Hello guys, honda fit 2009 in Montreal with 250 000km. Recently the automatic transmission has started having intermittent problems. Sometimes it shifts "like a dream". Sometimes the change from 1st to 2nd gives a big shock, and the 5th never engages. Then I'll let the car sit for an hour or so. When I start it back everything is normal. Any idea? Thanks

 

Fluid fluid fluid fluid fluid, at least for a start. verify level, if level is fine consider a fluid change, if the symptoms persist after a fluid change we'll get the book out

 

Oh thanks for the reply. I did a fluid change less than 6 months ago, the level and the color is fine!

 

Should I do a fluid flush this time?

 

My local mechanic says there's a transmission filter to be changed. He says at Honda they don't change the filter when draining the transmission fluid because they do a sh!t job.

 

Oh he just called me back and said he checked and there's no filter to be changed. Well let's hope this solves my problem then.

 

There should be a filter. But it is a big pain to get to.
I don't think it's common to change it. The filter is for big pieces of metal and shavings. The silt that can float in suspension has to be able to pass through that, otherwise, it'd clog quickly.

 

per my experience fluid level is the most important thing, mainly because if you can't resolve a transmission issue with fluid it has to come out and get repaired or replaced.

What's the vehicle service and accident history?
Also, do you have anything goofy plugged into your OBD port?

 

There is a filter. Here is a post with photos:

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...on-filter.html

 

Nothing plugged in the OBD port. No accident. I've been following the service timetable from Honda as good as I can.
I've recently had to change a sensor, a small hose for the coolant, and repair the exhaust system. That's the biggest bill I ever got for this car: CAN$ 1200.

 

I'll boot up the manual tomorrow then. It's uploaded here as well I believe. Didn't mean to be presumptuous regarding the fluid there. Per my limited experience it's accounted for every fault and solved those of a number of others, so it's the go-to!
From my past readings a rough shift (between two specific gears*) if consistent aught to point to something called a synchro, but since our fault is intermittent I'd think it hydraulic or, I suspect electronic.

Out of curiosity, what caused need for your exhaust repair? Was it rust?

 

The need for exhaust repair was rust indeed.
Yesterday my transmission oil was changed. This morning everything seems fine. I'll report back if the problem reappears. Thank you guys