After driving my wife’s Honda Odyssey several times last week, I noticed that the transmission was beginning to clunk into gear. This especially happened when putting the van into reverse. Hmmm… The previous owner had the transmission rebuilt a few miles back so I figured it was in need of a tranny flush or drain/refill. The only problem was that I only found the time to do it while on a mini-vacation in Sandusky, Ohio.
Thankfully, the good folks at Victory Honda of Sandusky were open and had a slot open to do the work while there. When I pulled up to the service drive, the garage door automatically opened for me. And as soon as I got out of the van, Johnny, the service writer greeted me. After showing me the color of various fluids, I chose to do the transmission fluid drain/refill. The price was right and I thought it would be the place to start.
When I told Johnny about the transmission already being rebuilt, he told me that Honda doesn’t recommend a rebuild. At their dealership, they only replace transmissions. Note that I already knew that Honda Odysseys have had problems with transmissions. But that should come as no surprise with the reputation of minivans in general. Our Chrysler Town & Country minivans both had tranny problems. So, why not Honda, too?
By the way, guess where I’m writing this article? Victory Honda has a computer setup for Complimentary Internet Access for customers. I also noted the “How did we do today?” signs from Cars.com. If you have ever been in my office, you will know that I have a stack of those ready for my customers. I tried to fill one out but after writing a raving review of the dealership the form asked me to check a box saying I did not work for any dealership. So, I guess this article will have to do, eh?
Update: The drain/refill took care of the clunk in reverse.