As an owner of the Honda CRV, you would love the several H5 transmission variants that the car comes equipped with. However, the car has its own problems with transmission solenoid.
This component of your Honda CRV controls the transmission fluid flow. As a result, the vehicle gets adequate energy to retain a particular speed.
While driving a Honda CRV, you can change gears due to the pressure of fluids on the clutches. However, the transmission solenoid might malfunction for several reasons.
Once it starts malfunctioning, you would notice the automatic transmission functioning oddly. So, let’s discuss the common symptoms that might lead to problems in the transmission solenoid.
Honda CRV transmission solenoid symptoms
Issues with the transmission solenoid in your Honda CRV can lead to several issues like improper shifting of transmission, engine stalling, poor gas mileage, or poor running.
There would be a specific cause behind each kind of problem. Here are some of the symptoms that you might notice due to a malfunctioning transmission solenoid.
1. Your Honda CRV might get stuck on a particular gear
The Honda CRV has got an automatic transmission system. It largely depends on hydraulic systems for the shifting of gears. In these situations, the function of the transmission solenoid is that of a clutch.
So, when it starts malfunctioning, you would find issues with shifting. Normally, drivers find shifting to the second gear from the first one challenging.
Besides, you might encounter difficulties when you shift to the first gear from the second or the fourth gear from the third. It almost becomes impossible to shift reverse gears.
Sometimes, you might notice the gears sticking to the neutral mode. Besides, the Honda CRV would keep revving when you try to downshift it. In a nutshell, poor transmission solenoid in the car leads to failure in gear shifting.
As a symptom of this problem, you would notice the skipping of a gear in the gearbox. Besides, the solenoids might remain stuck in an opened or closed position. You would find to reverse shift the gear under these situations. Since the solenoid gets stuck, it hinders the fluid transmission.
2. Engine in limp mode
As your Honda CRV starts encountering transmission issues, you would notice the engine light flashing. The car’s computer would get a non-pre-programmed signal.
This would activate the secondary programming that doesn’t let the program sustain further damage. Eventually, you would find the car’s engine going to the limp mode, where the car would find itself stuck in the third gear.
This happens after it automatically sifts from the second one. Rather than running properly, you would notice your car limping. Until you get the issue addressed, the engine would operate in a ‘failsafe’ mode.
3. Delay in shifting
Cars with automatic transmission significantly depend on electric signals. These signals are used for the regulation of transmission fluids. Therefore, one can use the fluid pressure for gear shifting.
The solenoid might get stuck due to a low power supply and dirty transmission fluid. This would prevent the gear from engaging on time. So, you would notice that the gear would respond slowly. In these situations, the gear would go to the neutral mode.
4. Engine stalling or dying
You might find it challenging to stall your Honda CRV in case the engine is cold. This can occur due to many other problems as well. Among these, you have the transmission solenoid problem.
Remember, if you have a poor transmission fluid quality, it would make shifting or gears difficult. So, make sure that you use a clean transmission fluid. Once you do, you would notice the issue gradually subsiding.
What happens when a transmission solenoid goes out?
When the transmission solenoid in your Honda CRV goes out, you would get a slipping or pulling sense when you shift gears.
When you slow down the car, it will refuse to downshift. A problem in the solenoid valve would not let the car downshift. You would notice the engine revving when you apply the brake in these cases.
The transmission of your Honda CRV would be in neutral mode. The solenoid would fail to receive proper signals. It would not operate so that the transmission shifts.
Even when the gears shift, it would be erratic or rough. This would cause shaking or rocking of the car when you shift the gears, slow down, or accelerate.
You would notice the engine light flashing. This implies that the electrical system has found an issue with the system.
Will a bad transmission solenoid throw a code?
In case your Honda CRV car has a bad transmission solenoid, you would notice an error code. On your dashboard, you would find the P0700 code appearing. This implies that the car has a transmission solenoid issue. You need to get the problem diagnosed after evaluating the symptoms.
What to do if you have a bad transmission solenoid?
If your Honda CRV has a bad transmission solenoid, you must observe the A and B valves closely. These valves lie at the root of troubles in most cases.
Now replace these valves and use a voltmeter to inspect them first. The resistance would be 12 Ohm and 5 Ohm, respectively. Besides, you need to get the transmission fluid replaced.
Also, it would be necessary to take the pressure switch out. Simply clean it thoroughly and reinstall the component. In case the bad transmission solenoid issue keeps bothering you, proceed to the next part.
Call a certified mechanic who would unbolt the area after lifting your car to inspect the transmission system visually. Next, the professional would take out the faulty solenoid.
Now, if you find the problem persisting, it would be wise to get a new transmission for your Honda CRV. You might go for a remanufactured or used component in good condition to lower your expenses. Alternatively, you might also think of building a transmission for your car.
Remember, transmission issues in your Honda CRV might also occur in case the control module is faulty. A short in the wiring harness can also trigger similar issues. Problems in the shift solenoid or a faulty valve body might also lead to these problems.
Conclusion
Now that you know the symptoms of transmission solenoid issues in your Honda CRV, you might wonder about the associated costs. In certain cases, replacing a singular solenoid would solve the issue. However, in some cases, your car might need an entire pack of solenoids.
In general, it would take two to four hours to replace the solenoids. The cost would range between $60 to $100 per hour. So, replacing the component would require you to shell out anything between $150 to $400.
For a single pack of solenoids, you need $50 to $300. A single solenoid for transmission might cost anything between $15 and $100. For the total work, the labor expenses would be between $500 and $1200.
If you get a used transmission, you would need $800 to $1000, depending on the aftermarket offering. If you decide to rebuild one, it would cost you $1100 to $ 2800.
Now, you can get a complete estimate of the expenses.
