Major slippage on 2003 Accord

I have a 2003 Honda Accord LX 6-cyl., with 80k miles, and today it suddenly
began to show major slippage. It felt the car shifted into neutral, and
revved without moving the car forward. Then suddenly it would lurch into
gear. A couple of times, I couldn't get the car to move after stopping,
because the engine was revving as though in neutral.

I took the car into a transmission shop, and they barely had time to scan it
before closing, but they said they didn't see anything on the computer scan.

A few months ago, the Honda dealer told me I had a VTEC solenoid leak that
could cause a loss in power, and I am wondering if that might be the
problem? I really hope so, because I don't want to have to replace the
transmission. Any insights would be welcome...

 

Check the fluid and head back to the dealer. Be sure only to add the right
fluid. Not a substitute.

 

1. vtec is nothing to do with the transmission
2. find someone competent to do the diagnosis - that "transmission shop"
clearly isn't.
3. i believe this vehicle is part of the great honda transmission
recall. take it to the dealer after you've googled this group for all
the other stories - and solutions.

 

Thanks, I am taking it to the dealer and will try to negotiate for a
"goodwill repair." Just out of curiosity, what made you think that the
"transmission shop" weren't competent? (I agree with you on that, by the
way).

 

2003 Accord EX 6 cyl, 85,000 miles. Two months ago I had a similar
failure. Honda authorized 50 - 50 on factory rebuilt trans and install.
My out of pocket, was $1492. Some here have reported doing better,
some worse. I don't know what factors Honda uses in deciding. I was
satisfied - this was 49,000 miles past the warranty.

 

Honda extended the warranty on some V6 auto transmissions to 100,000
miles, then subsequently extended it further to 109,000 miles. I'm not
sure if the '03 Accord was one of the model years/models covered, but
the dealer will know. If it is, you shouldn't have to negotiate for a
goodwill repair, as you're still within the extended warranty range.

If you do have to request a goodwill repair, you'll probably have better
luck going straight to American Honda:

http://automobiles.honda.com/information/customer-relations.aspx

Dave

 

The more evidence you can provide that the car has been properly
maintained, such as service records for all the major factory-
recommended service intervals, the more likely Honda is to be generous
when it comes to providing consideration for out-of-warranty repairs.
Demonstrated customer loyalty helps as well - they do not want to lose a
longtime Honda owner to a competing brand over a well-documented issue
like the many premature transmission failures that have afflicted the
V6-powered Accords and Odysseys.

Dave

 

Well I had my transmission replaced, and frankly I am not sure how good a
job was done. It doesn't shift very smoothly, and sometimes when I put in
park and turn the car off, the key stays stuck in the ignition. I have to
start the car up again, jiggle the gear, and shut it back off. The dealer
said I just have to "use more force" putting it in park...

Also, I filed for a goodwill repair and am still waiting to hear back from
Honda on the reimbursement...

 

I thought Honda's transmission problems were solve after a run of
98-99. But looks like from the Jan 5 2007 TSB some other Acura/Honda
transmissions as late as 03 are having problems. These sound nearly as
bad as the new Toyota U-series that shudder and skip gears.

TSB 02-062:
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2186

TSB 02-027:
http://www.alancoxautomotive.com/assets/recalls/B02-027.pdf

TSB 90-009:
http://www.acuraworld.com/tsb/2gRL/b90-009.pdf

 

Well, Honda has agreed to pay 50% of the cost of replacing the transmission,
so I suppose I should be happy about that. However, the replaced
transmission is still shifting roughly, "sticking" on the downshift, and
doesn't seem to have much torque (noticeably when going up hills). Is this
normal for a new transmission or should I have it checked out again?


I thought Honda's transmission problems were solve after a run of
98-99. But looks like from the Jan 5 2007 TSB some other Acura/Honda
transmissions as late as 03 are having problems. These sound nearly as
bad as the new Toyota U-series that shudder and skip gears.

TSB 02-062:
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2186

TSB 02-027:
http://www.alancoxautomotive.com/assets/recalls/B02-027.pdf

TSB 90-009:
http://www.acuraworld.com/tsb/2gRL/b90-009.pdf

 

It should shift and operate the same as it did when the car was new.
Take it back.

 

I did take the car to the Honda dealer today, and they said that the car was
still adjusting to my driving style (there is some kind of sensor that
adapts to each driver's style) but that the transmission itself seemed fine.
The torque problem does in fact seem to be improving as well. Does this
sound right?