Automatic-Transaxle Tales: What is the ‘Right’ Repair?
When a 1998 Honda Accord rolled into my shop with a customer concern of “poor shifting,” I thought a moment before saying “Yes.” I began with a fluid check and a test drive, finding that the shifting was indeed “poor.” I followed the test drive with a thorough visual inspection above and below the vehicle (Figure 1), and I wondered just how many possible causes could exist for this shifting issue.
No-Reverse Complaint Presents Diagnostic Challenge
As I read about the operating strategy of the solenoids, I learned that the PCM commands solenoids A, B and E (Figure 1) when reverse gear is selected. Now I could see that solenoid E has an important role in reverse-gear engagement, and I was starting to think I had cleared at least one hurdle. If solenoid E is inoperable, oil will not be directed to engage reverse. I was now certain that I had found a common link to the problems that the owner experienced.
Finding the cause of Honda 740 codes
Many converter shops have reported having Honda converters returned to their shops because of 740 codes. In most instances, the remedy was to install a new OEM converter.
Replace Those Honda Stator Bearings with Something More Readily Available
Many late-model Honda converters have unique stator bearings. The caged-roller part of the bearing is like the bearing used in the JATCO RE4R01A converters. This part of the bearing is not unique. The outboard races of the stator bearings also are not unique. The impeller-side bearing runs against the flanged impeller hub, and the turbine-side bearing runs against the turbine hub. It is the bearing races on each side of the stator that are unique (see Figure 1).
Valve-Body ‘Kibbles & Bits’
In all the years of building transmissions, I think the worst thing that could happen is having the R&R guy, manager or owner come back after a road test and tell you, “It’s not working.” All of a sudden you get this knot-in-your-stomach feeling that makes you wish this were not really happening.
Gaining a Little Insight
A parallel hybrid vehicle allows the power from a gasoline engine and an electric motor to drive the vehicle independently or in conjunction with one another. The Toyota Prius has such a design as well as the Honda Insight and the Civic Hybrid. Although they are all parallel hybrids, there are differing operational strategies between Toyota and Honda.
Honda & Acura – the New Generation
This has now become a very frequent question on the tech line: “Hey, what are all these solenoids, and what in the world do they do?” The questions started in the 1997 model year, when the Honda Prelude came out with the M6HA transaxle. This was one of the first vehicles to receive this new-generation 4-speed. This article, I hope, will clear up some of the questions on shift strategy, clutch-pack applications and solenoid application. After all, how can you fix something if you don’t know how it works?
