2008 Accord v6 Transmission Help!

[SteveBurns]

Hi Guys

nrg3k said you could help me out.

Have a new 2008 Accord EX V6 4dr. Great car but the transmission seems to be a let down. Specifically it is sloppy and rocks the car when shifting or jolts into the next gear. This is most noticeable when first running the car after is has been sitting, over night, or after work. After a few k's it seems to smooth out but not entirely. Reason why each time I take it to the dealer they see nothing wrong, as it has "warmed up". Also why I am posting here to get some help. If anyone has some inside info or suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks

Steve

[TAO]

Possble reason

TSB Number:SB-07-057
NHTSA Number:10026844 TSB
Date:August 16, 2008
Date Added to File: December 29, 2008
Failing Component:
Power Train : Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm, Pcm)
Summary:
Honda: low power during acceleration. Vehicles may experience an intermittent lack of power due to interference or noise on the knock sensor signal circuit.

[HBomb]

I'd arrange to leave the car overnight and have them directly witness the issue in the AM.

[SteveBurns]

HBomb, I was thinking the same thing about leaving the car with them, drop it in the morning and pick up after work. Overnight would be much better

TAO - thanks for the info. They checked for software updates and noted it was up to date. But I will take this info and see if this is what the looked at.


Thanks

Steve

[SteveBurns]

Hey Guys

Well I left my car with Honda overnight and this morning we verified there is a transmission issue. Plus we drove a new 09 to compare and it was fine. I am not sure what the out come is going to be yet. But I am worried the car is brand new (7000 k) and now requires a repair to a major component. I am thinking this may cause more headaches in the future.

Does Honda have a policy where a customer can get a new car in replacement of a defective one?

Thanks

Steve

[Slowpoke]

Tranny issues are normal in new models and with sufficient complaints software updates eventually come out... not sure if the '08 had a new tranny or not. Hell, if you only have 7000k on it, yours probably isn't even properly broken in. I recommend an overnight rally in Bancroft to fix that... :D Works with Subarus, anyway... smooths the auto trannies right out. :confused:

Seriously? I would take it for a good flogging this spring and then change the tranny fluid for a good Amsoil synthetic. Don't tell the dealer that you changed the fluid.

I'll tell you this about our Acura 5 speed tranny. (Rebuilt, replaced under warranty.) The new unit would shift kind of harshly to second on cold mornings, then it would smooth out when warm. I flushed the Honda ATF Z1 out for Amsoil synthetic ATF... minor improvement. I left it at the same fill level that the dealer did... just barely over the full mark. I was ready to bring it back to the dealer for a second check but decided to drain the ATF slightly to put it in the middle of the two marks on the dipstick.

Bingo. Problem solved. Don't overfill the 5-speed auto tranny.

[SteveBurns]

Hey Slowpoke I wish it was just a break in issue. The shifting just plain sucks. It does smooth out once it is warmed up but this is bad it should not need to. The issue does return even after it is warmed just not as bad. Very annoying..

To update, Honda is replacing the entire tranny. Which is cool. They mentioned it would only take a full day to swap it out. Does this seem correct?

Thanks

Steve

[Slowpoke]

Yes. I'd be more worried if they gave you a tech who needs more than a day to swap your tranny.

[SteveBurns]

Hey guys

Update - the transmission and the torque converter where both replaced. It has been driving better now... I say better I dunno if my expectations are to high but.. what I notice now is a rocking sensation when it is shifting, just normal driving, nothing to quick. Almost like there is a disconnect between the engine and transmission, not tight like you would expect. Also the occasional pausing.. this happens mostly when I am coasting (corners, driveway exits, parking lots etc..) then give some gas, you get a lull then a jump in the transmission. I dunno if the prior experience has me jaded.

Any thoughts welcome

Steve

[nrg3k]

this sounds like good reasons why i avoid automatic transmissions ;)

DJM:>

[Slowpoke]

Hey guys

Update - the transmission and the torque converter where both replaced. It has been driving better now... I say better I dunno if my expectations are to high but.. what I notice now is a rocking sensation when it is shifting, just normal driving, nothing to quick. Almost like there is a disconnect between the engine and transmission, not tight like you would expect. Also the occasional pausing.. this happens mostly when I am coasting (corners, driveway exits, parking lots etc..) then give some gas, you get a lull then a jump in the transmission. I dunno if the prior experience has me jaded.

Any thoughts welcome



This sounds like our experience and reaction to the 5 speed auto replacement on the TL. They changed the shifting program and everything felt lethargic for a while.

Make sure that the fill level is in the middle of the dipstick, not overfilled. That alone solved our harsh shift to second.

Put 5000km break-in with the Honda ATF before you worry about it, then flush twice with Amsoil synthetic ATF. All is good now.

[SteveBurns]

Thanks Slowpoke, I will mention this to Honda, so far they don't know what to do next, which worries me more.

I've been doing more research on the net and finding more complains with my particular model.

[SteveBurns]

Haha, well if me and manual got along I would do it...

[Slowpoke]

Curious what happened here...

