1996 Honda Accord 2.2 SV4 - Gearbox

Its transmission rebuild time. If you are comfortable that you can replace the transmission your self, you can save conciderable money by installing a junkyard unit. Buy the guarentee. Make sure you check the tranny fluid to be sure it looks like new fluid.

If you can not do the swap your self, get ready to cry. I was told that the last honest automatic transmission mechanic has retired to live in Monaco. He bought a huge hotel that he will live in.

you have worn a clutch in the reverse powerflow, or a worn seal on the clutch assembly

I've had some luck with flushing the trans, and installing 16oz Lucas transmission fluid additive. That makes the fluid more viscous, and may cover up a worn seal. Nothing helps worn clutch plates. This is a bandaid, not a fix, though it may last a while.

If the fluid smells like burnt paper, your clutches are burnt

I agree that a transmission rebuild is needed but I question whether installing a used transmission is wise because it is impossible to know whether that transmission is in better or worse condition than the transmission you now have. The best and I believe the most economical alternative is to have your current transmission rebuilt by a reputable shop or purchase a factory rebuilt transmission.

Dennis Waller

Foreign Auto Service

Check your trans. fluid level before doing anything else. If its low top it up to the correct level while hot and use the correct fluid for the car.

Also check the color of the fluid , it should be dark red , if its black and the top up solved the problem then have the trans. FLUSHED and completely refilled with new fluid and a new filter.

Be sure to specify that you want the trans. FLUSHED and not a simple fluid CHANGE when you speak to the mechanic , also have him check for a leaking seal .

I would like to emphasize:

Check your trans. fluid level before doing anything else. If its low top it up to the correct level while hot and use the correct fluid for the car.

Also check the color of the fluid , it should be dark red , if its black and the top up solved the problem then have the trans. FLUSHED and completely refilled with new fluid and a new filter. Also smell the fluid on the dipstick. If it smells burnt, get the thing flushed. It seems to me that with my old Honda (83) they recommended changing every 70,000 miles.

Be sure to specify that you want the trans. FLUSHED and not a simple fluid CHANGE when you speak to the mechanic , also have him check for a leaking seal .

Be SURE you use the proper fluid for the transmission. Using the wrong one can transform your transmission into a boat anchor. Been there... Done that.

Bill

I read that flushing these accord transmissions can result in a dead transmission after a few hundred miles/ks.

How? You are replacing all the old ATF with new. Unless the wrong ATF was used in the flush.

Bill