Originally Posted by
m735is
Where's it leaking from? Although that may not matter anymore. It sounds like it's slipping in addition to the hard shifts when cold.
Mine also shifts hard when it's cold, but it's on it's last legs.
Since you say you would need to replace the tranny to fix the leak, sounds like you will have to do that anyway. Do the torque converter and flush the cooling lines out as well.
If it's leaking from somewhere else that can be repaired inexpensively, then I would replace that and do a tranny drain and refill with Honda ATF. Drain/ refill, drive for a couple days, repeat. Three times total. If you try a drain and refill, note how much if any black crap is on the magnetic plug. Wipe it off and reinstall. If all else fails, try some Lucas or Tranny Rx.
Thanks for the response m735! And I will try what you said.
Well I'm not sure of the exact spot where the ATF is leaking from all I know is that its leaking. I can often see the red fluid on the ground and when I check the ATF dipstick its often low. When the fluid level is low it struggles to shift into gear. Also, I'd say I have to add ATF about every month or so. After I put in some fluid its as good as new. I've tried various transmission "leak-fix" products but it doesn't seem to solve the leak problem.
So there is def a leak and I can live with adding a quart of ATF every month (it sure beats the alternative of spending thousands) its just that in the last couple of days the car is basically undrivable (as I described in my first post above) and although I'm no expert I'm sure its a tranny problem. JUST TO REITERATE, FOR SOME REASON THE TRAN PROBLEM IS A LOT WORSE NOW THEN WHEN I MERELY JUST HAD TO ADD SOME ATF FLUID. IT WAS ALWAYS DRIVABLE BEFORE, NOW IN THE LAST FEW DAYS I CAN BARELY TAKE IT AROUND THE BLOCK.
And one other question, I only know how to do the basics on a car. What is the dificulty level of draining the ATF myself, and also the torque converter and cooling lines?
Also what stores carry Honda ATF. From other posts it seems like its important to use only that fluid and I haven't been since I've had this car.
Is there anyway to save myself from having to drop close to $2,000 bucks for a new transmission? Help me Honda-acura.net, you're my only hope!
Thanks again!!!!!!!