do with that? Smile and walk away? I've owned Accords, Civics, an S2000 and an Odyssey. All of the other cars were reliable and performed beyond my expectations. I put 286K mi on the original engine and transmission of my '89 Accord! Despite all of that, I will take Honda to court before I walk away from their responsibilty for the transmission on my Odyssey because they're wrong, and I'm the customer...
  • farmdog1farmdog1 Member Posts: 9
    Pgnagel, truth is there are two filters on the 2003 transmission, one external and one internal, but as you say they designed the transmission as a manual that shifts automatically and along with that they did not give a removable pan to access this internal filter. Even most dealers don’t know these filters are there. The design flaw is very real, in several areas including torque converter and lack of second gear oiling (that’s why they added a spray jet kit) the transmissions shed internal material that overwhelms the filter which apparently (according to rebuilders) the filter either stops flowing adequate fluid or ruptures sending the crud through the system and plugging it.

    Here is a quote from well respected builder Jasper about a 2003 Odyssey transmission:

    “NOTE: Due to overheating & bluing of the torque converter from the
    insufficient OE cooling system, 100% of these units will include the
    required transmission cooler (P/N LPD4490). Installation instructions
    will be included along with the unit & cooler.
    Jasper updates the OEM converter's poor design by adjusting the
    clearance and updating with a new Kevlar friction lining.”

    Have a look at this Google search, there are filters in this transmission:
    http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=Honda+Odyssey+transmission+filters&btnG- =Google+Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=Honda+Odyssey+transmission+filters&gs_rfai=Cv7M- QtbxiTOG3IIGgjgO3jYmQCQAAAKoEBU_QztQr&fp=8631cdd35a4d476d

    Want more proof? Have a look at the rebuild videos at the bottom of this page:
    http://www.squidoo.com/hondaodysseytransmissionfailure
  • farmdog1farmdog1 Member Posts: 9
    From and Acura board with excerpts from NHTSA documentation.
    http://cl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=440072
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    I drive a 1999, which has no filter aside from the one that I installed, so your points about the 2003 are irrelevant to my case, but thanks for sharing.

    I'm also well aware of Jasper's stance on this issue. Like I said, heat kills transmissions. Jasper offers a 3 year, 100,000 mile warranty on their rebuilt transmissions, so you better bet your britches they are insisting on a cooler being installed. Only a fool wouldn't put a cooler on a transmission that is hauling 5,000 pounds.

    Regardless of all the complaining that is going on, none of this information really helps me. I got 190,000 out of my transmission, and if not for a $20 bearing letting go, I'd still be driving it. What's more, I'm going to fix it. Not my mechanic, not Honda...me. What I really need is some direction about the rebuild, not a bunch of pointless and wasteful whining about how someone is going to sue Honda.

    If anyone can point me to someone who has successfully rebuilt Honda Odyssey transmissions I would appreciate the chance to contact them. In the mean time I've got wrenches to turn.
  • farmdog1farmdog1 Member Posts: 9
    http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQHondaQQOdysseyQQAceomaticQQAutomatic- _Transmission_FilterQQ19992001QQW0133-1822741.html?apwcid=P1135867996W43b3f85c7a- b9e&apwidHx42kX1&apwidK6m2u5E

    If this link times out, look up 1999 Odyssey “AT Shift Fork 4AT” it will show the filter, they call it a strainer (part number 007) but if you look at close up pictures elsewhere or in the videos from my previous post you’ll see it is indeed a filter.
    http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&cat- cgry1=ODYSSEY&catcgry2=1999&catcgry3=5DR+EX&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=AT+SHIFT+FOR- K+%284AT%29

