Odyssey Transmission

Looks like my case is similar to many others. We bought a used 2000 Odyssey a few years ago. Had no problems until around 100,000 miles when the engine light came on. A few days later the TCS light came on and my engine seemed like it wouldn't slip into gear. Immediately checked fluid levels and had our truck mechanic look at it.

Two days later took it into Honda. They came back with a code P0740 and said $4000 to replace transmission and motor mounts. Took it to our mechanic and he did the motor mounts. We decided that the problem wasn't too bad and we'd drive it until it got worth paying the money to replace the transmission.

Of course the problem got worse. I'd pull out of our road in the morning into traffic and the car wouldn't accelerate. When it did the same thing in the middle of an intersection and I couldn't go anywhere until it decided to shift into gear, safety became a bigger issue and we took it to our transmission guy who'd do it for a lot less than Honda.

So I started to read all of these postings as well as other websites and found what a mess this was. Then called the Honda dealer and asked them that if this was as big of a problem as it appears to be with this model, why did they not say anything when I first brought it in. It seems they were trying to cover up something. Only after getting a little persnickity did they offer to contact American Honda for me.

I don't know what will happen but if anyone has advice I'd appreciate it. If they'd cover 50% or if I had to pay labor only I could do it. Most members of my family have had Hondas, some have had multiples, and have never had a problem. This is our first non-American car and we've been pretty happy until now. I just think they're trying to cover up something.

I just purchased a used odyssey (171,000 miles) with a re-conditioned transmission at 161,000 miles. A local but reputable shop replaced the torque convertor and some other items and it cost the previous owner around $1300.00 and they termed it reconditioned and not re-built.

When I test drove it it seemed fine. I did noticed a hesitation and a clunk sound once. We took it to a mechanic (we bought the vehicle out of town and was referred to this mechanic) to check out and he could not duplicate the clunking hesitation sound. The tcs light came on and he said it may be a faulty sensor at one of the wheels. He gave it an ok and said the hesitation was probably due to it being cold. The clunking maybe a loose engine mount. The previous owner said he just bought a new battery before we bought it. 

Anyway we bought it and less than a week later my wife calls and says the thing had died and all these lights came on and before it died it revved up real high and would not go into gear. (Thank God she was in town and got a ride home from one of her friends) I then had it towed to a shop I trust and said screw the dealer. They pulled a code and it was the alternator!! I thought it was the tranny and was so relieved. They replaced the alternator and no tcs light coming on and it shifts normally. It has been 2 days and it seems to be running ok.

I was told the computer sends signals or elec impulses to the solenoids in the tranny at certain speeds and if there was not enough juice in the battery to run the cars other accessories the tranny would get wrong signals or none and that it would have the symptoms of the tranny slipping. In fact, the cylinders were not firing at full capacity and the req'd rpm was not there as well as the battery trying to support the energy the alternator usually provides and the whole system failed.

This doesn't mean that all is well with this tranny. I still know a re-conditioned odyssey tranny can fail. (Hopefully it will last at least another 50,000 miles).