Transmission problem

[mshuffler]

I changed the transmission fluid in my 2004 EX-L last weekend. I have done it before so no big deal....until my wife called Monday to tell me that the "D" light is flashing. Checked it out last night and figured that the 3.5 quarts of new fluid wasn't quite enough. So I added another .4-.5 quarts to the system. After that, the "D" light was flashing more frequently. On my dipstick, it is hard to determine the fluid level. So I go back to the dealer and pick up more fluid to change it again. This time I measured the exact amount that came out (no suprise it's 4 quarts). I put 3 quarts back in and drove around. No flashing light. Any thoughts?

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by mshuffler
I changed the transmission fluid in my 2004 EX-L last weekend. I have done it before so no big deal....until my wife called Monday to tell me that the "D" light is flashing. Checked it out last night and figured that the 3.5 quarts of new fluid wasn't quite enough. So I added another .4-.5 quarts to the system. After that, the "D" light was flashing more frequently. On my dipstick, it is hard to determine the fluid level. So I go back to the dealer and pick up more fluid to change it again. This time I measured the exact amount that came out (no suprise it's 4 quarts). I put 3 quarts back in and drove around. No flashing light. Any thoughts?

Sticking something.

[rocky]

Overfilled

[jestmaty]

Don't know for sure but I've done 4 tranny fluid changes in 4 years. Most recently as last week, before Ike kicked our butts.

I'm very particular, read "anal", about this job. I've always gotten about 3.5- 3.75 quarts out during the drain process. This last time, I got 4 FULL quarts and 24 oz more. That's 4.75 quarts.

I only had 4 1/4 quarts to put back in. It seems that it is reading in between the marks on the dipstick even though I measured accurately what came out and there is a difference.

I've had luck with disconnecting the battery for a while to see if it stops the flashing D. A lot of folks would disagree with this as it could keep a tech from reading the codes properly. But, I say, if it really is a problem, it'll reoccur soon enough.

edit: I've never had a flashing D, but a soft 're-boot' might be in order.

[mshuffler]

I was thinking that it might be overfilled. How can 3 quarts be adequate when the manual calls for 3.9?

[jestmaty]

Originally posted by mshuffler
I was thinking that it might be overfilled. How can 3 quarts be adequate when the manual calls for 3.9?

These stupid dipsticks are impossible to read

I just let mine sit overnight and take it out and replace it about 3 times b4 I try to get an accurate read. It deviates from the manual, but it works for me....

BTW, I recently had a pool heater installed by a professional pool company and when it was all done, he flipped the switch to turn on the pool pump.......... nothing

His work had 'ZERO' to do with the pool pump, but when it came time to fire 'er up, ANOTHER component ( the pump ) crapped out on me. Luckily the fix was about $15, but my point is that sometimes stuff just freaks out when messed with.

If/when I get a flashing D, I'm gonna disconnect the battery to see if it makes it 'go away'... Just drive gingerly until it reappears or not.

[mshuffler]

Here's an update. After changing the fluid again, I drove the Pilot for 15 minutes last night with no flashing light. Called the wife to check on it today and it has flashed again . If the light is flashing, is there a code that my mechanic can read? The dipstick on my car is impossible to read. It always looks like the fluid is past the full mark, but I'm pretty sure that it is not overfilled. I'm stumped.

[kramerd1506]

I understand that there IS a code that can be read to identify the cause of the flashing D. I would take it by your dealer or possibly plug up your own DOB II reader and see if it shows any codes. I'm not sure if the flashing D is identified through the ODB II or by some other method, though.

Autozones will scan your ODB II for free.

[archie]

...check on it today and it has flashed again . If the light is flashing, is there a code that my mechanic can read? The dipstick on my car is impossible to read.

Yes. Generic code readers can read some transmission codes but not all.
Good place to start. Your 2004 is out of the regular warranty by now.
Problem might not be related to drain and fill alone but may be coincidental.
Fyi: owners manual instructions how to check that hard to read dipstick.

Check with engine at normal operating temp.
Park level.
Shut engine.
Remove dipstick.
Wipe it.
Insert dipstick all the way.
Remove dipstick.

Fluid level should be between upper and lower marks.

2003 Honda Pilot Owner's Manual

[rocky]

Originally posted by mshuffler
I was thinking that it might be overfilled. How can 3 quarts be adequate when the manual calls for 3.9?

3.9 is likely the dry fill. Since the Torque Converter retains alot of fluid, the drain and refill never consumes as much. You usaally only get two thirds to three quarters of the fluid out at most. Some autos only let one third out.

Now I'm puzzled how you put in nearly 5 quarts on something that can only take 3.9.

Either you miscounted or you overfilled.

[youbetcha]

One quart cold ATF contains more fluid than one quart hot. I don't know how much it expands, though. If you took it out hot and put it in cold, it will look like you put less in than came out.

Just did an oil analysis on my ATF at about 25,000 miles, they said it was fine. Looked dirty to me, though!

[ctobio]

Originally posted by youbetcha

Just did an oil analysis on my ATF at about 25,000 miles, they said it was fine. Looked dirty to me, though!

I just sent a sample with 39,000 miles to Blackstone and it sure looks dirty to me, but we'll wait and see what the lab says. I haven't changed it yet- the MM hasn't come up with a transmission fluid change.

[mshuffler]

I took it to my mechanic this morning and it's the 4th gear pressure switch. It's coming tomorrow so hopefully I will be squared away.

Back to the reading of the dipstick, initially it fooled him too. With the car running, it looks like the fluid level is too high. Evidently there is a gear or something that splashes the fluid all over the bottom 2-3 inches of the dipstick.

Thanks to everyone that responded.

[archie]

Back to the reading of the dipstick, initially it fooled him too. With the car running, it looks like the fluid level is too high.

Should check with engine off.

3.9 is likely the dry fill. Since the Torque Converter retains alot of fluid, the drain and refill never consumes as much. You usaally only get two thirds to three quarters of the fluid out at most.

3.5 is about what you would expect to get out with a regular drain and fill. Not a dry fill on unused new AT. The torque converter could leak to get more out with an overnight drain.

[jestmaty]

How much to get the 4th gear pressure switch changed out??

I've been lucky with my '04 so far, even though I tow with it.

I was really surprised when I did a drain/refill a couple of weeks ago and got 4 3/4 quarts out of the tranny. Drove it around for a couple of miles, drained out hot on a level driveway.

Don't jack up the Pilot when I do a fluid change. Used a clean catch bucket that only had tranny fluid in it. Filled 4 empty Honda ATF quart bottles and 3/4 of another.

??????

Seems to be fine after driving around and checking after shutting the engine off for about 5 minutes.