    I have a service manual for 99-04, it shows everything including how to rebuild the transmission, highly recommended.
  • rona46rona46 Member Posts: 1
    I just returned home from being stranded for 4 days 250 miles from home with my 2001 Odyssey. On my way, the check engine light came on. I took it to a Honda dealer and was told that I needed a new transmission at a cost of $5500. This Honda has less than 65,000 miles on it and purchased new by me. I called Honda and was told in rather unfriendly terms that the warranty had already been extended and mine was past warranty. Therefore nothing would be done by Honda and the only suggestion given was to go back to :mad: the dealer and ask them to do it for cheaper. As others have said the main reason I have only purchased Hondas for the last 30 years was so I wouldn't have to worry about these type of issues and if something did happen I believed that Honda would be more helful than others. Very frustrated!!
  • writestuffwritestuff Member Posts: 2
    Yesterday I was about 80 miles from home, and at highway speeds...all was well w/ my 2003 Odyssey. But after I slowed at a tollbooth, the car went haywire. It wasn't shifting properly, the "D" started flashing, and the TCS and Check Engine lights came on. If I didn't have kids in the car, I might have tried to make it home. Instead, I slowly and nervously made my way to the nearest Honda dealer. It was near closing time, and I was in a bind. I had to get home, but didn't think my car would make it (and they said it wasn't safe). I agreed to leave the car, pay a $106 diagnostic fee, and rent a car from their onsite rental company. I hated to do it, but hey...my choices were limited. Today the service advisor called and said I had a 'hydraulic failure' and it would cost $5,300 to fix. Yikes, are they crazy?! In the same sentence, he said he could have a salesman contact me about some great oppportunities in case I opted to buy a new car instead. No thanks. Then he offered to check with American Honda to see if they'd 'help'. He later said they'd pay $1,000...Still - no thanks (I wonder if he even called American Honda...). I spent the day - ironically, Friday the 13th - calling repair shops, and got more confused with each call. Each mechanic told me what I wanted to hear, that they were sure it would be 'much less' and that dealers "always quote high on transmissions." So now, time is money. I still have the rental car, and my car's at the dealership, untouched. Tomorrow we'll endure the hassle of paying Honda for absolutely nothing (although the service advisor was kind and I DID end up getting home safely....). We're towing it to another repair shop (just add it to the tab..sigh...), and I'm hoping for the best... But what a headache! Hearing all these other complaints about the same issue makes me seriously question Honda's reliability - and their service.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Jasper sells rebuilt transmissions for the Honda. A replacement for my 1999 Odyssey would cost $2,790, and includes a transmission fluid coller, which is really a must for these gearboxes. The rebuilt unit has a 3 year, 100,000 mile warranty. My mechanic can do the transmission swap for around $1,000 more, but any other shop should be about the same. Expensive? Of course. Transmissions are expensive, even more expensive than an engine. Fix the van, drive it for 50,000 miles, then sell it.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    >We're towing it to another repair shop (just add it to the tab..sigh...),

    Do you have AAA? Road hazard on your car insurance.
    Check to see if they may pay for the tow to get the car repaired at a shop.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,953
    edited August 2010
    Also take into consideration how the rest of the van is holding up...is this going to be the start of a huge money pit where it just might be worth it to just trade it in or sell it privately? You need to figure out at what point do y'all cut your losses and just move on to another vehicle. 133k miles is pertty good in this day & age for a minivan with a tranny that's just not up to par. Only you guys know how much more $ you want to spend on the ole rig.

    Personally, I'd probably look for something else as y'all have gotten your $ out of your Ody. Good luck and let us know what happens.

    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)

  • mmilionismmilionis Member Posts: 1
    This is the first post I've seen about this problem. It's exactly what has happened to our van. Usually if we put the emergency break on first before we put it in park then we don't have this problem when we start it the next time. However, that's not a guarantee all the time.
  • autowriteautowrite Member Posts: 226
    I have 260,000 kms on my Odyssey. A replacement was done at 180,000 kms. (converstion to miles x .609344). I am planning to professionally install an after-market transmission cooler. I am not planning to tow. The Honda dealer says a cooler will help in stop & go traffic; and it would not hurt.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    A cooler is always a good idea. The Honda version is something of a joke, and it's well known that heat kills transmissions. Also, consider installing an in-line filter (I use Magnefine) if you don't already have one.

    I have the transmission out of our van and on the bench. I should have it open by tomorrow.
  • nedlyjnedlyj Member Posts: 89
    Unfortunately, our run with our 99 Ody EX has come to an end. While it was on its 3rd tranny (with 165,000 miles) it has been excellent otherwise - until its recent and sudden encounter with a whole bunch of trees. :cry:

    No longer a 2 Ody family (also have a 2010 EX). At least we can't say it was the transmission that made us get rid of it. :)
  • lbreeslbrees Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2004 Odyssey with 142k miles, and it "shudders" at low speeds but stops when I take my foot off the gas. I have been reading some of these related posts, but would like to know if this is a chronic "nuisance" and/or will the transmission eventually fail on me? I am taking it to a transmission specialist this week to get his diagnosis. Should I just bite the bullet and get the tranny rebuilt?
  • farmdog1farmdog1 Member Posts: 9
    “…In the same sentence, he said he could have a salesman contact me about some great oppportunities in case I opted to buy a new car instead….”