... wife started complaining about her 5 speed shifting harshly again in the hot weather. Sure enough, I drove it and she was right. So I checked the fluid level when the car was hot and it was 1/2" above the top fill mark! Crap, I hadn't checked it since the cool spring...

So I drained off ~400mL until it was just below the top indicator and now it's shifting fine again. Stupid transmission. :o

[HBomb]

Wow - I can't believe that fluid level makes such a big difference! I might have to check my dad's Civic since it shifts a lot worse than my bro's. Both are 1.5 non-vtec EGs with 1/3 of a million clicks on them though,

Hanif

[SteveBurns]

Hey Slowpoke, thanks for the feedback. I had the dealer check it when I went in for my oil change, they said it was ok. But I will check it myself.

I've been thinking of going to a 3nd party to deal with the issue. It's still there, lag on shifting, jumping through shifts etc...
Then there is a new issue which has surfaced since the dealer replaced the transmission I get this noticable vibration... A few times is was bad enough I got out of the car and with the door open watched the door shake... as well a few other times it felt like the car was "chugging" along for a few minutes then was ok....


Thanks

Steve

[SteveBurns]

Hey guys

Well my transmission is stil problematic... here are the latest issues

Now I have a repeatable jump going into first. Driving slowly (like stuck on the highway) from 0-20 and when you get to first gear it jumps.

Still experience some slip/lag from 2-3 and hesitation.

Vibration when first starting the car idle and at some highway speeds. I've read this can be an issue with the VCM on the highway with no solution.

Chugging when starting from cold start and a strange gear sound both go away after a few k's and of course is intermittent.

All of this I have verified with the service manager and with a test drive.

Currently my car has been in the shop since Monday today being Thursday. Their solution was the install a new PCM (computer) from a 2009. Last I heard they were having a problem with the install and could not program the computer for my car.

I am now seeking legal advice and will be contacting Honda Canada customer service to give them a chance to compensate me in some way or replace my car. I would rather at this point have my money returned.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

[jonweir]

If you haven't already, call Honda Canada Customer Relations: 1-888-946-6329
Make sure to explain the entire situation (every dealer visit, phone call, etc.). They are the ones that you have to convince to get any compensation.

[SteveBurns]

If you haven't already, call Honda Canada Customer Relations: 1-888-946-6329
Make sure to explain the entire situation (every dealer visit, phone call, etc.). They are the ones that you have to convince to get any compensation.

Well I've called them and they are giving me the runaround. Said they would escalate the issue. No word for a week. Called back to deal with someone new, told me to call the dealer???!!.... pushed again to escalate again, now waiting to hear from a case manager... I've written 2 letters and sent it to the the vp and president. Hopefully something will happen.

BTW its been 3 weeks and they still can't fix my car.

sb

[nrg3k]

that blows. next time, 5sp? lol

DJM:>

[SteveBurns]

Ya it does... well maybe v6 w a 6sp =)

BTW I got the car back Monday they replaced the computer (PCM) seems more responive but still putting it through its paces..

[SteveBurns]

Hey Gang

Would like to update you all on this ongoing issue. First of all its FIXED!!!!

Well After struggling with the dealership I was with and getting no results I decided to go to another dealer. Well they were able to fix the issue and correct the problem created by the other dealer. Yes correct them. The first dealer replaced the transmission and the computer. Well when they replaced transmission they didn't neutralize the mount. Also when the put the new updated computer hardware they put back the old software...WTF!! ya!

Well the new software is what fixed the issue. Now my car doesn't hesitate or shutter like before. Goes when I give it gas. Like a new car actually and very speedy! Now I am enjoying my Honda.

Thanks all

Steve

[Isotope9]

Congrats on getting it fixed.

I've never been happy with the shift feel of any computer controlled automatic transmission...some are better than others, but they always feel indecisive for lack of a better term...especially at part throttle shifts, or low speed downshifts.

I've driven a 99 Camry, 08 Odyssey, 06 CTS and an 08 328 and none of the transmissions shifted as decisively (puts flame suit on) as the one I had in my 93 Cavalier.

I wonder if all the logic for grade-assist, fuel economy, shift smoothness etc is having an adverse affect on transmission life...I know that if I treated the transmission in my Odyssey the way I did the one in my Cavalier, I would be replacing it yearly.

Just my 2 cents.

[SteveBurns]

Hey gang... well my troubles still continue. The shifting is not as smooth, and lags and pauses are still happening. From some adivce I got, I have been investigating the torque converter. From what I have researched the symptoms match but I don't want to make a case until I have some more info.

Basically I went to this site
http://www.ehow.com/how_5846056_transmission-torque-converter-bad_.html

To confirm the problem.
What I notice is this. I do get a shutter at times when I first get in the car and drive. but goes away. I get a lag/pausing when shifting gears (sometimes worse and not so much) mostly in slow speeds.
Now I also tested the car with the engine on with the break pressed, and just shift from park down to 1 then back up to park. Each time when I reach Reverse there is a click.
I also get a click when in park and rev engine and then go into drive.

If someone can help me confirm these are not normal it would be helpful.

Thanks

Steve