1998 CRV 4wd transmission

Hi All,
I have a 1998 CR-V 4wd, 111,000 miles. All services done at dealership
and up to date (also have a 2004 Pilot from same dealer - and all
services done there too)
We had the CRV transmission go through regular tranny service as
suggested by service manual ( all services per honda manual), a month
later the tranny starts acting up, when trying to shift up from 2nd to
third theres a moment where the engine revs up while waiting for the
3rd to engage while out of 2nd (momentarily in a neutral like state).
It does engage into third, this happens all the time and is
consistant. I think its a sticking valve in the tranny valve body, the
tech says the tranny has to be replaced. I have asked that the local
DSM be contacted as ZI feel it is to young for the tranny to fail. ANY
suggestions and words of wisdom will be GREATLY appreciated.
Is there an additive I can use on the tranny that will 'clean' the
sticking valve, tech says no (for obvious reasons - end of year lets
get a tranny job in). I have also heard horro stories of the cost..
Please reply to this group or to
Sorry for the long message and thanks in advance for reading/replying.
Seasons greeting all.
Denis

 

============================

What's the level, color, and smell of the tranny fluid looking like?
Maybe you need to read thru the tech postings at hondasuv.com.

It could be the TCU acting up, or, like you said, the solonoid is
sticking / not grounded properly.

'Curly'

 

See if the ATF smells burnt. That might indicate one of your clutches has
failed. Also check for any metal flakes or filings on the drain bolt magnet.
Any significant solid ferrous material there may have come from a clutch.
It's conceivable that a valve could be sticking, but not likely from
being gunked up. Your transmission doesn't develop gunk inside unless the
fluid never gets changed, or something other than ATF got put in. If it was
a gunk related issue it would have came from the factory that way, and it
would have been a problem since day 1. Doubtful that any additive will free
it.

 

Do a google search for automatic transmission additives, what do yu have to
loose or take it to an independent trans shop, before you think of adding
the additive. There are some honest shops out there.

Tom

 

Hi Curly, Thanks for the quick response, the fluid is slight brown,
acceptable considering it was just chnaged recently and could have got
some of its tint from mixing with the torq con. fluid, does not smell
burnt. the fluid was is at proper level. How would one reset the TCU,
if at all possible.
Denis.

 

Just remembered something els, we had the throttle body and TPS
removed and cleaned out during the service, could it be a TPS
possition problem, e.g. not set right?

 

Were there any metal flakes or filings on the drain bolt magnet?
Any significant solid ferrous material there may have come from a clutch.
It's conceivable that a valve could be sticking, but not likely from
being gunked up. Your transmission doesn't develop gunk inside unless the
fluid never gets changed, or something other than ATF got put in. I have
seen a lot of transmissions broken down and even the worst ones just have
dark fluid, but it's not thick and sludgey. The strainer does a very good
job of filtering it. If it was a gunk related issue it would have came from
the factory that way, and it would have been a problem since day 1. Doubtful
that any additive will free it. Although it won't hurt it either.
Could be a problem with a linear solenoid, but this is a Japan
transmission, so I'm not sure if that one uses a linear solenoid. A linear
solenoid controls fluid flow to the clutches to prevent shift shock. If a
linear were stuck or working slowly, a fluid pressure might be low at a
critical time ( during the shift ).
A well-equipped dealer might have the necessary equipment to do a dyno
test and monitor clutch pressures during the shifts. That might tell you
what's going on.
Doc

 

Hi Curly, Doc et All,
Here is what I tried based on a lead from Curly.
Disconnected the battery and 'gently' tapped two solenoid valves that
I could see on top of the tranny a few times with a light #10 spanner
used to disconnect the battery with, then let the car sit for over 3
hours (took a nap lol).
Came back reconnected the battery, and went for a test drive. Did a
very slow speed series of starts and stops; with a full gear change
1st to 4th hoping the TCU would 're-learn' shift points. Continued
this pattern at gradually higher speeds for gear change and slight up
hill grades to put a little more pressure on the Trans (so far no
reoccurrence 'AT ALL' of the symptom - usually it would happen at the
get go and 'every' time Trans up shifted from 2 to 3, regardless if
the Trans was cold or at normal operating temp.
Came home and let the wife drive (different driver pattern, plus she's
the main driver of the V, I use the Pilot). don't mean to shout but...
COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM EVEN ONCE!!!

I don't think I should however count my blessing yet, will let her
drive it for a while. First off all thanks guys for the tip/s. Doc you
mention the solenoid valves, since I did a little of both not sure
which completely 'fixed' the prob; i.e. the power reset of the TCU or
the wimpy tapping of the top two solenoids. Any idea where the linear
solenoid is located. Please advise.
Will keep you folks posted.
THANKS again all,
Denis.

P.s. By the way the up shift points of all gears are uncanningly VERY
smooth (like new), hope its not a calm before the storm. Did notice
the valves need adjusting, can hear them tapping a little.

 

damn wrote:>

----------------
Denis,

Your description of the fluid makes me think you need to get it drained
one more time, and be sure it's Honda Z1 they put in. No subs, no
additives. For me, I'd drain it again in another month to be sure it's
getting very clean.

If you have a large paint tray, and a 3/8" socket handle, you could do
it yourself, and then you'd get to inspect the magnetic plug too. Dirty
ATF makes me nervous. . . .

It's always possible they forgot to change it at all (but remembered to
bill you) :-(

'Curly'

 

I was not aware that the CR-V had a TCU that would re-learn shift points if
the battery were disconnected.

Tom

 

Hi Tom,
Not saying it does or doesn't, just what I did and the result. BTW
when I mentioned valves (engine) need adjusting it was an off subject
note related to engine rev performance.
But Tom brings a good question, anyone able to help?
Denis.

 

Just a FYI to all that helped, my CRV is still running great. Honda
techs asked for me to bring it back in so they could see for
themselves, they are writing a tech report to Honda, as they test
drove and prooved the tranny was good, no burnt oil smell, and fluid
is very light tint, and unbelieveable smooth gear shift.
They offered to change the linear valve for free (labor) as a 'just in
case'. I opted todo so. All ended well. THANKS again to all that
HELPED.
Denis