2005 odyssey torque converter problem

[master1printer]

I recently baught an 05 odyssey EXL with 110,000 on it. Everything checks out great but the locking torque converter seems to want to hang up at around 30 - 40 mph when slowly speeding up from cruising. Every once in a while it will shudder not wanting to disengage. If I give it a little more gas it comes right out of it and is fine again. This only happens when cruising at low speeds and being very easy on the gas trying to keep it on 3 cylynders. Is there anything I can do for this? Will a fluid change help it?

[jdmccright]

I don't know about your particular vehicle, but typically the torque converter (TC) doesn't lock-up until around 45 mph under light load and will usually stay locked until the speed drops below 42 mph.

It's always a good idea to change all the fluids in a car you just bought because you never know what the history has been. For your transmission, check your owner's manual for the recommended change intervals...use the severe condition to be safe. When checking/changing, do a quick visual and sniff test of the fluid. Is it still reddish or pinkish? Or more of a gray? Is it clear or opaque? Does it smell burned? I can't describe what fresh tranny fluid smells like...but fluid in a tranny that has been neglected will have a burned smell to it.

You could go one step further to "flush" out all the bad fluid by performing multiple tranny fluid changes...2x or 3x...in order to dilute and get rid of the bad fluid that is retained in the TC. DO NOT use a commercial transmission flush at a shop.

Find out the capacity of your transmission in the owner's manual and buy enough fluid for two or preferably three changes. Drain the old stuff, replace the filter (if equipped), and refill. Run for a few hundred miles, then drain/refill again (leave filter alone). Then repeat a third time if so desired or willing.

This may or may not cure the shuddering problem but is usually self-evident after the first fluid change.

If not, then I'd look at the throttle position sensor. There is a position (or more directly, a voltage) for fuel cut-off (FCO). If the sensor has become worn at that position during cruise, the voltage may be reading incorrectly, causing the shudder as the ECM is fighting between allowing fuel and opening/closing the TC circuit. Check the terminals for good contact and ground.

I know this is alot to start with but good luck!

[master1printer]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

I don't know about your particular vehicle, but typically the torque converter (TC) doesn't lock-up until around 45 mph under light load and will usually stay locked until the speed drops below 42 mph.

It's always a good idea to change all the fluids in a car you just bought because you never know what the history has been. For your transmission, check your owner's manual for the recommended change intervals...use the severe condition to be safe. When checking/changing, do a quick visual and sniff test of the fluid. Is it still reddish or pinkish? Or more of a gray? Is it clear or opaque? Does it smell burned? I can't describe what fresh tranny fluid smells like...but fluid in a tranny that has been neglected will have a burned smell to it.

You could go one step further to "flush" out all the bad fluid by performing multiple tranny fluid changes...2x or 3x...in order to dilute and get rid of the bad fluid that is retained in the TC. DO NOT use a commercial transmission flush at a shop.

Find out the capacity of your transmission in the owner's manual and buy enough fluid for two or preferably three changes. Drain the old stuff, replace the filter (if equipped), and refill. Run for a few hundred miles, then drain/refill again (leave filter alone). Then repeat a third time if so desired or willing.

This may or may not cure the shuddering problem but is usually self-evident after the first fluid change.

If not, then I'd look at the throttle position sensor. There is a position (or more directly, a voltage) for fuel cut-off (FCO). If the sensor has become worn at that position during cruise, the voltage may be reading incorrectly, causing the shudder as the ECM is fighting between allowing fuel and opening/closing the TC circuit. Check the terminals for good contact and ground.

I know this is alot to start with but good luck!

Thanks I will do the fluid and filter change. The fluid does smell a little burnt and the color is a little cloudier than new, and I will check the TPS sensor. I will buy the repair manuel to get the correct voltage readings and compare them.

[dra1]

Originally Posted by master1printer

Thanks I will do the fluid and filter change. The fluid does smell a little burnt and the color is a little cloudier than new, and I will check the TPS sensor. I will buy the repair manuel to get the correct voltage readings and compare them.

Honda just came out with a new software update and it seems to have fixed the problem on my 2005 Odyssey.