If you think you might have Honda CRV transmission problems, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you diagnose the issue so that you can proceed with confidence in your approach toward a fix.
Any Honda owner will tell you this is an expensive problem to repair, with the average cost of repairs hovering around $3,500.
Here are 14 signs of transmission problems with the Honda CRV:
- There’s no throttle response.
- The car has leaking or low transmission fluid.
- You hear humming, clunking, or whining noises.
- The car won’t go into gear.
- There are torque converter issues.
- There are valve body issues.
- The transmission is noisy while in neutral.
- The car won’t properly shift from third to fourth gear.
- The car goes into neutral while reversing.
- You notice a dragging clutch.
- You experience trouble codes.
- Your check engine light is on.
- The car often shakes or vibrates.
- There’s a burning smell in the car.
All these problems can cause a frustrating driving experience, and they can also be expensive to repair. This article will help you identify and fix some of these common transmission problems if you’re a Honda CRV driver.
1. There’s No Throttle Response
A lack of throttle response is one of the most common problems with Honda CRV automatic transmissions. If you press on the gas pedal, but your car doesn’t accelerate as quickly as it should, this could indicate that your transmission is having trouble shifting correctly.
If you suspect that your throttle response is lacking, you can do a few things to troubleshoot the issue.
First, check your transmission fluid levels and make sure they’re within the recommended range. You might also want to try changing the transmission filter if you haven’t done so recently.
If nothing seems to solve the issue, take your car in for a diagnostic check. The professional will check the entire system to see what’s causing the throttle response issue.
Read: Why Automatic Transmission Stuck in Gear?
2. The Car Has Leaking or Low Transmission Fluid
Leaking is another common problem with Honda CRV automatic transmissions. If you notice a red oily residue underneath your car, it could mean that there is a leak in your transmission fluid tank.
The color can also be dark brown or black if the lube is really old. Still, this leak can cause severe damage to the inside of your transmission, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible.
If you think you might have a leak, the best thing to do is take your car in for a checkup. A mechanic will have the right tools and skills to look for the leak and can help you get it fixed.
Read: Automatic Transmission Repair Cost
3. You Hear Humming, Clunking, or Whining Noises
You might also notice humming, clunking, and whining noises when your transmission starts to fail. These sounds can indicate various issues, including:
- Worn-out gears
- Low fluid levels
- A slipping clutch
If you start to hear any strange noises from your car’s transmission while driving, it’s important to get it checked as soon as possible. These sounds can indicate serious problems that, if left unchecked, could lead to a complete transmission failure.
4. The Car Won’t Go Into Gear
If your car is having trouble shifting gears, it could be a sign of a bigger problem with your transmission. This issue can be caused by:
- A failed transmission solenoid
- Low fluid levels
- Malfunctioning clutch plates
If your car has trouble going into gear, you should first check your transmission fluid and make sure it’s full. If that doesn’t solve the problem, take your car in for a diagnostic check.
Read: Automatic Transmission Warning Light. How To Troubleshoot?
5. There Are Torque Converter Issues
Another potential problem with your Honda CRV automatic transmission is torque converter failure. This can cause faulty shifting, slipping out of gear, and sudden stoppage. You might also see leaked transmission fluid under the car.
If you suspect that your torque converter might be causing problems with your transmission, it’s important to get a diagnostic check done immediately. A mechanic will be able to tell what the issue is and can help you get it fixed before it leads to bigger problems.
6. There Are Valve Body Issues
A malfunctioning valve body is another problem that commonly affects Honda CRV automatic transmissions. The valve body controls how fast or slow the transmission shifts gears. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause problems, including jerky shifting, fluid leaks, and even failure to get into gear.
If you think your valve body might be causing problems with your transmission, take your car in for a diagnostic check. A mechanic will be able to tell for sure if there is a problem and can help you get it fixed before it leads to more significant issues.
Read: Automatic Transmission Have Grinding Noise When Put in Gear. How To Fix?
7. The Transmission Is Noisy While in Neutral
If you notice that your transmission is making noise while in neutral, it’s likely due to low fluid, incorrect fluid use, or worn-down bearings and gears. Do not leave with the car once you notice this problem, or you could end up damaging the entire transmission for not doing something simple like topping up the fluid.
The best way to deal with this problem is to have your automatic transmission serviced as soon as possible. A technician will get your vehicle back up and running safely and smoothly if it’s a fluid issue. If it’s the gears, you might have to get a new transmission that will cost you a pretty penny.
8. The Car Won’t Properly Shift From Third to Fourth Gear
If your transmission is not properly shifting from third to fourth gear, it’s likely due to damaged throttle cables. A defective line can cause issues with shifting, especially if it has excessive slack.
If you notice this problem, you may need to take your car in to a mechanic and have the cable inspected and replaced if necessary. You can also DIY this replacement pretty easily.
9. The Car Goes Into Neutral When Reversing
Many Honda CRV automatic transmissions go into neutral when reversing. A range of different issues, including damaged cables or misaligned linkages, can cause this. Some shift cables are adjustable, so you can watch a few Youtube videos and do it yourself.
However, if you have never attempted DIY car repair, the best thing to do is take it in for a diagnostic check and let an experienced mechanic take a look.
Read: Why Does An Automatic Transmission Have High RPM Before Shifting?
10. You Notice A Dragging Clutch
A dragging clutch is another common problem that can lead to trouble with your Honda CRV automatic transmission. If the clutch plate is not working correctly, it might not disengage from the engine when shifting gears, leading to a dragging clutch.
If this happens, it’s important to take your car in for a transmission service right away. The mechanic will inspect the clutch plate and replace it to get your vehicle running smoothly again.
Read: Honda Civic vs. Accord
11. You Experience Trouble Codes
If you’re experiencing trouble codes on your Honda CRV automatic transmission, it’s likely due to a problem with the valve body, which is the part that controls how fast or slow your transmission shifts gears. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause problems with how your car shifts gears, resulting in different trouble codes.
The most common trouble codes associated with a valve body problem include:
- P2707
- P0829
- P0783
If you’re experiencing trouble codes on your transmission, it’s best to take your car in for a diagnostic check as soon as possible. A mechanic will be able to determine what the issue is and help you get it fixed to avoid expensive problems later.
12. Your Check Engine Light Is On
If the check engine light on your Honda CRV automatic transmission is on, it’s a sign that something might be wrong. Some common issues that can cause this light to turn on include a faulty oxygen sensor, problems with the catalytic converter, and issues with the transmission itself.
No matter what the issue is, it’s important to have your car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. They will be able to determine what’s causing the check engine light and help you get it fixed before it leads to expensive problems down the road.
13. The Car Often Shakes or Vibrates
If your car is vibrating intensely, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the transmission. This could be caused by a problem with the torque converter, the clutch, or even the engine itself.
This issue is common among many different types of vehicles, so it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as you notice it.
14. There’s a Burning Smell in the Car
If you notice a burning smell coming from your car, it’s likely due to an issue with your transmission. This might be caused by a problem with the clutch or even overheated transmission fluid.
Don’t make the mistake of ignoring this issue, as it could lead to further damage to your car’s transmission. An overheated transmission can lead to a slipping clutch, your seals hardening, and inevitable failure.
Plus, as I mentioned before, a CRV transmission can be expensive to replace, so it’s best to get any issues with it checked out before it is too late.
