03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
03-01-2018
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03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
Hello.
I've read assorted forums and seen a lot of info on slipping trans but not mine(or I just missed it, which wouldn't be unusual.) I have an 03 LX with 122K on it. Since around 100K it has been "flaring" from 2 to 3rd, and 3rd to 4rth, not unlike a manual where you don't let off the gas when you shift gears. Other than that, it seems to function fined. I have put up with this for this long and got ready to rebuild a trans(one sitting on the bench from the yard), but it just doesn't want to give up. I've driven 2 or 3 hours and it functions perfectly. Just that damn 2-3 and 3-4 issue. Any fixes for this short of a rebuild? I've investigate the assorted solenoids, but they don't seem to have anything to do with my issues. Any ideas?
Thanks
jeff
I've read assorted forums and seen a lot of info on slipping trans but not mine(or I just missed it, which wouldn't be unusual.) I have an 03 LX with 122K on it. Since around 100K it has been "flaring" from 2 to 3rd, and 3rd to 4rth, not unlike a manual where you don't let off the gas when you shift gears. Other than that, it seems to function fined. I have put up with this for this long and got ready to rebuild a trans(one sitting on the bench from the yard), but it just doesn't want to give up. I've driven 2 or 3 hours and it functions perfectly. Just that damn 2-3 and 3-4 issue. Any fixes for this short of a rebuild? I've investigate the assorted solenoids, but they don't seem to have anything to do with my issues. Any ideas?
Thanks
jeff
03-01-2018
#2
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Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
What has been the auto trans fluid (ATF) maintenance on this transmission?
Recommended to drain and fill with Honda DW-1 ATF every third oil change. If you haven't, then a drain and fill of DW-1 with driving through all gears times 3 is recommended. This will get most of the ATF replenished with Honda's new ATF (old one was Z-1).
DO NOT FLUSH THIS TRANSMISSION.
If this does not help, chances are good that your transmissions internal screens and filter are clogged with clutch debris and are restricting smooth operation.
Recommended to drain and fill with Honda DW-1 ATF every third oil change. If you haven't, then a drain and fill of DW-1 with driving through all gears times 3 is recommended. This will get most of the ATF replenished with Honda's new ATF (old one was Z-1).
DO NOT FLUSH THIS TRANSMISSION.
If this does not help, chances are good that your transmissions internal screens and filter are clogged with clutch debris and are restricting smooth operation.
03-02-2018
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What has been the auto trans fluid (ATF) maintenance on this transmission?
Recommended to drain and fill with Honda DW-1 ATF every third oil change. If you haven't, then a drain and fill of DW-1 with driving through all gears times 3 is recommended. This will get most of the ATF replenished with Honda's new ATF (old one was Z-1).
DO NOT FLUSH THIS TRANSMISSION.
If this does not help, chances are good that your transmissions internal screens and filter are clogged with clutch debris and are restricting smooth operation.
Recommended to drain and fill with Honda DW-1 ATF every third oil change. If you haven't, then a drain and fill of DW-1 with driving through all gears times 3 is recommended. This will get most of the ATF replenished with Honda's new ATF (old one was Z-1).
DO NOT FLUSH THIS TRANSMISSION.
If this does not help, chances are good that your transmissions internal screens and filter are clogged with clutch debris and are restricting smooth operation.
Thanks for the Reply! My friend of over 40 years purchased this car new(I helped). I have worked on it since 03 from time to time. He had most of his maintenance done at either Firestone or the Dealer.
I have his receipts and I can find only 2 referring to trans fluid replacement: Firestone MAXAtf at 59K and the Dealer with DW-1 "drum" replacement at 95K. I'm not sure if this was a full replacement because they only charged $26 for this line item.
I had an oil report done a couple of months ago. Here's the text:
JEFF: Thanks for the notes. Based on wear levels and additives, we wonder if this is the factory fill for this
transmission. If so, the extra metal and silicon are from the initial wear-in process and any accumulation
over the last 121,900 miles of oil use. That's probably the case if you aren't having any issues with this unit.
If you are, then maybe this oil wasn't in use as long and we're seeing excess wear. Universal averages
show typical wear levels after ~23,000 miles of oil use. Insolubles were high at 0.2%, so this was a good
time to change the oil. Try ~20K miles next
So, if I replace the fluid again, completely(I only got 3 quarts of DW-1 in it when I changed it after I got it), were you saying to go through the gears BEFORE draining or During draining? I know you said no flush.
Thanks for the help,
jeff
03-05-2018
#4
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Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
Here is what I would do (all with Honda ATF DW-1):
Drain and fill and wipe off drain plug magnet. Go for a drive - cycling through all gears and reverse.
Repeat above.
Repeat above.
This should introduce 60-70% new ATF and hopefully reduce the flaring.
Drain and fill and wipe off drain plug magnet. Go for a drive - cycling through all gears and reverse.
Repeat above.
Repeat above.
This should introduce 60-70% new ATF and hopefully reduce the flaring.
