Transmission Failing ('03 Pilot)

[hemi_fan]

Our pilot has a failing transmission. The check engine light comes on indicating failing 4th gear and the drive 'D' flashes sometimes. We took it in to the dealership and they said it's going to need a new tranny soon. Got quotes of $6100 for a new unit and $3200 for a rebuilt one.

Does anybody have experience with rebuilt transmissions? They come with a warranty but we would hate to have to pay the labour more than once to have it replaced.

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by hemi_fan

Our pilot has a failing transmission. The check engine light comes on indicating failing 4th gear and the drive 'D' flashes sometimes. We took it in to the dealership and they said it's going to need a new tranny soon. Got quotes of $6100 for a new unit and $3200 for a rebuilt one.

Does anybody have experience with rebuilt transmissions? They come with a warranty but we would hate to have to pay the labour more than once to have it replaced.

Sorry to hear that. Those prices seem high. A new unit is really a remanufactured unit from Honda. It is "remanufactured" to factory specs. It is typically in the $4,500 ballpark installed. A rebuild at a local transmission shop is generally in the $2,500 ballpark according to those who have posted here.

Edit: I just noticed that you are in CA, the prices I gave are US.

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by hemi_fan

Our pilot has a failing transmission. The check engine light comes on indicating failing 4th gear and the drive 'D' flashes sometimes. We took it in to the dealership and they said it's going to need a new tranny soon. Got quotes of $6100 for a new unit and $3200 for a rebuilt one.

Does anybody have experience with rebuilt transmissions? They come with a warranty but we would hate to have to pay the labour more than once to have it replaced.

EXACTLY what code did it give and what are the symptoms?

A lot of people have had failing 4th gear sensors that is a minor job.

[hemi_fan]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

EXACTLY what code did it give and what are the symptoms?

A lot of people have had failing 4th gear sensors that is a minor job.

I'm not 100% sure but I'll try to find out. My dad is the one who took the truck in to get checked out but he was complaining that the transmission was slipping so I think its actually starting to go.

[rocky]

Originally Posted by hemi_fan

I'm not 100% sure but I'll try to find out. My dad is the one who took the truck in to get checked out but he was complaining that the transmission was slipping so I think its actually starting to go.

Slipping is a classic sign that the clutch pad material has worn out.

In that instance, its time for a new tranny (or car) depending on what you preferences are.

[harley909]

hemi_fan
Try looking at Lecavalier autowreckers in Quebec. (Pièces Automobiles Lecavalier - Lecavalier Auto Parts) as they have a few 03/04/05 Pilots for parts. (low mileage). I think they were asking about $375 for a transmission which had up up to a 1 year warranty.
I see their "parts" search on the website is down today for maintenance...but I know they have them.

[cofetym]

Great price and warranty if you can do the installation yourself. Only downside is, if you don't have the skills and there is an issue you'll have to pay twice on a replacement.

[hemi_fan]

Thats not a bad price at all. Have any of you done a transmission on one of these in a home garage before? I've got a mustang I work on a fair bit including pulling the engine/transmission with no problems but its older and much simpler so I'm weary about pulling this one apart.

Driving to Quebec to get it could be an issue though, the gas cost might negate the savings. I'll see if there's any more local junkyards with transmissions available.

[harley909]

It may only cost $50 to ship it to you from Quebec to Ontario.
Worth looking into it I suppose.
Nothing wrong with getting a Trans shop to install it either.
Be a lot cheaper than $6100 or even $3200 in the end.
I think they had some with 90k or 117k on them, last I checked

[cofetym]

Might I suggest picking up a shop manual. Seeing as you have wrenched before, you might be a able to do this job yourself.

[cofetym]

Honda Parts at HondaPartsDeals.com: Honda Accessory, Honda Car Parts, Honda Auto Parts, Honda Accord Parts

Below is the pdf that shows the shop manual prices. Call the above to purchase.

http://www.hondapartsdeals.com/image...ce_Manuals.pdf


$20 for a shop manual this is an awesome deal.

[mclairmo]

Used is the way to go since it has never been cracked open. Rebuilt is often junk because the rebuilders have no clue. Used part places will also often replace your trans for cheap since they pull these things out everyday and can do it in their sleep. I would ask the place if they do installation, too. Just get a warranty, if possible, so that if it blows in the first year, they will replace it for free.