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

[dgvu89]

I have a 2009 Honda Accord LX-P with 124k miles, and I've been experiencing the minor vibration in the mid range of 2nd gear issues described in the title. I recently performed a transmission fluid D&F, it's the 3rd change within the last 12k miles. The fluid quality looked good.
The 1st D&F Valvoline Dexron VI by Carmax.
The 2nd D&F Valvoline Dexron VI by me.
This time, I used Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF(3qt) & added a bottle of Lubegard Platinum(10oz for the 6.9qt transmission). I’ve driven about 50 miles since the fluid change, but the shudder is still there—no noticeable improvement yet.
Would love to hear about suggestions!

 

[RF Overlord]

A. I don't think you're supposed to use Dex 6 in a Honda.

B. Are you sure it's transmission shudder and not a misfire?

 

[dgvu89]

A. I don't think you're supposed to use Dex 6 in a Honda.

B. Are you sure it's transmission shudder and not a misfire?

A. Carmax used it, so I guess it should be fine at that time. It was fine actually for nearly 10k miles.
B. It vibrates in the mid-range of 2nd gear. I'm not sure if it's called shudder but I think it's from transmission. I replaced a new set of Ignition coils & Spark plugs recently too. At the red line, it vibrates a little too.

 

[Hall]

I'll repeat what I told you elsewhere: Do multiple drain and refills with Honda DW-1. Don't try and cheap out with Idemitsu Type H or Aisin DW-1 either. Only real, Honda DW-1 fluid.

 

[Dino01]

Look up the 3x3 Honda drain and fill procedure, and as stated use oem dw-1, Hondas can be a little picky.

Don’t get it from chinazon or fleabay either, I’ve been burned with counterfeit even when “sold by amazon.”

That gen v6 can have motor mount issues that can mimic shudders, although on the 2.4 I don’t think it’s a thing, still may be worth investigating though

 

[RF Overlord]

"Carmax used it..."

I wouldn't exactly call that a ringing endorsement. Used car dealers aren't known for being experts in proper vehicle maintenance.

Check the CV joints/axles/wheel bearings, too.

 

[joekingcorvette]

Back when Mobil 1 had an automatic transmission fluid available for Honda's I used it on one drain and fill. The car would bang when I put it in gear. I was on a Honda forum shortly thereafter and a reader told me to get it out ASAP. He said only use the correct Honda ATF fluid. I changed it out a few times and the problem went away. It is very important to use the correct fluid and my Civic shifts perfectly.

 

[joekingcorvette]

If the correct ATF doesn't help I would install new plugs and coils. It's fairly inexpensive and easy.

 

[Hall]

I wouldn't exactly call that a ringing endorsement. Used car dealers aren't known for being experts in proper vehicle maintenance.

I'm sure what Carmax did was fine other than they will use a universal or multi-vehicle fluid. I know people swear up and down that they run Valvoline, Idemitsu, etc ATF in their Hondas for 200k miles but if a Honda transmission is acting funny, the safe thing is replace it with DW-1.

 

[dgvu89]

"Carmax used it..."

I wouldn't exactly call that a ringing endorsement. Used car dealers aren't known for being experts in proper vehicle maintenance.

Check the CV joints/axles/wheel bearings, too.

The check engine light was on this afternoon after a failed start, maybe a failing oxygen sensor. My ODB2 scanner is on the way. I hope this is consequences of the engine issue.

 

[Marcozi]

I'd get the transmission control module scanned, too. An obd2scanner won't read the transmission control module.

 

[dgvu89]

If the correct ATF doesn't help I would install new plugs and coils. It's fairly inexpensive and easy.

It replaced them with NGK set already since I'm been tuning the car recent months.

 

[dgvu89]

I'd get the transmission control module scanned, too. An obd2scanner won't read the transmission control module.

So I guess the BlueDrive I order can't scan that. Is there any inexpensive scanner that can scan that?

 

[dgvu89]

I'm sure what Carmax did was fine other than they will use a universal or multi-vehicle fluid. I know people swear up and down that they run Valvoline, Idemitsu, etc ATF in their Hondas for 200k miles but if a Honda transmission is acting funny, the safe thing is replace it with DW-1.

It's completely true, I was overconfident about using aftermarket ATF fluid.

 

[dgvu89]

Back when Mobil 1 had an automatic transmission fluid available for Honda's I used it on one drain and fill. The car would bang when I put it in gear. I was on a Honda forum shortly thereafter and a reader told me to get it out ASAP. He said only use the correct Honda ATF fluid. I changed it out a few times and the problem went away. It is very important to use the correct fluid and my Civic shifts perfectly.

I just read some reviews referring to the issues with quality aftermarket ATF fluids on Hondas on Amazon.

 

[RF Overlord]

Although I'm reasonably sure the Idemitsu and Aisin flavours would be fine, unless there's a significant cost or availability benefit just use the Honda Genuine DW-1.

 

[dgvu89]

Although I'm reasonably sure the Idemitsu and Aisin flavours would be fine, unless there's a significant cost or availability benefit just use the Honda Genuine DW-1.

Update: Made the D&F last week. Honda DW-1 doesn't fix my vibration issue. Just feel no different than Valvoline.

 

[wlk]

Update: Made the D&F last week. Honda DW-1 doesn't fix my vibration issue. Just feel no different than Valvoline.

Did you do 3x's or 1? If 1 do the 3. Add a tube or 2 of Lubegard Shudder Fixx on the last fill and give it about a 1k miles. Also did you replace the motor mounts?

 

[dgvu89]

Did you do 3x's or 1? If 1 do the 3. Add a tube or 2 of Lubegard Shudder Fixx on the last fill and give it about a 1k miles. Also did you replace the motor mounts?

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

 

[Hall]

Just did 1.

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.