Overhaulin'

Automotive Question I have a 98 honda accord transmission problem?

I have a 98 Honda Accord 4cyl V-tec Automatic Ex 4 door sedan only 118,000 miles. I love my car and take EXCELLENT care of it, however on my way to work I experienced some technical difficulty, so I took my car around the street to a mechanic and he is telling me that all my cylinoids tested fine, but that my transmission was still having problems because it keeps slipping gears. How did I go from just needing a transmission flush that weekend to needing a whole new transmission? 1.) Should I keep my car and pay the $2300 it would cost to have it reapaired and enjoy my car for a very long time? OR 2.) Should I fix my car as cheap as I can by buying a used tranny somewhere else and then pay for labor (Roughly $1200-$1500) and then sell my car for as much as possible, and then put $$ down towards leasing a new car?? ANYONE HAVE AN OPINION?? because I really don't know what to do I am hella upset I love my car and Hate all my options..

Public Comments

1. 2300? Wow.....their rates must be alot higher than mine!!! I would NEVER have a transmission flush. From everything I've seen, it has NEVER helped, and on more than 1 occassion, turned out just like yours. Where are you located?
2. People will never learn. A transmission flush usually causes more damage than good. This procedure causes particles to break loose and the new high detergent fluid will actually wash away the material that is keeping your transmission functioning. Honda's also require a special Honda fluid because of the special friction modifiers in the oil. Most places do not put the correct fluid back in especially on a flush. That's why some franchise places advertise and push a power purge/transmission flush because they can almost guarantee your transmission will go out and they can sell you a $3000.00 rebuild a month later. An average cost to rebuild a Honda transmission with installation is about $1895.00. Well worth it on a Honda that is in good condition. Stay away from franchised transmission shops and find a good independent shop to service your vehicle.
3. yeah sounds like you need a new tranny. but if the shop that flushed it was responsible for the slipping then i think you should get them to pay for it. go to the shop where the tranny was flushed at and tell them what its doing and tell them that it wasnt like that before they flushed it for you. if they refuse to pay for it go ahead and put the new tranny in and take their ass to court. most likely you will get your 2300 back for the new tranny after the judge hears the story. thats what i would do that way you can have your cake and eat it too. (have your car and have it fixed for nothing) Good luck and watch out for people trying to take advantage of women.
4. I would try adding a friction modifier first, then see what happens or just do a drain and fill, means pulling drain plug at the bottom of the transmission and adding (3)three quarts of HONDA fluid. Should fix your problem. Make sure you get the friction modifier for Honda fluid.