senicalj4579

Last summer I saw a 2002 civic auto with 117k. It had a stack of maintenance papers with lots of new parts. So I bought it. Then, I found out from internet forums that the trans in these cars suck.

Anyway, I have a couple things but first...
I might have some interesting evidence to suggest that automatic trans fluid flushes are not good (as many have already said).

According to the original owners mainentance reciept the trans had a fluid change of 3qts at 92k miles. This was the first time the trans fluid had been touched.

The second time was at 98k which the reciept says 14 qts of fluid. Which tells me it must have been a full flush.

Well, at 107k the trans gave out and would not drive. So it was replaced with another factory one.

I know we cant just say for sure it was the flush and such but its interesting how the trans totally gave out 9k miles after a full flush.

Now my question...
The car now has 128k on it. The new trans has 21k on it. What can I do to help this trans last longer? Anyone with this POS trans ever find out why they fail like they do? Also, what is the FULL fluid capacity of these trans?

ezone

No it's not. You aren't taking into account the 92k of neglect. Plus the fact they are a weak point.

IF the services were done at the request of the owner, then I bet that having the trans serviced twice in 6000 miles indicates the trans was probably doing something either mildly or drastically wrong. Sure seems like nobody wants to take care of a trans until it is too late. "Oooh it's acting funny! Better get it serviced!!"

If the services were upsold by the shop during a regular visit (oil change?), then it's probably a different story.

The chemicals that are dumped in immediately prior to a JizzyLube type machine flush could be one of many reasons they seem to fail shortly after a flush.

We have no way of knowing what exactly happened to your car. I have no way of knowing if the "flush" was done according to the published Honda service info, or if chemicals and a machine were used.
I can only speculate.

(We actually had a flush machine company demo a unit on one of our Hondas several years ago. The car didn't make it 2 miles after the flush. That was proof enough for us here at this shop.

"Those who can't remember the past are doomed to repeat it."

Same was done again more recently on an OLD 93 Accord with well over 200k on it. It went another 10k before it started acting funny.

Some of us tried to warn the person that decided this was a great idea, but we must not have any idea what we are doing.)


IMHO, Change the ATF (drain and fill, about 2.5q) at every, or every other other oil change from now on. USE the specific ATF-DW-1 fluid from Honda.
If you can change the engine oil by yourself, you can do this too.

You say the replacement trans was a factory reman, I believe the main issues that plagued the 01-02 should have been taken care of during the rebuild. Cross your fingers.

Just until the fluid is at the full line on the dipstick when hot. No more.


Actually, I don't know and don't need to know. You can't get it all out by draining it, and the reman units are already half full because they are tested before shipment. Drain and fill takes about 2.5q or a shade more.

I'd guess around 7-8 quarts though (I did not look it up either).


HTH

senicalj4579

I was only asking because when the trans was installed it says they used 6qts. Im used to 10+qts in the camaro. I would of expected it to be more than 6qts. I just hope its not a sign of them using old fluid thats all.

Thanks for your help

mikey1

in my opinion there comes a point in time where i think a fluid change or flush does more harm than good.....i have a relative of mine that has 260,000km on their auto tranny with original fluid (never been changed), the tranny shifts like new, never a problem.....i have advised them NOT to change the fluid, as i feel at this point in time it will do more harm than good

senicalj4579

If it were my car I would do whats in the pan. From what I have seen its when a flush machine is used when SHTF with trans. Im not saying it could not happen by just changing the pan fluid but I have not seen it. Just the flush machines.

ezone

Was on lunch break, just kinda skimmed the post. Comprehension fail.


So this presumably could have been a dealership visit for ANY reason where a work order was generated at the shop? Plenty of possibilities. Would the dealer be kind enough to divulge that info? I know we have done this for new owners once in a while.

How'd I guess that? LOL.
I bet the wrong fluid was used too. Jizzy places aren't normally going to rush out and buy the correct manufacturer specific fluids (no profit in that), they normally use cheapo bulk semi-universal fluid with an additive package.

Dealer would probably only use a case (12) for an official "flush" procedure.
How many miles can you rack up 1/4 mile at a time?

Just curious, what would the trans fluid temp be at the end of a 1/4 mi. pass?



We bill 6 quarts for every trans replacement no matter what it actually takes.
I'd think only about 3-4 were actually needed to fill it when it was replaced.
They are test run and then drained from the drain plug, so there is a significant amount still inside when corked and boxed for shipping.

Looks like typical 90k maint items.
Did you find in the paperwork where a timing belt service was ever done? Somewhere between 60-105k maybe?

senicalj4579

Actually yes. Timing belt, waterpump, and antifreeze was done at 96,835.
Thats just one of the things that made me want the car. I didnt have to worry about doing the work or even better yet...breaking and taking out my valves with it

Sorry long post lol