Rep Power: 0

I'm a newbie to the forum - first post. Although I've benefited greatly from the experience here so let me start with a big "thanks!".

I recently got the dreaded P0740 code. It came on with an EVAP code (can't remember off top of my head) but I reset and they both went away. As a precaution, I changed my transmission fluid and - embarrassing to say - it did look a bit like molasses (been a bit busy these days). In any case, went about a month and now it's back on the other day. Reset while driving and it came on again. After doing some serious research now, I know the answer - game over for the transmission. I spoke with the shop manager at my local dealer and he said that I might get lucky and it's a solenoid but not likely...most of the time it's a new tranny.

Rebuilding a tranny is beyond my experience level but I'm certain I can swap it. Here are my alternatives as I see them and I'm looking for any insights whatsoever from the forum:
a) Have it rebuilt - I spoke to a shop owner and the answer I got was basically who knows how much it will cost till we get in there. I don't like this option because I have no price tag and the warranty is 12/12.
b) Buy a honda swap - this seems like the best path minus the price $2300 with core. However, the warranty is 3/36.
c) Buy a synchrotech - price is basically 1K plus shipping (est @ $300) with core. This is my preferred option as I've read so many positive things about them on the web. The warranty is only 12/12 however. This doesn't bother me as it seems like if they were pushing bad-builds that it would bite them on the web. So, in the end it's delivered to my door and I save 1K over Honda.

As for the code - I'm still not convinced about what I'm seeing. The car drives fine. Other than this occasion I've faithfully changed the fluid. However, to troubleshoot it per the SM would basically cost $250 (new A/B solenoid) and offers no guarantees. I'm going to flush the cooler this weekend to try and make sure the oil is as cool/clean as possible and buy me some time. I'm waiting on the special adapters so I can measure the line pressures (should be in Wed)...I guess that will be the most telling thing - if the line pressure is low then game over.

I'm also going to do a compression test on the engine to see where I sit there (144K on the car). If I need to rebuild the engine I may just pull it all together and do a full overhaul.

Thanks for any insights you can offer. I guess I should feel lucky that I made it 144K on this transmission - sounds like they had a lot of problems.

 
Rep Power: 201

Ya, Made it to 142k, but that is definitely not the norm. I rebuilt my own, so other than the time it didn't cost that much. Check out your engine and see. 1300 is still pretty cheap... I may go that route. If you car is paid off and the engine is good, it is a weight of payments vs. another one for $1300 to me. I wouldn't be afraid to drive this one to Alaska on the other side of it. If its a good car maybe it is worth that $, if its a piece of junk I wouldn't think so....

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks - good advice. The car is in pretty good shape so I will check the engine and decide from there. I appreciate the reply!

 
Rep Power: 812

i dont think i could trust any shop to do a rebuild.

 
Rep Power: 179

I put 60k with a P0740 code. I just changed my tranny oil every 4 months. I got the transmission rebuild a 161k and the problem was the torque converter material was falling apart. It will throw the code when i go 95kph or higher and going on the highway.

I found an article from Gears Magazine regarding the Honda P0740 that I have attached.

 
Rep Power: 179

MIL Comes On With A/T DTC P0740

SYMPTOM

The MIL comes on and A/T DTC P0740 (problem inlock-up control system) sets.