03-07-2018
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NDNV,
So, drain and fill 3xs with driving in between each drain and fill? Will give it a try and let you know how it goes.
jeff
So, drain and fill 3xs with driving in between each drain and fill? Will give it a try and let you know how it goes.
jeff
03-19-2018
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I did the "3" flush and fills as referred to from above. No changes as far as I can tell. Kinda of in the position of replace the tranny and/or torque converter.
jeff
jeff
03-19-2018
#9
Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
I fixed quite a few slipping transmissions by putting Seafoam Trans-Tune in. All it does is clean any dirty parts. I’ve never seen it do any harm, so I’d try it first. It won’t help if something is worn out or broken, but it removes buildup. Any additives that just thicken or “condition” the fluid, like Lucas, won’t do anything but cause problems.
03-19-2018
#10
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
Run away if it doesn't.
Don't forget to thoroughly flush out your trans cooler, you doin't want leftover debris from this trans failure to contaminate a new/good trans
03-19-2018
#11
Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
03-19-2018
#12
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Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
if you do decide to replace, replace everything. Trans, torque, radiator and hoses so that you don’t have any carryover issues.
03-19-2018
#13
Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
Consider bypassing the hoses going to the radiator cooler before replacing everything. If it’s partially clogged up it might be enough to cause a issue.
if you do decide to replace, replace everything. Trans, torque, radiator and hoses so that you don’t have any carryover issues.
03-19-2018
#14
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
Our shop has a dedicated trans cooler flushing machine
Some of Hondas reman transmissions come with an additional filter to be installed in the cooler line to trap any stray debris before it finds its way back into the new transmission
At least one reman company we have dealt with requires installation of an external trans cooler to keep their warranty in effect
Some of Hondas reman transmissions come with an additional filter to be installed in the cooler line to trap any stray debris before it finds its way back into the new transmission
At least one reman company we have dealt with requires installation of an external trans cooler to keep their warranty in effect
03-19-2018
#15
Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
Our shop has a dedicated trans cooler flushing machine
Some of Hondas reman transmissions come with an additional filter to be installed in the cooler line to trap any stray debris before it finds its way back into the new transmission
At least one reman company we have dealt with requires installation of an external trans cooler to keep their warranty in effect
Some of Hondas reman transmissions come with an additional filter to be installed in the cooler line to trap any stray debris before it finds its way back into the new transmission
At least one reman company we have dealt with requires installation of an external trans cooler to keep their warranty in effect
03-20-2018
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Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
Coming from someone who won't put the proper power steering fluid in his own car
03-20-2018
#18
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
03-20-2018
#19
Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
Not relevant to this discussion. There is a difference between what I would do to my own cars, and what I would suggest to someone else or do to someone else’s car. However, I actually did flush it and use approved fluid the next day. The system had moisture in it from being open, so the ATF was just used to flush it because I have plenty of extra. I’m not going to run 2 quarts of expensive Honda fluid through it just to push water out.
03-20-2018
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Not relevant to this discussion. There is a difference between what I would do to my own cars, and what I would suggest to someone else or do to someone else’s car. However, I actually did flush it and use approved fluid the next day. The system had moisture in it from being open, so the ATF was just used to flush it because I have plenty of extra. I’m not going to run 2 quarts of expensive Honda fluid through it just to push water out.
03-20-2018
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Thanks for all the great advice! I totally forgot about the cooler. Will update the forum when I get to this(probably a month or so, depending on the Transmission.
jeff
jeff
03-20-2018
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I fixed quite a few slipping transmissions by putting Seafoam Trans-Tune in. All it does is clean any dirty parts. I’ve never seen it do any harm, so I’d try it first. It won’t help if something is worn out or broken, but it removes buildup. Any additives that just thicken or “condition” the fluid, like Lucas, won’t do anything but cause problems.
Thanks,
jeff
03-20-2018
#25
Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
04-03-2018
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Thanks
jeff
04-03-2018
#27
Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
I've put about 100 miles on the trans since the Seafoam; no changes in slippage in 2-3 and 3-4. I'm going to rebuild the core I have now. Any opinions on the best rebuild kit to get? I'm seeing a lot of Tranmaxx and Precision; will these suffice or should I go with a different one? I want to replace both the clutches and the steels.
Thanks
jeff
Thanks
jeff
Last edited by D17VTECPOWER; 04-03-2018 at 01:05 PM.
04-04-2018
#28
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Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
Make sure to use the internal ATF filter from the 04/05 trans as it is bigger than the original filter and will catch more debris.
04-04-2018
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Re: 03 Transmission Flair 2-3 and 3-4
There are diagrams of the difference in internal ATF filters in this thread... https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...sues-05-a.html
04-07-2018
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No worries with the seafoam; it was worth a try. I will use the larger filter from the 04/05. And thanks for the diagrams!
Will try to take pics and notes while doing this and maybe post it if I don't completely toast it...
Thanks again,
jeff
Will try to take pics and notes while doing this and maybe post it if I don't completely toast it...
Thanks again,
jeff
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