2006 Honda Pilot EX-L Transmission problem

[tuanngnt]

I bought this pilot in 2006 as a brand new and now I have problem with my transmission at 44,000 miles. I did change the oil at 30,000 miles. The problems is when the gear is in "D" or "D3", it hardly run; but it can run when it is in "2". This is unbelievable because my old 95 honda accord transmission can run fine with 150,000 miles. I brought to the dealer; he said that it might be the computer problem controlling transmission because the gear "2" can perform. He said that bring it back next week for them to check it out through computer diagnostic for the cost of $99.

He said that he has never seen this problem before because normally when the transmission fails, all its gears will not be functional or will not run.

Anybody here expert on this?

Thanks

[rocky]

That's wierd. Almost as if it's in limp home mode? Have you checked the voltage etc of the battery and alternator? A freebie check at your local auto store might be worth it.
In 1 & 2 will it rev all the way through the rev range? Is the tranny fluid level correct?

[tuanngnt]

In 1 & 2, it is ok and runs almost like normal. I hear engine noise alot when in 1 & 2; but it did run fine. In D, it is barely run.

If transmission breaks, all gears should not work right?

[tuanngnt]

I did buy the fluid again to reinstall to see whether it makes any differrent or not. I hope it does because it is pain for me to cheap out money to fix this problem when the tranny worked only 44,000 miles.

[rocky]

Pls answer questions especially voltages when you can.

What tranny fluid did you use when you changed it? Does it meet Honda Specs? If not you need to flush out the bad stuff asap.

I'm a fan of changing tranny fluid when a tranny goes a little strange.

Any codes?

Did you touch the third and 4th gear switches accidentally when changing the fluid?

[tuanngnt]

I bought the automatic fluid at honda dealer. There is no code becuase the D light is not blinking at all; it acts normal. Oh by the way, last time when I changed the transmission fluid at 30,000 miles: First, I overfilled it; then I drained out to the same sealed empty pan oil that I used for Motor; then I filled the pilot with transmission oil back. There might be a little bit of motor oil mixed with 4 quart of transmission oil. May be that caused the problem; but I ran fine. By the way, today the dealder checked that the transmission oil smells burning.

How do you flush the transmissio oil to remove any residue?

[tuanngnt]

I just install the new transmission oil with 3.5 qt...I tested out by running for a while. I noticed that it is a little better than last time. I can run in the "D" now and look like the first gear or second gear is hard to engage. When the first gear or second gear is engaged, it gave me a hitch like when you run with manual transmission. It should be smooth engagement; but I don't know why it did that. It acted similiar like manual transmission when gear is engaged.

anybody has any idea? I don't know what to do next? I guess that I have to bring to dealer for $100 computer diagnostic.

[rocky]

Run it for a few days with the new fluid. See if it improves as the fluid circulates and any residual gunk settle down.

[tuanngnt]

I run for awhile now. When it is in D, it can run; but it is hard to start to run. It seems like it is too heavy to run. When it is in R, it runs like when it is brand new. No wonder it burns gas like water when it is in D. When I put it in 1 & 2, it runs a little better. Definitely something wrong in the transmission. Why there is no code or blinking D. I don't want to spend $100 for computer diagnostic; but I guess I have to.

[tuanngnt]

Originally Posted by rocky

Pls answer questions especially voltages when you can.

What tranny fluid did you use when you changed it? Does it meet Honda Specs? If not you need to flush out the bad stuff asap.

I'm a fan of changing tranny fluid when a tranny goes a little strange.

Any codes?

Did you touch the third and 4th gear switches accidentally when changing the fluid?

I used ATF Honda Automatic fluid. by the way, I did not think that I touch any thrid and 4th gear switches accidentally. Where is it located?
May be thrid and 4th switch that make my car like this.

I have not detect any voltage at all.

No code because no blinking D.

[tuanngnt]

Originally Posted by rocky

Run it for a few days with the new fluid. See if it improves as the fluid circulates and any residual gunk settle down.

Rocky, now I got Malfunction Indicator Light on and the blinking D; so what do I need to do next?

This is not good at all and another thing, it is running really rough now in the first gear because when I start to run with D, it is shaking the car.

[rocky]

Not encouraging. flashing shift indicator

Will think about this some more. Have plenty of time today with Irene visiting

[tuanngnt]

I got code from Autozone and it is "P0746 - Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Valve A Stuck Off". Is this serious? Here is what I got from web when google for more info on this code for Honda Pilot:

P0746 - Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Valve A Stuck Off

Symptoms:
- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
- Transmission shift shock

Possible causes:
- Faulty line pressure solenoid valve
- Line pressure solenoid valve harness or connectors
- Line pressure solenoid valve circuit is open or shorted
- Low transmission fluid level
- Dirty transmission fluid

Tech notes:
When the a transmission solenoid is stuck off, in most cases the problem is not the electrical part of the solenoid; the problem is foreign material obstructing the mechanical function of the solenoid or the flow of the fluid through the transmission valve body. If the transmission fluid is very dirty, it is recommend changing the transmission fluid and if possible removing the transmission pan for further diagnosis. Excessive debris or metal particles on the transmission pan could be an indication that there is a transmission mechanical failure and that the transmission will need to be rebuilt or replaced.

When is the code detected?
The gear required by the Engine Control Module (ECM) does not match the actual gear when driving

P0746 HONDA Description:
The line pressure solenoid valve regulates the oil pump discharge pressure to suit the driving condition in response to a signal sent from the Transmission Control Module (TCM).

[tuanngnt]

What do I need to do next? Please help me, I don't want to replace this tranny for the cost of $4000. My car is out of warranty and currently it has about 44,000 miles on it. It is 2006. By the way, no wonder the car performance is really bad.

[jl_ss]

A 2006 with 44k? Bring it to Honda for diagnosis and ask for full reimbursement. Since you bought it new, they will likely cover it under goodwill as long as you can show that the tranny fluid was changed at the intervals required.