Giving Honda and Acura Transmissions a New Lease on Life
By Geoff Sperring
Automakers are under pressure to improve fuel efficiency and to achieve this they continually improve designs in an attempt to reduce fuel consumption year by year. However, sometimes they go too far, creating unforeseen problems. Honda Accord, Odyssey, Civic, CR-V, Prelude, Acura TL, and CL automatic transmissions built between 1999 and 2010 suffer excessive failures as a result of these changes
Where Honda Went Wrong
Honda reduced the size and capacity of the transmission oil pump. This seemingly innocuous change, along with other detailed changes to the design of the transmission is a major contributory factor for frequent transmission failures on vehicles built during this period.
The oil pump has insufficient reserve capacity, so when wear occurs, oil flow is insufficient, causing an oil pressure drop.
Consequences of Low Oil Pressure
This is disastrous as the correct oil pressure is required to engage the clutch packs for each gear as well as the lock-up torque converter.
A consequence of poor engagement is that slippage occurs, clutches overheat, and the transmission oil gets too hot and deteriorates.
The oil becomes contaminated with particles from the damaged clutches and slowly but surely components like the pressure regulating valve and the clutch pressure control valves start to stick, causing further slippage; failure of the transmission becomes only a matter of time.
Remanufacture
At this point the only solution for Honda Accord, Odyssey, Civic, CR-V, Prelude, Acura TL and CL transmissions is a complete strip down; experience has shown that a transmission flush rarely works.
The important issue is that the underlying problems with these transmissions need to be sorted out. That is why it is important to use a shop like Willow Creek Transmissions that specializes in remanufacturing Honda transmissions.
Some of the steps taken during the Willow Creek Transmissions remanufacture process include:
Thorough Clean
This may seem obvious, but not all shops do this. Every single component is removed and every part thoroughly cleaned.
Modified Converter Charge Regulated Pressure Regulator Valve
Many problems start with this valve as it can block oil flow to the converter and lubrication circuit. Willow Creek use a modified valve that allows fluid flow under all conditions without affecting normal oil flow.
Uprated Clutch Pressure Control Valve Springs
The OEM springs often fail, causing these valves to jam; the springs are replaced with stronger ones.
Modifications to Second Gear
Many transmissions were fitted with an oil jet kit to overcome overheating of second gear. This solution affects oil flow to the rest of the box and a more effective solution is the installation of special thrust washers and the removal of the oil jet kit.
Heavy-Duty Torque Convertor
All transmissions are fitted with a heavy-duty torque converter with improved heat-resistant clutch linings.
New Third Gear Clutch Pack
The third gear clutch pack frequently fails and higher specification clutch packs are fitted to all gears.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Willow Creek Transmissions re-engineer Honda and Acura transmissions, rectifying the original OEM faults. They rebuild transmissions to the highest standards and offer a two-year unlimited mileage warranty.