1997 Honda Prelude transmission slips when hot?

Answer 1

If the transmission is a manual, then perhaps the pressure plate (rebuilt is ok) was not changed when the clutch was installed (mistake). THE FOLLOWING IS FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. When the Transmission Fluid gets hot, it becomes, "thinner", which affects the pressure characteristics of the fluid. As transmission fluid is used, it gets hot and then cools. This repeats every time the vehicle is used. That hot/cold process causes atmospheric moisture to condense out into the fluid. So water begins to build up and the fluid "wears out". So, CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. DO NOT GET THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED. DO NOT GET A TRANSMISSION "FLUSH" JOB. The flush process claims that it removes more of the fluid in the transmission (true) but it also can cause problems due to the chemicals and "hot" temperatures they use. Some parts in the transmission are damaged by this process and the transmission falls apart. This happened to me and I found a bunch of needle bearings in the transmission pan because the "cage" that held the bearings was made of a high endurance plastic. That plastic can withstand the high temperature and pressure normally found in the transmission, BUT not the flush chemicals used to clean the tranny. If you already gave it a flush, sell the car NOW! If you don't sell it, it's going to be at least $2000 to fix it. It's going to cost $500 just to tear it down and analyze it. And if you're into it that far, that's the time to change your first and reverse gears as well as ALL the synchronizers (synchros). If you already changed the fluid, and it is still slipping, you can change the fluid again and that may help. If not, then you'll have to take it to a transmission shop that specializes in transmissions. Sometimes, they may find the problem is ELECTRONIC due to a failure of the electrical solenoids used to operate the transmission. If they determine that, the cost is cheap compared to what it costs to a rebuild. Be sure you go to at least 3 different shops if they tell you it must be rebuilt to verify they're telling the truth. As a side note, be sure you go to your local Auto Zone and use their free analyzer for your vehicle's computer. Write down any codes that appear and check them in your manual or online. Codes can be stored for your review even if the dashboard light does not come on. A bit more information if it is a manual transmission. One cause of slipping when hot is if the clutch free play is not correctly adjusted. Insufficient free play will allow the clutch to slip when changing gears, and it gets worse as you drive farther (warm up). The adjustment is by adjusting the lock nut on the clutch master cylinder rod where it comes through the firewall above the accelerator (on my 88 prelude).