2004 Safety Recall: Automatic Transmission Second Gear Inspection

[VT_Piloteer]

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

What is the reason for this notice?
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2002-04 Odysseys and 2003-04 Pilots. Certain operating conditions can result in heat buildup in the transmission second gear set and may lead to gear tooth chipping. In very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up, and a crash could occur without warning.

What should you do?
Call any authorized Honda dealer and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. For vehicles with less than 15,000 miles, the dealer will install an oil jet kit to provide additional lubrication to the gears. For vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the affected gear for heat discoloration, which indicates possible damage. If heat discoloration exists, the dealer will replace the transmission. If heat discoloration is not found, the dealer will install an oil jet kit.

MY ENGINE HAS OVER 100,000 MILES SO NO WARRANTY WILL COVER THE REPAIR.

My Question: The previous owner of my pilot did put in the Oil Jet Kit in 2005. However, I can feel the 2nd gear slip a little around 30 mph / 1500 rpm. I am aware that it may not be the best idea not to put in a new transmission for $3,500, but I just dont have that kind of cash laying around. WILL I HAVE MORE PROBLEMS IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE? WILL I HAVE MORE PROBLEMS TO TEND TO IF I DONT REPLACE IT, BECAUSE THAT IS THE ONLY TRUE WAY TO FIX IT SINCE THE OIL JET KIT HAS ALREADY BEEN FIXED.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

[N_Jay]

The recall had nothing to do with slipping.

[rocky]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

The recall had nothing to do with slipping.

Correct. Slipping indicates its worn out. Only a rebuild or replacement will solve that.

[94eg!]

Perhaps start by replacing your fluid. Buy a case of ATF from Honda (~$88 for 12qts) and change it out 3 times in a row whiile driving a while between each change (all gears and varying upshifts & downshifts). This is the only way to get most of the old fluid out.

If this doesn't help, then look into selling the car or getting a new or used transmission.

[samc]

First of all don't be that ******* that types in a different color with caps. Second in your post you said 03-04. You own an 05, thought that would have been an obvious one. As far as I knew there wasn't a problem with '05 trannys. Granted the 2005s are now old enough to start producing some high miles but again haven't heard of a problem with their trannys.

As stated by everyone a slipping tranny is a result of worn parts such as the bands or gears in the tranny itself. And yes only a rebuild will fix that. Another source could be low or old tranny fluid. If you haven't changed it in a while then I suggest you do that with oem fluid. The 3x fluid flush suggested above by 94eg is a good idea.

If you still have slipping then start saving money and learn not to type in caps.