Espo

This is a very strange issue that happens only if the car has been sitting for a while. It also only happens in cold winter weather and has never happened during the spring or summer time.

When the transmission is placed into drive it makes a hard bang and it takes a bit of gas to get the car moving. Once the car is in motion the transmission is totally fine and shifts smoothly. If I park the car for a short period of time the transmission engages smoothly. Only when parked for an extended period of time ie.over night, does the issue arise.

I have read a few other boards and it seems that various other Honda owners have had this problem. Im wondering if this is something I should worry about?

streetglower

iTrader: (13)

have you checked your fluid level? it sounds as if the level is low.

Espo

Sorry, I should have mentioned I checked the fluid level and the fluid was replaced about 10,000k ago.

Nameless

iTrader: (20)

what kindve fluid did you use? OEM honda?

Espo

Yep, OEM Honda.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

What year ?? How many miles ?? How many tranny services have been done over the life of car ?? Have you contacted the dealer or Honda about this issue ??

Buds302

iTrader: (2)

how cold does it get when this happens? i had a 88 accord that did this. it turned out that the fluid just got cold and thickend up like normal motor oil does when its cold. causing the pressure to be really high in the tranny. therefore slamming the first gear. it was a common problem in the automatic honda transmission. ive met several people with the same problem

Espo

2002
56,000miles
Tranny Flush @ 40,000miles

I havent spoken to the dealer about it yet.

Below 14F -10C

againifall

iTrader: (6)

thats normal when its that cold... just baby your car till your engine warms up a bit.. dont rev the hell out of your car to get the temp up... just start it.. wait about 30 seconds.. put it in gear and drive off slowly.. take it nice and slow for the first few hundred yards.. if you park in a parking lot make a few laps and then hit the road.. after a mile or see your car should be warming up... once you see the temp gauge go up drive like normal...

cars are like people.. when its cold it takes a few minutes to get going...

the clunk is normal.. its due to your fluids being all sorts of cold.. they do make trannyfluid thats made for super cold temps.. however you dont really need it if you give your car a few minutes to warm up..