Automatic Transmission In-Warranty Exchange Program (98-061)

Service Technician

1. With a completed Automatic Transmission Worksheet in hand, go to an iN workstation.
2. From the iN main menu, click on either PARTS  or SERVICE  .
3. Click on Remanufactured Parts. 
4. Click on AT/CVT Order. 
5. Enter the VIN of the vehicle you are working on, select the transmission type and then click on Search. 

   Click on Warranty Automatic Transmission Order  to bring up the Warranty Automatic Transmission Order form.

6. Use the completed Automatic Transmission Worksheet to help you answer the questions on the Warranty Automatic Transmission Order form. Questions with an asterisk are required fields that must be answered to submit this form. Make sure you include complete information (17-digit VIN, etc.). This information is critical to the remanufacturing process. If you return a failed A/T core without this form properly filled out, your warranty claim will be debited a service charge of $50.
7. Enter the name of the person who confirmed the customer complaint in the Customer Complaint field of the order form. This information is required in case the Remanufactured Parts Dealer Service Group needs to contact you.
8. When you complete the form, click on Submit  to send it.
   NOTE: Once you submit your order, you can track it using the Order Status Inquiry  screen on the iN. For details on how to do this, go to ATR PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .
9. Once the order is approved, a remanufactured transmission (with a torque converter if applicable) will be sent in a reusable container. Most transmissions are shipped DSO from your local parts center, but occasionally the transmission will need to be shipped from another location and may take a few extra days to arrive. Save the shipping container to return the failed transmission.
10. Remove the failed A/T:
    • Refer to the Automatic Transmission section of the appropriate service manual.
    • Select the model and year of the vehicle your are working on then enter in keyword TRAN REM  , and select A/T Removal  from the list.
    • Do not drain the ATF from the 9 and 10 speed automatic transmissions prior to removal, the transmission is to be shipped back with the remaining fluid. The replacement transmission will come filled with the proper ATF.
    • On all ZF 9 speed transmissions with an accessory external cooler, you must replace the complete accessory cooler with the transmission.
      NOTE: Failure to clean the ATF cooler, hoses, lines, and fittings, as described in S/B 89-022 , could cause damage to the remanufactured A/T.
11. All A/Ts with ATF coolers  : Do the CLEANING PROCEDURE  in S/B 89-022 , ATF Cooler Cleaner  .
12. Install the remanufactured A/T. Refer to the service information.
13. Replace the in-line ATF filter if the A/T currently has one installed.
14. On all transmissions (Excluding 9 speed A/T with external cooler and 10 speed A/T) check the fluid level on the remanufactured A/T. If necessary, top off with the specified Honda ATF.
15. Make sure the failed A/T core has all of its parts reassembled. Any failed A/T core that is returned disassembled is considered an unusable core, and your warranty claim will be debited a $1, 000 core loss charge.  Install the torque converter retaining strap and the hole plug on the failed A/T core.
16. Seal the paint strainer you used to check the ATF in a plastic bag (Excluding 9 speed A/T with external cooler and 10 speed A/T).
17. Fill out the Warranty Parts Identification Tag (Reorder Number E2021). Make sure you include complete information (17-digit VIN, etc.). This information is critical to the remanufacturing process.  Attach the tag to the failed A/T core.
18. Put the failed A/T core in the same shipping container that the remanufactured A/T came in. If you do not return the failed A/T core in this same shipping container, your warranty claim will be debited $200  .
19. The Warranty Automatic Transmission Order form you submitted is kept on the iN for 30 days  . To print a copy, do this:
    • From the iN main menu, click on SERVICE. 
    • Click on Transactions. 
    • Click on Advanced Search  , and enter a date range.
    • Click on Filtered by Service. 
    • Scroll down to the appropriate VIN, then click on it to bring up the form.
    • View the form, and print out a copy by clicking on the printer icon.
20. Print out a copy of the Core Return Update Acknowledgement:
    • From the iN main menu, click on PARTS. 
    • Click on Returns and Surplus. 
    • Click on A/T Core Return. 
    • Click on the appropriate VIN to bring up the Update Core Return Information  screen.
    • Enter the A/T core serial number, then click on Submit  to bring up the Core Return Update Acknowledgement.
    • View the form, and print out a copy by clicking on the printer icon.
21. Place a printed copy of the warranty Automatic Transmission Order form and the Core Return Update Acknowledgment in a packing envelope, then (except for 9 speed A/T with external cooler and 10 speed A/T) place the strainer in a separate plastic bag and put it in the packing envelope. Staple the packing envelope to the plastic bag on the core.

