OK....need some advice/help.

I bought a 2002 Honda Accord in May of this year. It just now has 65K on it and the tranny is beginning to slip a bit when I first begin to drive it for the day. After it warms up, it shifts just fine. However, when it warms up it also begins to leak around the transaxles.

I've been told, as well as researched myself, that this is a known Honda problem. I've also seen everything from a free replacement to a $5000 bill.

1) Any advice on how to deal with the service dept/manager if they try to hit me with $$$$$$?

2) Anyone know where on the tranny for a 2002 Accord (4 cyl) the identification plate is? I'm hoping that I may be able to find that the tranny is a leftover from 2001 and should still be covered byt he 7yr/100k warranty.

And to think I bought this car for it's 'reliability'

 

Buy a used tranny off ebay or a junkyard and have a mechanic put it in.

edit: it also sounds like you bought a car that had already had a tranny replacement. Fluid will not leak out of an original tranny.

 

You should be covered by the warranty, talk to the dealer, unless they can show abuse it shouldn't be an issue.

 

I thought the 02's were not suposed to have the tranny problem. I thought Honda had a fixed the problem by that model year. Was'nt it the berring carrier that was prematurly breaking appart? Also, its unusuall to have a 4-cylinder with a bad tranny.

I have a 02 EX-L I-4 with 107k and it still shifts fine(knock on wood).

 

2002's are not covered under the warranty. If you bought it certified used, it should be covered. Also, w/ 65k under the belt, did you check the service records? The tranny fluid should have been drained and re-filled at 60k w/ genuine honda fluid.

 

Honda has long life tranny fluid. they recommend changing the tranny fluid at 120k. I think this started with the 01 model year.

 

Just got off the phone with the dealership. The tranny is shot and needs replacement! How much? $4020!

I called Honda American and they have built a case and are sending it for review for possible 'Goodwill' assistance. They mentioned that it is not guaranteed however.

I'm still pissed......2002 vehicle with 65K on it and the tranny shells.....WTF? What really gets me is this vehicle was manufactured in April 2002. I know damn well the tranny is a leftover on the shelf from the 2001's. Also irritates me that this is a known problem, the tranny failed in the exact same manner, yet they're saying it's not covered!

OK...I'm expecting the worst! If they call back and offer me 25-50% assistance, what suggestions do any of you have? Pretty much anything short of 75% assistance I'm going to fight.

Talk about being jaded.......this will probably be my last Honda if they don't take care of it to my satisfaction.

 

Quick tech note: a transaxle is a front wheel drive transmission, a combination of a transmission and differential into one case.

As for your problem, you have a very good chance of getting it "good will" warrantied by Honda.

The only thing against you is that you are not the original owner. If the previous owner had the ATF replaced with non-Honda ATF, you risk instant denial. Its hard to prove, but it can happen.

 

4000 to replace a transmission? bullcrap. shouldn't cost you over 2k. what mechanic did you take this thing to?

 

to my local Honda dealership. Sheehy Honda in Alexandria, VA.