[2009 Honda Accord 4 cylinders] Transmission shudder at low RPM (2nd gear)

[dgvu89]

Do (1) more (at least). We bought a '12 Civic for one of our kids and after having it for a week or two, discovered that at a very specific RPM, in a certain gear, and certain throttle application, it would shudder. In my case, (1) D&F improved it 90% but seeing the Carfax and that a Valvoline Instant Oil Change had done a transmission service, I know they wouldn't have used DW-1 and we had a bunch of DW-1 from the infamous Amazon screw-up a couple years ago, I did a 2nd D&F (it only uses 2-1/2 quarts each time anyway). Knock on wood - all's good since.

Yeah, I had 4 D&F in 15k miles, the latest one with DW-1 doesn't make any difference, normally it should make some difference. So I doubt that's an ATF problem.
I have a scanner that can track the solenoids pressure. I will need to learn how to read those to see if there's any problem.

 

[wlk]

Just did 1. I don't think it's the mounts because it happens intermittently.

Id really consider the shudder fixx and maybe do at least 1 more with DW-1.

 

[meep]

I’m not sure if lubegaurd platinum is listed as a dex VI converter for later model Hondas or not. 20 years ago, lubegaurd Black was excellent with a dexron 3 fluid in a Honda trans. Dex 3 was thicker and would shift horribly hard, but LG black was like magic, and the vehicle was notably quieter with the thicker fluid.

In this case it doesn’t sound like the fluid per se is the problem. Lube guard has some good additives in it for shudder - and keep in mind it gets diluted at every drain/fill.

Are you still under the Carmax warranty? If so, I’d take it right back and ask for help. If not, fluids and additives are good to try. Avoid Lucas. IMO, it’s lubegaurd or go home.

Also, Honda oem and amsoil are the two best experiences I’ve had in Honda transmissions. I’ve not fooled with one this side of 2010.

 

[meep]

Error

 

[Hall]

I’m not sure if lubegaurd platinum is listed as a dex VI converter for later model Hondas or not.

In '09, Honda may have still been transitioning from Z-1 to DW-1 and according to Lubegard's compatibility chart, an Accord used Z-1 until 2010. Lubegard also says you can use their products with DW-1 too.

 

[meep]

In '09, Honda may have still been transitioning from Z-1 to DW-1 and according to Lubegard's compatibility chart, an Accord used Z-1 until 2010. Lubegard also says you can use their products with DW-1 too.

Awesome. So read which version of lubegaurd does what. red is a basic universal conditioner. Shudder guard targets friction characteristics. Black is a converter from Dexron to other (Honda use, maybe others). Platinum … I can’t recall. Point being, with the dexron in yours, LG black may have been the proper one to try. Of course, now it’s hard to know what’s in there since there’s a mix of stuff. No harm nor foul - this can be acceptable troubleshooting.

If it were me, I’d first be calling Carmax if it’s still under warranty. If not, I’d do 3 drain fills to a Honda fluid or amsoil (just because I trust both in Hondas), and then if the shudder persists try a half dose of lubegaurd and see what that changes. Add more if needed.

I would also check the big mamma-jamma hydraulic engine mount(s)! Honda puts some serious design into their mounts, oem only. One of them is several hundred dollars, may be electrically actuated, and could affect sensations of shuddering.

Another wild thing to check would be to scan for stored misfire information, a coil pack or plug could be bogging at lower rpm, higher torque situations.