honda accord gearbox

Gearbox failure with the Honda Accord is a widespread problem in models made from the early 2000s. The 2003 Honda Accord appears to be the worst year for gearbox failure.

Many of the gearbox failure complaints are caused by the torque converter failing - the engine will rev up but the car won't shift into gear or move. In some reports, the torque converter burned up the gearbox fluid which ruined the gearbox.

Currently there is no recall for the gearbox defect, because it is not a safety issue (according to the NHTSA). So far, a class action lawsuit has not been filed.

Cars are getting ever more complicated and sophisticated, which is great until the gearbox goes wrong! If your Accord gearbox has gone we're ready to deal with almost anything, is your gearbox broken?

How to Change Automatic Gearbox Fluid in a Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is popular mid-size car produced since 1976 by the Japanese automaker. Regular maintenance is essential on any car, including the reliable Accord. This includes replacing your gearbox fluid every 90,000 miles or every 72 months, whichever comes first. Honda recommends you use to use only genuine Honda ATF-Z1 fluid, using any other fluid will break your gearbox. Gearbox repairs are very expensive.

Drive the accord for 15 to 20 minutes to bring the car to a normal operating temperature. Raise the vehicle with ramps or a floor jack. Support it securely with jack stands.

Place a large drain pan on the ground beneath the gearbox. Find the drain plug on the bottom of the gearbox and remove it with a ratchet.

Allow the fluid to drain out until it stops. Install the drain plug with a new washer. In Honda Accords from 1990 to 2000, tighten the drain plug to 36 foot pounds with a torque wrench. In Accords from 1984 to 1989, tighten the plug to 29 foot pounds.

Refill the gearbox only genuine Honda ATF-Z1 fluid. Measure the amount of fluid that drained from the gearbox and put the same amount of new fluid into the gearbox using a funnel. Take care not to overfill the gearbox, as this can cause damage.

Return the Accord to level ground. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a minute or two. Move the gear selector through all the gears, ending in the "Park" position.

Check the automatic gearbox fluid level. Add enough fluid to bring the level to 1/8 inch below the "Add" mark on the dipstick.

Let the engine run for 15 to 20 minutes to allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Check the fluid level again. The fluid level should be within the "Hot" range on the dipstick. If it isn't, add fluid as needed. If the fluid level is correct, replace the dipstick and close the hood.

Method for cleaning an Accord gearbox

A method of cleaning the gearbox system of a vehicle includes the steps of starting an engine of the vehicle and bringing it to normal operating temperature. A predetermined amount of a gearbox cleaner is charged into the gearbox and the vehicle is driven for a predetermined distance. The gears are changed at preselected times while driving so that all gears of the gearbox are used equally. The engine is then shut down and gearbox fluid is purged from the gearbox fluid pan by submerging a trailing end of a first hose into the gearbox fluid. A leading end of the first hose is connected into fluid communication with an inlet of a remote charging tank and an outlet of the remote charging tank is connected through a switch to a source of negative pressure. The switch is set to cause the gearbox fluid to flow into a gearbox fluid waste tank disposed between the outlet and the source of negative pressure. The trailing end of the first hose is then removed from the gearbox fluid pan and a gearbox cooling line is disconnected from a preselected port of the radiator. The trailing end of the first hose is placed into fluid communication with the gearbox cooling line at the preselected port while maintaining the leading end of the first hose in fluid communication with the inlet of the remote charging tank. Gearbox fluid is vacuumed from the gearbox cooling line and the gearbox cooling line is reattached so that all gearbox fluid is removed from the gearbox cooling lines and most of the gearbox fluid is removed from the torque converter.