Help is it a TRANS fluid problem or worse?

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Nov 21, 2025
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I am trying to figure out why my Honda CRV 2010, now with 123K miles growls and then loses power! I put on my hazard lights, turn OFF the engine and then wait for a minute to restart.
I had a new alternator put in, replaced the battery. Does the transmission have to relearn? The transmission fluid seems low, after I just checked it (warmed up car).
My mechanic added OIL to my engine since it was low recently. I have added TECHRON to my gas for cleaning up the gas/engine etc.
I think I need to have my transmission fluid flushed out, drained, pan dropped and a new filter.
 
Could the loss of power be caused by a CAT converter issue too? Engine light, CAT converter is at 80%. Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful.
 
How did you come to this conclusion?
I had the codes, and the Maryland emissions test machine said less than 80 %. Not that I believe that the setting for light is that high---but I am looking at using some Rislone to see if I can clear the signal, clean up the CAT. But I am more worried about the growl and loss of power. Is it a clogged CAT or a transmission acting up. Any ideas?
 
I had the codes, and the Maryland emissions test machine said less than 80 %. Not that I believe that the setting for light is that high---but I am looking at using some Rislone to see if I can clear the signal, clean up the CAT. But I am more worried about the growl and loss of power. Is it a clogged CAT or a transmission acting up. Any ideas?
My HONDA CRV 2010 has only 124K miles, but the transmission fluid has never been drained/flushed. I want to get new transmission fluid next week. Maybe Rislone can help the CAT. But getting a new Cat converter will cost more than my car may be worth. I have a new CARSHIELD policy, which may help, but I have a waiting period to use it. A new CAT and/or transmission is above my budget. ;)
 
No, I am a newbie to this blog, and happy to find it!!! But I am an engineer and understand my car as best as I can--it's not a nuclear power plant or complex system, but I want to keep my Honda CRV running well.
 
Is it a loss of power, as in the engine bogs down while you have the pedal pressed down, or is it a loss of motive power where the engine is running as normal and the car just isn't going anywhere.

Big difference between those two.
The car is running nicely and just starts the growl and power stops. Cut off the engine and wait for a minute or two, and then it runs ok. It is happening a few times now, and stopping in the middle of local driving less than 30 or 40 mph is scary!!!
 
Follow-up questions about my Honda CRV 2010, yesterday I asked questions, so:
1. I think my CRV 2010 has a K24 2.4 engine. How do I verify that?
2. Does the CRV 2010 engine consume lots of oil after 120K miles? I changed my oil at 120K miles. I have 123.6K miles now and the oil level dropped to less than1 quart! Mechanic added 3 quarts. I did not see any oil leak spots on my concrete garage floor. So, it was a mystery. I am checking my oil level weekly to be sure. Should I get an oil and filter change asap as a precaution? I do not want to wait until 5K miles!!
3. Would the oil loss CLOG the Cat Converter? I have a check engine light. Is it fouling or clogged? I got some RISLONE and will put it in after an oil change.
4. Replaced battery and alternator 3 weeks ago. Could that cause a transmission going into "learn" mode problem.
5. Again, my engine/transmission GROWLS and just stops during a quiet run unexpectedly. I will get a transmission fluid change and hopefully Transmission filter replacement. Any ideas WHY I have such a power loss. Timing belt?
6. I put in TECHRON Engine Complete, and it is running quietly, but the car just growls and stops while running at 1.5 - 2.0 K rpm. One person suggested getting a video. No, it is not happening in my driveway. It is happening while I drive!! Yikes. You cannot get a video when the ENGINE/transmission stalls out on the road. Yikes, again.
7, Has anyone had problems with the CRV 2010 Engine or Transmission? I do not see any threads where such discussions have gone on.
Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks in advance. Maddy
 
You are using some very awkward and unconventional terminology. Are you suggesting that your vehicle stalls, or is there something lost in translation?
It just stalls out, and makes a weird noise when it is stalling!!!
 
Astro12, so do you think it is an Engine problem and a clogged-up CAT converter? Thanks for your feedback. I will see if my mechanic will just add some transmission fluid to bring it up to the correct level, and have him work on the engine: oil and filter change, check the belts, etc. Thanks again
 
Is it a loss of power, as in the engine bogs down while you have the pedal pressed down, or is it a loss of motive power where the engine is running as normal and the car just isn't going anywhere.

Big difference between those two.
It happens when I am driving normally and then the car just looses power as it "growls". YIKES.
 
Start with the basics...
Does your car start and idle properly? Idel should not be erratic; is should be steady especially after warm up.
Are the engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant up to proper level?

Upon driving, is the power smooth and even, but then start to lose power?
When did you have the new alternator installed? Perhaps have the shop verify it is working properly. You can get a bad one, or oil leaks can damage it.

Do you have a check engine light on? If so, what are the codes?
Have you had your spark plugs replaced?
Do you have the maintenance history for your CR-V?

It is important to focus on a troubleshooting routine. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, I would find a good local mechanic shop and stick with them.

I doubt your catalytic converter is clogged at 123K miles, but a shop can verify.

And yes, you probably have the K24, which is generally considered a great engine. It uses a timing chain, not a belt.
Good luck.
 
So does it continue to do this just the same after being refilled with 3 quarts of oil or did anything change?
 
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