Occasionally jerks when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear (automatic). Delayed shifting between gears and between Park, Reverse, and Drive. Lots of solutions on the internet include cleaning/replacing the shift solenoid or a filter.
Update from Sep 21, 2021: Update (09/21/21): I got the problem diagnosed by AAMCO Transmissions, and they said that there was some internal failure with the transmission. They smelled slight burning on the dipstick and pulled a P0847 code from the TCM. After road testing the vehicle, they stated that there was a whining noise that gets worse when the car warms up. They also noticed a slight rattling noise. If you're not experiencing any whining/rattling noise or burning smell and just have jerky/delayed shifts, I would get it checked ASAP, as it could simply be a faulty pressure switch, which can cause damage later on. They said it's possible to drive with this issue, although it may shift into neutral/break to pieces later on.
The only FIXES for this problem include REBUILDING or REPLACING the transmission. They quoted $2100+ for the rebuild and $2000+ for a replacement (for a used Honda transmission). With this problem, the technician recommended NOT changing/flushing the transmission fluid, as that could cause further damage by clogging the valve body.
Update from Jul 7, 2023: Doing multiple "drain and fills" of the automatic transmission fluid using Honda genuine ATF DW-1 resolved the issues I was having before. The aforementioned symptoms continued and became progressively worse, so I did some Googling and other people were having very similar issues, with changing the fluid being the ultimate solution. There was also some misdiagnosis done on this issue:
1. Whining noise - from accessories area in the engine compartment. Noise went away after removing belt; issue is likely a drive belt tensioner.
2. Clunking/jerking - almost completely resolved after performing two drain and fills (~50 miles apart). Issue was likely dirty/worn fluid moving around the transmission in a turbulent manner, causing intermittent clacking/clunking noises when accelerating and decelerating, as well as shifting between gears.
3. Hesitation - almost completely resolved after the first drain and fill. Before, when accelerating, there was a delay when the engine would rev up and the vehicle to "catch" and start really moving. This was the worn-out fluid not applying steady pressure to operate the partial lockup clutch in the torque converter. This can also lead to delayed shifting.
For context, my transmission was serviced by the dealership once in 2010 at ~30k miles (likely using the older Z1 fluid). It was never serviced until just now at ~180k miles. The fluid appeared dark red and smelled slightly burnt when I changed it. If your fluid's completely black and smells horrendous, I would advise against changing it as it can lead to slipping and other issues after. Also, the first time draining the transmission fluid, the drain plug may be very very tight; you might have to use a breaker bar. Lastly, make sure you only use Honda genuine ATF DW-1; other brands may cause shifting issues. I purchased 3 quarts and a drain bolt crush washer at the dealership for around $35.
I wish I could remove my old post. Honda makes great vehicles, and the 8th generation is no exception!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
Occasionally jerks when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear (automatic). Delayed shifting between gears and between Park, Reverse, and Drive. Lots of solutions on the internet include cleaning/replacing the shift solenoid or a filter.
Update from Sep 21, 2021: Update (09/21/21): I got the problem diagnosed by AAMCO Transmissions, and they said that there was some internal failure with the transmission. They smelled slight burning on the dipstick and pulled a P0847 code from the TCM. After road testing the vehicle, they stated that there was a whining noise that gets worse when the car warms up. They also noticed a slight rattling noise. If you're not experiencing any whining/rattling noise or burning smell and just have jerky/delayed shifts, I would get it checked ASAP, as it could simply be a faulty pressure switch, which can cause damage later on. They said it's possible to drive with this issue, although it may shift into neutral/break to pieces later on.
The only FIXES for this problem include REBUILDING or REPLACING the transmission. They quoted $2100+ for the rebuild and $2000+ for a replacement (for a used Honda transmission). With this problem, the technician recommended NOT changing/flushing the transmission fluid, as that could cause further damage by clogging the valve body.
Update from Jul 7, 2023: Doing multiple "drain and fills" of the automatic transmission fluid using Honda genuine ATF DW-1 resolved the issues I was having before. The aforementioned symptoms continued and became progressively worse, so I did some Googling and other people were having very similar issues, with changing the fluid being the ultimate solution. There was also some misdiagnosis done on this issue:
1. Whining noise - from accessories area in the engine compartment. Noise went away after removing belt; issue is likely a drive belt tensioner. 2. Clunking/jerking - almost completely resolved after performing two drain and fills (~50 miles apart). Issue was likely dirty/worn fluid moving around the transmission in a turbulent manner, causing intermittent clacking/clunking noises when accelerating and decelerating, as well as shifting between gears. 3. Hesitation - almost completely resolved after the first drain and fill. Before, when accelerating, there was a delay when the engine would rev up and the vehicle to "catch" and start really moving. This was the worn-out fluid not applying steady pressure to operate the partial lockup clutch in the torque converter. This can also lead to delayed shifting.
For context, my transmission was serviced by the dealership once in 2010 at ~30k miles (likely using the older Z1 fluid). It was never serviced until just now at ~180k miles. The fluid appeared dark red and smelled slightly burnt when I changed it. If your fluid's completely black and smells horrendous, I would advise against changing it as it can lead to slipping and other issues after. Also, the first time draining the transmission fluid, the drain plug may be very very tight; you might have to use a breaker bar. Lastly, make sure you only use Honda genuine ATF DW-1; other brands may cause shifting issues. I purchased 3 quarts and a drain bolt crush washer at the dealership for around $35.
I wish I could remove my old post. Honda makes great vehicles, and the 8th generation is no exception!
- aj1, Jacksonville, FL, US