Help! Possible Transmission Problem

[normkol]

My daughter just came home with our 2005 Pilot. She said the engine is revving very high, like 5k, to get moving.

The tranny dipstick doesn't show any fluid.

Also, the radiator overflow resevoir is overflowing.

What would be the connection between the two? i know the tranny fluiid is cooled through the radiator, but the fluids never mix.

Any ideas?

[archie]

Help!!Transmission Issue Help!!!
Any trans fluid in the radiator or overflow? How many miles? See the link above.
"This just happened to ours. The internal radiator coolant and tranny passages corroded, allowing the coolant to mix with the tranny fluid. The pressure must be higher on the tranny side because it forced the tranny fluid out of the coolant overflow container."

[normkol]

Very interesting. The car has 79k on it.

I'm going to have it towed to the nearest Honda dealer, Madison Honda in NJ, tomorrow.

I just checked, the extended warranty expired 2/22/11.

Isn't that how it always happens?

[jl_ss]

Happened to ours also. Ours was not driven to the point of transmission slipping though and the tranny is fine. They need to flush the tranny and the block as well as replace the radiator and all associated fluids. Antifreeze is not good to have in a tranny, if it is slipping a lot, it may be too late. At 79K, you may have a good shot at Honda goodwilling a tranny if necessary.

[normkol]

I think the slipping is a function of lack of fluid. I'm hoping there is no permanent damage.

[mclairmo]

Originally Posted by normkol

I think the slipping is a function of lack of fluid. I'm hoping there is no permanent damage.

Correct. I have attempted to drive vehicles with no tranny fluid and that's exactly what happens. Engine revs up but no movement. Only way to tell if damage has been done is to flush the tranny, fill er up and give er a try. It may be fine. However, she certainly has decreased the life of the tranny a little by running it without fluid.

[normkol]

She drove less than 1/2 mile, so I'm being optimistic. I told her in the future, she needs to pull over ASAP is something like this happens.

The car is at the shop now. They wouldn't even attempt to contact Honda about the extended warranty, said it's expired and that's that.

If it needs a tranny, I'll contact them myself.

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by normkol

She drove less than 1/2 mile, so I'm being optimistic. I told her in the future, she needs to pull over ASAP is something like this happens.

The car is at the shop now. They wouldn't even attempt to contact Honda about the extended warranty, said it's expired and that's that.

If it needs a tranny, I'll contact them myself.

Don't ask them to use the extended warranty if it needs a tranny - the warranty company has no liability and will not pay. You need to ask the service manager to make an appt to speak with the local Honda District Parts and Service Manager (local honda rep) about getting it covered under goodwill to keep you as a customer. Ask nicely and politely and mention that you expect a Honda to last more than 79K miles given their excellent reliability reputation.

As mentioned, the only way that you will know if you have tranny damage is to repair and give it a try. The similar situations I have seen have resulted in needing a tranny if driven to the point where it will not move when the gas pedal is depressed. Ours never even slipped during the 1/4 miles driven after it happened.

[normkol]

I just heard from the shop. They want $945 to replace the radiator, and about $450 to do all the flushes. They think the transmission is ok.

This seems higher than other people have mentioned.

I gave them the ok to go ahead, what else could I do?

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by normkol

I just heard from the shop. They want $945 to replace the radiator, and about $450 to do all the flushes. They think the transmission is ok.

This seems higher than other people have mentioned.

I gave them the ok to go ahead, what else could I do?

I paid $550 for all that at a Honda dealer. Someone else I know with an MDX paid $950 total at an acura dealer. If you need a tranny, they should definately provide substantial reimbursement at those prices..........

[mclairmo]

The radiator R&R is a very labor intensive process but $950 seems steep to me. $450 for the flushes seems high, too. However, if the dealer is doing it, at least it is more likely to be done right and with Honda parts and fluids, which is a positive.

[normkol]

New development.

It went over 80 degrees here yesterday, so it was the first chance to run the a/c. Guess what? Only warm air.

The compressor is way down in the engine compartment, I can't see if the clutch is pulling in.

I just wonder, if in changing the radiator the mechanic dislodged or hit something in the a/c system.

At 500 miles they want to drain and fill the tranny and radiator. I'll have them check at that time.

[normkol]

Dealer checked the a/c and said it was empty of refrigerant. They did a leak test and couldn't find anything. They charged it and so far it is ok. I don't understand, neither do they. In a sealed system, how did all the gas leak out and there is no leak?

On the bright side, Honda has offered a goodwill adjustment of $841 towards the repairs. I should get the check next week.

[mclairmo]

Seal must have been broken. Sounds like someone loosened an A/C line to remove the radiator and then tightened it back up but failed to add refrigerant after the fact.

[normkol]

I agree, it had to be related to the radiator replacement. They just won't admit it. I would have had to pay anyway, but I would just like them to come clean.