Honda transmissions stand out for their reliability. The fact is that speeds/gears in Honda transmissions operate independently of each other. Nevertheless, this manufacturer also has a number of problems that we will focus on in this article.
Common Transmission Problems
Oil Leaks
A common malfunction of automatic transmissions is oil leakage from under the sealing gaskets. This is why car owners are recommended to regularly inspect the transmission condition on a lift or in a garage pit. If there are any oil leaks on the transmission itself, it is necessary to contact experienced specialists. In this case, eliminating such problems is not particularly difficult and consists of replacing the sealing gaskets and changing the transmission oil.
Control Unit
In some cases, problems with the transmission control unit may be noted. The control unit may incorrectly select RPM for gear shifting or independently block transmission operation. Eliminating malfunctions related to the control unit and electrical part of the transmission consists of replacing failed units and control harnesses.
Valve Body Malfunctions
Such malfunctions can occur in a number of cases. For example – improper transmission operation. When a car enthusiast does not warm up the automatic transmission but immediately begins driving. Symptoms – vibrations, jolts, impacts. In some cases, the car refuses to move. On modern cars, valve body malfunctions are signaled on the onboard computer.
Brand-Specific Issues
HONDA ACCORD 2003-2007
Although the automatic transmissions of this model are considered high-tech, premature transmission failure is characteristic of the Accord. Strong jolts and impacts during gear shifting are one of the first warning signs. The main cause of transmission failure is wear over time of certain transmission parts, or if the engine is running incorrectly, as well as possible failure of some vehicle sensors. To prevent premature automatic transmission failure, upon suspecting the first signs of malfunction, it is necessary to perform initial transmission diagnostics to determine the cause and eliminate it.
HONDA CIVIC and M4VA HONDA CIVIC HX 1996-2000
The flaw of the M4VA transmission is that an auxiliary cooling radiator is simply absent. At the first signs of malfunction, a slipping sensation occurs, and suspicious noise in the transmission may also appear. Transmission problems for speed enthusiasts can be prevented by changing the manufacturer-recommended transmission oil as frequently as possible.
HONDA PILOT and BVLA, PVLA HONDA PILOT 2003-2007
An excellent car for trips to the countryside with a large family through mud. The main complaints from owners of this model are harsh gear shifting. The main causes of transmission failure are driving on bad roads, wheel spin, sudden acceleration and braking. Similar to the previous model, the Pilot also lacks an auxiliary cooling radiator. And under such loads, the transmission overheats, and breakdowns are inevitable.
General Tips
At Queens ATS we recommend that car owners change transmission fluid along with engine oil every 10,000 km. Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in transmission operation, therefore Honda recommends using original fluids for their transmissions. It is also extremely important to regularly check the fluid level (at least once a month), since the operating fluid temperature reaches 130-140°C and its volume constantly decreases due to evaporation. Low transmission fluid level leads to intensive wear of transmission components and, consequently, to their damage.
