What could be wrong with my newHonda Accord 2002

[morola]

Hello everyone. I just got a honda accord 2002 (a little less than 100k miles on it). Everything works fine but the only problem now is that I feel some jerk whenever I come to a stop (at the traffic red light). This is completely unpredictable as when it will happen. Sometimes it’s very severe and at other times, mild. Sometimes it doesn’t happen at all. I am seriously worried about this. I have taken it to a dealer’s service shop and a popular mechanic shop. They both gave 2 different diagnoses. I’m very hopeful for, and really would appreciate useful and insightful suggestions (that could be based on previous experiences) on what might be the cause of this. thanks a lot.

Topic

[Daniel]

Need a bit more details…any check engine lights? and what all have you done, or checked on it…what did the two shops say it was

[morola]

Thanks for responding. I do not see any engine or any other warning light in the dash. One of the shops said the transmission is bad and has to be replaced, the other said the brakes need to be replaced. I took it back to the dealer. The car was driven while I was in the car but this jerking never happened even when he came to several stops. Now, after returning from the dealer the jerk still happens whenever I come to a stop. I am a complete novice when it comes to dealing with cars and I don’t know what to believe now or what exactly the problem is. I am worried this anomaly might result in serious damage if not looked into early.

[EricTheCarGuy]

I suspect a transmission issue, especially if it’s a V6. If it’s not a V6, then perhaps theres some other problem. The transmissions during those years on the V6 models were known for problems. It’s not uncommon for them to fail, even for the second time. It’s important to note that you should only use Honda transmission fluid in those transmissions. Using other fluids can cause issues. You might try changing the fluid and then rechecking for the problem. If it goes away or changes in some way, you know that the transmission is the issue. If not, then look elsewhere for the cause of the problem.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[morola]

Thanks Eric. The car is a V4. I am suspecting transmission too but the transmission fluid seems ok. I took it to the mechanic today (specialized in transmissions). They didn’t have enough time to open up the transmission, but after test driving, they suspected that some of the valves might be stuck. They suggested adding a bottle of lubeguard to possibly free up those stuck valves so as to prevent the jerk when i come to stop. I’m not sure if this is a good idea, since you have consistently mentioned that Hondas are pretty sensitive to the quality of fluid used in the transmission and I keep wondering if the lubeguard might hurt the transmission more as an additive. Please advise. thanks.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Putting an additive in would be cheeper than replacing or rebuilding the transmission. If you’re facing that anyway, I don’t think it will matter. You can only gain if you think about it. I would also change the fluid at the same time you put the additive in. It might help.

Keep us posted.

[Bill]

Lubegaurd is an excellent product but not a rebuild in a can. I would change the fluid first before adding anything to it. Always use Honda fluid.

[morola]

Thanks. Will keep you posted.

[Author]

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