    They tried the same sales tactic with me. Sanjay Prakash, general manager of Honda of Ft Myers FL (a Sonic Automotive dealer) said he could “trade me out” for my Odyssey, wow what a great guy, I call about a problem with their dealership and he wants to sell me a car. He says he can make me a great deal, $1000 below invoice, I had already been looking at cars and knew AAA is at $3000 below invoice on 2010’s. Bad enough Honda sold us a bad product and won’t stand behind it, but Honda and the dealers are making money off the problems, which is not incentive to ever fix a problem.
    http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=7a2371431669b0febc381fc5dcde0407&- threadid=100814
  • dlwidedlwide Member Posts: 9
    ... Me not mechanically-inlcined, but old retired transmission guy friend says you sound credible. If I may, two follow-ups: (1) Presuming the Magnefine is a "dual filtration," magnetic & media, any possible issue with flow due to additional pressure drop? (2) Hayden Customer Service guy Bruce suggests a "678" Cooler from Pep Boys / O'Reilly which looks like a supplementary, not replacement, whereas I was thinking fewer parts better, meaning, preferably, replace existing Honda cooler with adequate Hayden. Hayden guy also recommends an always on fan. Any thoughts / recommendations?
  • dlwidedlwide Member Posts: 9
    ... Actually poked my head around today. Looks like no transmission coolor per se other than a looped pipe. Looked like there might be space there for an additional cooler. I'm going to check into the Jasper deal too.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Yes, theMagnefine unit is a dual filter, magnet and media. The first one latest two years, and I replaced it just about 2 months ago. The guy who runs the company is super nice, and ships promptly. Get the model with the 3/8" fittings.

    The model 678 cooler looks like a great unit. Lots of fins to push heat out of the fluid. Should you also run the fan constantly? I'm not so sure on that. It won't hurt anything, but you might get tired of the noise.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    That looped pipe IS the transmission cooler. It's a piece of crap. Just leave it there and plumb in the new cooler. I'll be putting one on our van as well.

    In other news, I've nearly got the cases apart. One of the shaft bearings is bad for sure. I'm documenting and shooting video of the whole deal if anyone wants to see it.
  • dlwidedlwide Member Posts: 9
    ... Whoah Nelly! Stop the wrenches!! If you haven't already, be sure to read this link -

    link title

    ... and definitely for you PG, this, all five(5) pages of Master Theojo -

    link title
  • dlwidedlwide Member Posts: 9
    ... Whoops (new to posting in this type blog) -- here, those Odyclub links not showing in my previous post above, in respective order -

    http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=94058

    http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=39c1ab612ab93e58927551e670f814c2&- threadid=37136&perpage=15&highlight=solenoid+valve&pagenumber=1
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Brilliant! Thanks for the information. I've been looking for something like this. I would love to think that popping off the solenoids and cleaning things out would to the trick, but the tranny is already out of the van, and with all the miles we have (at least 145,000 on this unit) I'm sure the clutches are worn out. I already know that the second shaft bearing is toast. When I turn the bearing by hand it occasionally clicks and grinds.While the tranny is terribly complex I still feel confident that I can rebuild it.

    If anyone here has done this, please let me know.
  • dlwidedlwide Member Posts: 9
    ... PG, though Theojo is works on a 1998, if you didn't already, be sure to catch his very detailed write-ups on his rebuild of that transmission. Guessing there might be something there of use to your brave soul.
  • dlwidedlwide Member Posts: 9
    ... PG: Couple follow-ups.

    (1) Regards cooler -- just got my 1999 hardcopy of the Honda manual today, and pages 14-128,9 show a radiator-style transmission cooler being flushed, probably a good scope adder for your work, if you hadn't already planned it, recalling Theojo had done that. I'm a city apartment dweller, don't have time to go look at the car just now, but believe the cooler in the not-so-clear diagram to be the closest to the bumper. Moving towards the engine must then be the AC condenser and then of course engine radiator. Maybe. Haven't yet done a proper look but should be doing so tomorrow, when I'm going to attempt to at least look at the screens of the four hopefully accessible transmission solenoids; LockUp + Shift Valves A, B, & C. Anyway, thought that cooler worth mentioning.

