Your 3rd gear clutch pack is disintegrating. This’ll cause a problem with the 2-3 or 4-3 shift once in a while. If you remove the drain bolt for the ATF, you’ll probably see clutch material stuck to the magnetic end of the bolt. This stuff can clog up passages within the tranny, especially the filter screens underneath the AT Clutch Pressure Control Solenoids. You can pop these open (after removing a few bolts) and clean out the filter screens, or at least your step-brother can.
This situation eventually shows up in all 2002-2004 Odysseys. 99-01 Odys had a different tranny problem. I’m trying to prolong the life of my '02 Ody transmission. I recently added a Tru-Cool transmission oil cooler. I’ve cleaned out my solenoids, added an in-line Magnefine filter. There is a spin-on filter that you can change on these Odys. I’ve also changed out a couple pressure switches. I’m going to try Amsoil ATF.
The consensus seems to be that the extra ATF cooler is helpful. The only true fix is very expensive, replacing or rebuilding the tranny. Even the rebuilt ones don’t last.
When it reved really high, was it trying to shift into 3rd? Or was it downshifting from 5 to 4, or 5 to 3? These Odys will do that on a steep hill or going into a strong head wind. On the highway, I wouldn’t worry too much about taking it out of town since you won’t be using 3rd gear much. Higher ATF temps probably result in it acting up more, hence the ATF cooler. Does it seem to act up more if the tranny fluid gets really hot? Over time, you’ll probably notice that these slips happen more often, but I doubt it’ll leave you stranded on the side of the road. At least that’s what I expect from our Ody.
The CEL code was probably P0730. Hey Transman, any advice for my '02 Ody? Amsoil ATF?
Yeah P0730 is the code. The problem we had last time we went to NC was after driving awhile on cruise control the car would go nuts and start bucking. I talked to by brother in law and he said he can rebuild the trans for $1500. Also it revs up high when its trying to go from 2nd to 3rd.
$1,500 is pretty cheap for a rebuild on this tranny. Have him add an extra ATF cooler while he’s at it, mine was only about $50.
I understand the slipping and revving while shifting into 3rd gear. I don’t really understand why it would go nuts and start bucking in cruise control at highway speeds. Transman618 would know better, maybe this has something to do with the torque converter going bad too. I’ve heard these torque converters aren’t the most durable.
I wish I knew somebody that would rebuild my Ody tranny for $1,500. Anybody near Mpls, MN that would do this?
I will just add that Honda has a new ATF that is backward compatible with all Honda transmissions. It helps with cars that have problems shifting when cold. I’m not saying it will cure your problem, but you should at least make sure brother in law uses this new fluid.
joshud, $1500 is cheap for those transmissions but it can be done. Especially if the builder is a relative. I dont know how experienced your brother in law is with these transmissions but just a word of advice on the Honda’s. Tell him to,1. make sure he uses Honda clutches only. 2. Make sure you check the shaft bushings for wear. Replace if there is ANY wear. 3. Make sure you replace the linear solenoids and clean the screens in the feed tubes. 4. ALWAYS replace the converter. 5. Refill with HONDA fluid only. 6. MAKE SURE you flush the cooler because these transmissions are famous for converter failure resulting in trash in the cooler reducing the flow and causing overheating conditions.
Last but not least. After its together and in, take it on the road to test. Do not jack up the front end and run it with the wheels in the air, you will never get past 2nd gear. You CANNOT garage shift a Honda.
Thanks for the help everyone. He said he does an Odyssey about once every few weeks so he has some experience. Ill try to remember to give an update once its done
You certainly don’t want to be stuck far from home with a dead transmission. Our first Odyssey (2001) blew its transmission in less than 2 years. Honda paid for that completely. That car was totaled by a full size Ford Bronco @ 45+mph with an uninsured cell phone talker behind the wheel. We came out completely unscratched!
Needless to say we replaced it with another Odyssey. That one blew its transmission without warming at 112k last September. $4000 later we have a new transmission, no help from Honda :(. The Odyssey is hard on transmissions, steering and hard on brakes. I replace the pads about twice as often as my other cars and just replaced the rotors which I’ve never had to do with any of the previous cars I’ve owned. But the Odyssey is safe and I’m glad it is the family car.
I agree that you’ll save a ton of money by going independent so long as they are trusted and experienced with Odyssey transmissions.