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The Best Honda Transmission Service in Lowell

by Mechanics Direct October 16, 2019

Hondas are reliable cars with a long lifespan, especially when they’re regularly brought in for the necessary, ongoing auto care and routine maintenance. Although many Honda models can and do run for 200,000 miles or more, all Honda owners should be vigilant about their transmissions. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, there have been many reports of transmission issues in various models, including the Accord, Civic, and Odyssey. In this article, we’ll go over early signs of transmission failure, what makes you should keep an eye on, and how you can make sure your Honda is in tip-top shape for all the miles to come.

What Transmission Failure Means for You

Just because your car is running doesn’t mean everything’s okay. Hondas with automatic transmissions have a well-documented history of issues. At the first sign of an issue, contact a trusted mechanic to get your engine checked. The longer you wait, the more issues will arise. Any problems with your transmission will have a domino effect on the rest of your car, causing mounting consequences and costs. Honda owners with transmission issues end up paying an average of over $2000 in repairs, so it’s something you want to take care of the moment you’re aware there’s a problem. So let’s talk about common signs of transmission failure you should keep an eye out for.

Honda models manufactured between 1999 and 2003 are notoriously prone to transmission failure. If you bought a Honda made during that time, new or used, it’s worth taking your car in to get the transmission checked, especially if you bought your Honda second-hand. Ask your trusted local automotive shop, like Mechanic’s Direct to take a look at the transmission. They can check to see if your model was one of those affected by the 2011 recall.

Common Early Signs of Transmission Failure

Check the Dashboard

Provided everything else is functioning properly, the first place to look is your dashboard. If there is an issue with the transmission, the D4 icon on the gauge assembly should light up. This is the easiest way to know that it’s time to take your car in.

Fluid Leaks

Fluid leaks are a cause for concern no matter what kind of car you’re driving. Transmission fluid is what keeps the gears in your car working smoothly. If there’s a leak, the insufficient fluid levels will cause the gears to grind together meaning premature wear and a shorter lifespan for your transmission.

Delayed Acceleration

If your engine is warm, smooth acceleration should be clean and powerful. If you notice any sort of lag in acceleration in your Honda, this may be a sign that your transmission isn’t able operating properly and you should take it in for a professional opinion.

Mileage Maintenance Milestones

Noticing transmission issues is helpful when it happens, but at that point, it’s still a problem to fix. The better option is preventative maintenance. So when should you bring it in and what sort of mileage milestones should you be watching out for?

  • A Honda with a well-maintained transmission can run up to 200,000 miles.
  • Unlike other models, Honda’s don’t have a transmission fluid filter, meaning you need to change the transmission fluid itself. Get the transmission fluid changed as often as advised in your owner’s manual. Generally, every 30,000 miles is a safe benchmark. If you decide to check your transmission fluid yourself, make sure that the engine is off, otherwise, you can get an improper reading or even damage the transmission in the process.
  • You can only change about 65% of the transmission fluid at a time because some of it remains in the engine. Make sure to account for this when discussing maintenance with your trusted Mechanic’s Direct specialist.

If you’re located in North Chelmsford, Chelmsford, Drycut, Tyngsborough, Westford, and Lowell communities in Massachusetts areas, you’re in luck. Mechanics Direct is family-owned and operated for the past 23 years and offers a 36,000 mile/3 year nationwide guarantee, meaning you’re covered until the next time you need to take your transmission in for a check. We are professional, honest, and reliable. We will give you peace of mind every 30,000 miles and all the moments in between.