    (2) Theojo apparently used a Helm manual for his 1998 trans rebuild, perhaps only for the clutches, as that's all I could locate just now on the Helm web site -

    http://www.helminc.com/helm/search_service_owner.asp?session=25FF333C82354DF1975- 085D8AB505CAE&Style=helm&class%5F2=AHM

    Hope things are going well for you.
  • dlwidedlwide Member Posts: 9
    ... Actually, after re-reading the Odyclub Blunney & Theojo threads, I believe I will be looking at the Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid A/B, and not sure which of the others are accessible. Will report back after head first dive tomorrow.
  • dboweringdbowering Member Posts: 3
    I had 160000 miles on mine when I began to feel that same "shudder". Unfortunately the shudder started one day before family vacation. I talked with a friend of mine and he said the tranny can go tomorrow or it could stay that way for another 35000 miles. So we embarked on our family vacation to the east coast of Canada (from Michigan). Everything seemed to be going well and I thought we were going to make it home when on the last day of the journey the tranny fails at mile marker 357, westbound, on I-90 in New York state. I had the car towed to the local AAMCO. I really had no other alternative. They did a decent job and $3000 later I have a rebuilt tranny in my Odyssey with a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty. Thankfully there is an AAMCO in Kalamazoo, no too far from where we live. I plan to take it there to have them check it over and to let them know there is a person with an AAMCO warrantied tranny in the area.

    I know there are some who have spoken unfavorably of AAMCO. I've check online and a Jasper tranny for the 2004 Odyssey runs $3200.00. So I guess it wasn't too bad getting the entire job done for $3000.00. Had I put in the Jasper tranny I'm certain the bill would have run near $4500.00 (p/l).

    If your tranny is stil shuddering get a flush and fill or just have a mechanic you trust in your area have a look at it. It may just need a flush and fill or you may need a new tranny.
  • dlwidedlwide Member Posts: 9
    ... Packing in another couple related Odyclub threads for good measure:

    http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=478984#post478984

    http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=004208abdc80390cd7d2a3ba590e3255&- threadid=52345&perpage=15&highlight=&pagenumber=1

    ... lot of repitition from this & other threads, but a few nuggets too.
  • writestuffwritestuff Member Posts: 2
    UPDATE: Thanks for all of your suggestions. I called around and almost settled on a transmission shop. Luckily I did an online search and found it was rated D- by the Better Business Bureau and had tons of customer complaints. I finally found The Transmission Doctor in North Lauderdale (rated A+ with no complaints I could find). They sounded honest and straightforward and fixed my transmission - plus a cracked engine mount and replaced a rear engine seal - for $2700 in only two days (vs $5,300 and 5 days at the Honda Dealer). Best of all, they didn't try to sell me a new car! They also said the car's computer, which the Honda service advisor insisted must be replaced - was fine. The lesson? I learned not to blindly trust everything the dealer says...if you need a big job like a transmission, get a second - or even third - opinion, just as you would if YOU needed an operation. And because you'll encounter a lot of slick, fast-talking, honest-sounding service advisors, always check out the shop's reputation and track record (again, just as you would for your own doctor). Good luck! :)
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    Finally, the cases are split! I was going blind on this, and unfortunately broke a few parts in the process. They aren't expensive, though, so I'm not too irritated.

    It turns out that some of the bearings in the transfer gear, mounted just under the transmission cover (driver's side), were toast. They were grinding as I spun them in my hand. Today I order the rebuild kit and torque converter. Next week I'll break down the shafts one at a time, rebuild the valve body and accumulator, and clean everything before reassembly.

    If anyone is interested in seeing the carnage, let me know and I can send some pics!
  • dlwidedlwide Member Posts: 9
    ... Meanwhile, back on the El Cheapo ranch, I did get into the Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid assembly today, and sure enough there was significant blockage in the screen of the center tube of the "line of three" tubes (fourth tube "off to the side" has no screen). Photo available.

    Honda, it would seem, should've definitely made cleaning that screen part of routine maintenance.

    Bought my van with 154k miles almost two years ago, and it's now at 206k miles, going on 300k miles, all goes well. If I only new at 154k what I know now at 206 ...

    So, got in the minivan cautiously optimistic, felt a discouraging initial minimal lunge into 2nd, however, after a few blocks, things seemed to improve, to the point where I had let myself believe major healing had occurred, only to then, a few blocks further on, have the trans start acting up some, slipping out of 1st gear shortly after taking off and hesitating before hitting 2nd with a lunge on occasion. Thus, cleaning that screen was not the "El Cheapo walk away from the trans for a good while" fix I had dreamt of, though the van does drive differently, and after later heading to the grocer and back, I would say things are definitely better, for whatever that's worth.