Parts Manager

Service Technician

1. Print out an Automatic Transmission Worksheet from SIS.
   • From the iN main menu, click on SERVICE. 
   • Click on SIS (Service Information System). 
   • Select the model and year of the vehicle.
   • Select Info Type. 
   • Select Job Aids. 
   • Click on Automatic Transmission Worksheet  , and then click on the printer icon.
2. Check the ATF level.
   • If the level is OK, go to step 3 (except 9 speed A/T with external cooler and 10 speed A/T).
   • If the level is low, add the specified Honda transmission fluid for the vehicle that you are working on, and test-drive the vehicle.
     • If the A/T works normally, find and fix the cause of the ATF leak. Go to step  10.
     • If the A/T still has a problem, go to step 3.
3. All transmissions (except 9 speed A/T with external cooler and 10 speed A/T), drain the ATF through a disposable paint strainer into a clean container. Look for contamination (small pieces of metal or friction material) in the strainer.
   NOTE: Do not throw away the used paint strainer. If you order a remanufactured A/T, you need to send back the used strainer with the failed A/T core.
   • If you find little or no contamination in the strainer, then the ATF is OK, even if it smells burnt, is discolored, and/or the magnetic drain plug has small chips, flakes, or metal fuzz on it. Refill the A/T with the specified Honda transmission fluid, and then go to step 4.
   • If you find a large amount of contamination in the strainer, do not replace solenoids or clear any DTCs; the problem will recur. Go to step  11.
   • If you are not sure of the contamination level in the strainer, drain the ATF from a known-good A/T through a clean strainer, and then compare the two fluids.
     • If the ATF from the failed A/T is similar to the ATF from the known-good A/T, refill both A/Ts with the specified Honda transmission fluid, and then go to step 4.
     • If the ATF from the failed A/T has a lot more contamination than the ATF from the known-good A/T, refill the known-good A/T with the specified Honda transmission fluid, and then go to step  11.
4. Make sure the symptom is not a normal characteristic of the vehicle. If possible, compare the vehicle to another one of the same model and year. Refer to these normal A/T operating characteristics to prevent torque converter or A/T replacement:
   • Quick downshifts.  The grade logic system compares memorized driving conditions with current conditions and shifts the A/T accordingly. When going down a hill, even a light touch of the brake pedal can cause the A/T to downshift to the next lower gear. Downshifting helps to slow the vehicle through engine braking.
   • Does not always shift through the full range of gears.  This can also be caused by the grade logic system keeping the A/T in its optimum gear for different driving conditions.
   • Mechanical noise when selecting a forward or reverse gear.  It is normal to hear a slight mechanical noise when moving the shift lever from one gear to another. This noise can sound abnormally loud if any of the windows are lowered and you are parked next to a wall or another vehicle.
   • Vehicle may not hold its position when stopped on an incline in gear (may roll backward when the brake pedal is released).  This can occur on most Honda vehicles not equipped with the brake hold feature. It is a result of the measures taken to improve fuel economy.
   • Late, hard shifts before the engine warms up.  By design, the A/T shifts later and a little harder when the engine is cold. It returns to smoother shifting when the engine warms up.
5. Even if the MIL is off, check the TCM/PCM for DTCs, and troubleshoot any that you find. Not all DTCs make the MIL come on, and electrical problems can cause the same symptoms as internal A/T problems.
   NOTE: A/T solenoid DTCs are electrical problems, not hydraulic. If you need to replace a solenoid, do not order a remanufactured A/T unless replacement would require A/T disassembly.
6. Make sure the MIL is off, then test-drive the vehicle to verify your customer's complaint. To make sure the complaint is not a normal characteristic of the vehicle, compare the vehicle to another of the same model and year, if possible.
7. Look for related diagnostic or repair information on the iN.
   • From the iN main menu, click on SERVICE. 
   • Click on Automatic Transmission. 
   • Click on Warranty A/T Order. 
   • Enter the model and year of the vehicle you are working on, and then click on Search  . The search results will display service bulletin, ServiceNews, service manual, and electrical troubleshooting manual information that may help you resolve the problem without replacing the A/T.
8. If applicable, check the adjustment of the A/T shift cable.
9. Do the road test, stall speed test, and oil pressure tests described in the appropriate service manual. Refer to S/B 95-046 , Automatic Transmission Oil Pressure Testing Tools  , for a list of the tools.
10. Check the transmission for leaks.

    Is the transmission leaking? 

    No -  Go to step  12. Yes -  Do the following:

    • Check all fittings, lines, and hoses. Then use a pressure washer with detergent to thoroughly clean the A/T. Do not use carburetor cleaner or plastic cleaner; they may cause the throttle cable O-ring to become brittle and break.
    • Check for leaks using the ATF Floresent Dye (See HSB 07-085 AFT Leak Detection) or Met-L-Chek D-70 Developer (available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program), and mark the leak point with a felt-tip pen and send a photo of the leak when you order a transmission.
    NOTE: Do not use Honda ATF Florescent Dye in any ZF 9 speed automatic transmission.
11. If you cannot fix the problem or you find the problem is inside the A/T, replace the A/T with a remanufactured one.
    • If the transmission is being replaced for leakage, the area of the leak must be sprayed with Met-L-Chek D-70 Developer and the leak point marked with a felt-tip pen.
    • For warranty repairs, go to IN-WARRANTY EXCHANGE .
    • For VSC and CUC repairs, call (800) 999-5901. 
    • For goodwill repairs, contact your dealership DPSM.
    NOTE: Make your diagnosis carefully. If you return a core that later shows NTF (no trouble found) on both a dynamometer and a teardown/inspection, your warranty claim will be debited a $1, 000  diagnostic charge. Your dealership will not be credited for the returned core, nor will the core be sent back; it becomes the property of American Honda.

    Service Advisor 

12. Let your customer know that your service department will be installing a Honda factory-remanufactured A/T and torque converter.