    Was doing my work today at my mechanic's garage, as I feared the potential for need of professional assistance, and my mechanic had been kind enough to offer (known him for many years). Did not check the resistance nor test the solenoids, as I forgot my newly acquired Fluke meter at home and the mechanic's meter was out-of-whack, and the nice Fluke test leads I just bought were also conveniently at home. Planned on going back into that solenoid assembly again anyway, in case more gunk should appear (doubtful though, as it was more like a film type build-up), and will test those and any other solenoids I can get at later.

    PG: It would of course be of great use were you to keep, if you will, a "phlog"
    (= photo log) of your work. You are blazing a trail that I hope to follow at a later date, presuming the van can limp along for a few more weeks. Good luck to you.
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    With all this talk of tubes and screens, I should probably chime in. The tranny case is apart, the clutch baskets are empty, and I have for sure found the grumpy bearing. It was very close to *grenading* in the case, and binds up and clicks when turned by hand. I consider myself lucky that it didn't let go completely and load the case with steel bits.

    When tearing down the tranny, I took great care in inspecting every ATF tube. The now famous *Three Musketeers* that inhabit the Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid assembly...the tubes with the screens in them...were completely clean. Actually, the case is nearly flawless in terms of cleanliness, and the fluid is bright red, like cough syrup. I believe this is a direct reflection of two things: 1.) My hypermaintenance schedule, i.e. draining and filling the tranny 2 of three times a year using Honda ATF Z1 fluid, and 2.) The installation of an inline filter.

    I'm saying this again to underscore the imprtance of proper maintenance for this particular transaxle. This unit was used in the Accord, Pilot, Acure TL, and Isuzu van. It's a good design, but the extra weight and power of the 1999-2001 Odyssey, as compared to the 1995-1998 models, means the gears and bearings are under greater loads, which produces extra heat. This heat cooks the fluid into a gummy sludge, which then clogs the ATF tubes and results in the automotive equal of a heart attack for your transmission.

    If you haven't serviced your transmission in the last year, do it today. If you don't have a filter, install one today. If you don't have a cooler in the system...install one today. Just like your heart, you must take care of this extremely important and expensive piece of equipment. Grumping about and talking about sueing Honda won't correct the problem. These vans are all way out of warranty range now, and crying about it is useless. Address the issues head on and you will be happier as well as educated about your van. That's a good thing in my book.

    By the way, the factory filter consists of a plastic case with a sump that lives at the bottom of the case, and a sponge type filter material. It's completely inaccessible without splitting the cases, and I think it's a toy, so supplementing with an exterior / servicable filter is, in my opinion, very important. The Honda filter is $15, and a Magnefine unit is about the same price.

    Also, there is a smallish rubber mount that helps to hold the tranny in place. I believe the engine and tranny assembly have five mounts in total, and this is the smallest one. Mine was almost torn in half, and I'm sure it was contributing to the *lurching* when coming to a stop. Again, eleven years from such a little part is pretty good, and it will be replaced.

    Anyway, I still need to get the case bearings out, so it's back to the store today to rent a bearing puller. Wish me luck. After the case is completely stripped I'll scrub it with solvent and brushes. By the way, I have a B7TA tranny. I finally found the sticker under years of gunk.
  • n3tton3tto Member Posts: 13
    I have an 06 Van.

    How often should I have a transmission flush?

    I had one done in Oct 09 and I have been told the van needs another now (after driving 13k miles) does this sound about right?
  • mdashimdashi Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2010
    I'm original owner of an '01 Odyssey EX w/ 125k miles on original tranny. Never had any transmission issues, until a few weeks back on extended 1000 mile roadtrip in Texas heat. Transmission lock up torque converter isn't locking in overdrive anymore. RPM will climb ~2-300 as you go up hills. Never had any codes or blinking green D light. Drove the rest of the way back to Dallas, and after van has cooled, it has been OK for daily short trips around town. Only on 1 trip yesterday of ~50 miles did it start doing it again (it was 105F out yesterday). Never had any harsh shifting in 1-3 and I've been changing the ATF every 30k miles. I thought I had heard somewhere about a torque converter solenoid failing that could be replaced for cheap, or am I just in denial about an impending full transmission failure?

    BTW, Carmax offered me $3k for the car yesterday. Should I just take the money and run?
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,244
    does this sound about right?

    No it doesn't. Usually flushed every 30k-60 k miles. Who said it needed flushed and why? If a Valvoline Instant Oil Change type of place then I'd forget about it. If dealership I'd want to know why. Take a look and take a whiff of the fluid is the best way to see if it needs changed. Should reddish or pinkish in color with no burn smell.
    2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere, 2007 Kia Optima
  • coredumpcoredump Member Posts: 9
    When my Ody 2005 tranny went (56K) and my good dealer helped me score a rebuilt tranny from Honda for free, I was still quite uncomfortable that the same thing wouldn't happen again.

    I began investigating and found Amsoil synthetic tranny fluid and convinced my dealer to dealer (didn't need much since the dealership's service manager himself has used Amsoil's other products) and did the usual drain and fill (thrice over following 15000 starting at about 60k on the car). I got my inspiration from some other post on bob is the oil buy forums who apparently claimed to be using the Amsoil fluid in his Honda's.

    At this time I have about 120k miles on the ody and it shifts beautifully, no shudders, etc. I will probably do another tranny drain and fill and have my dealer give me sample of the old fluid - I suspect that it won't be as dirty as the Honda fluid would have been. I will report back with the results when I do so - sometime in winter.

    I don't know if my Ody tranny is going to last any longer or not, but this has certainly given me hope.

    This solution to me has been the cheapest and did not require any changes to the tranny such as after-market coolers, etc.

    See my previous posts.

    FWIW, I think the problem with the underdesigned and crappy tranny can be taken care of by the Amsoil fluid (note, that I have in my Acura TL with the same results).
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    DO NOT FLUSH A HONDA TRANSMISSION! These gearboxes have lots and lots of ATF transfer tubes which direct fluid to various parts of the transmission. Frankly, I think it's genious. However, *Flushing* a tranny might mean you push debris into one of these tubes...then it starts to act funny...then it won't shift into third like it used to...then it dies...and you are out $4,000.00 for a rebult unit.

    Drain and fill. One week later, drain and fill. Another week after that...do it again. When the fluid that comes out looks like the fluid that is going in, then you can just change it annually. A 30,000 mile change interval for this gearbox in this vehicle is tooooo long! In an Accord it's just fine, but in a vehicle with a 3.5V-Tec pulling a vehicle that's 4,000 pounds without driver or cargo it means suicide for your transmission.

    Oh yeah, install a transmission cooler, too. And an in-line filter. Your checkbook will be much happier.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,244
    and did the usual drain and fill (thrice over following 15000 starting at about 60k on the car)

    Can you do a complete drain and fill on the Ody using the trans. cooler line? This way you drain a quart, add a quart etc etc. till the oil comes out red.
    2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere, 2007 Kia Optima
  • pgnagelpgnagel Member Posts: 60
    When you drain a transmission (or engine) you never get all the fluid out of it. Transmissions have a pump and a valve body that always contain fluid, and require the input shaft to be rotating for the fluid to be moving.

    Do the drain and fill until the old fluid looks new. It took me about three times until I started feeling confident about the fluid in the gearbox. Again, when I split the cases last week the fluid in the tranny was bright red and smelled new. This transmission needs fresh, clean fluid to work properly.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,244
    When you drain a transmission (or engine) you never get all the fluid out of it. Transmissions have a pump and a valve body that always contain fluid, and require the input shaft to be rotating for the fluid to be moving

    You would be getting all the fluid out as you would be using the trans pump to do the work. One quart in and one quart out, when the dirty fluid comiing out looks like the clean red fluid being put in, then you've exchanged every drop.
    2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere, 2007 Kia Optima
  • autowriteautowrite Member Posts: 226
    My Honda dealer recommended Sauder's Trailer for a transmission cooler. I had them install it today at 265,000 kms. Sauder's is in St. Jacobs, ON. They put a E 4452 model on.
    I wished I had had this on before the tranny went at 180,000 kms. Dealer said Honda charges too much. Some of the Honda service desk people were once mechanics.
    On my summer trip to Maine & the Maritimes I kept the speed at 105,kilometers/hour and got mostly 32 miles/gallon.
  • rockygigliorockygiglio Member Posts: 2
    Who is your Honda dealer? After years of buying domestic cars I was talked into buying a Honda because they last forever. 3 months later my used 2002 Honda Odyssey with only 80k miles is down and out with a transmission problem. Honda USA says "sorry, but since you bought from a non-honda dealer and the vehicle is old we can't help".

    I understand the push back, but this is clearly a known issue. Now I am gonna be out somewhere between $1500-2000. Yeah, I won't be buying another Honda unless they step up and help.

    Anybody want a used 2002 Odyssey? Needs a transmission!
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