My automatic transmission Fit has about 144k miles and occasionally makes a strange noise when it either shifts from 1st to 2nd gear or 2nd to 3rd gear. I haven't figured out which gear change it is when it makes the noise. If it was more predictable when it does it, I would know.

The noise sounds kind of like a grinding noise and only happens for a split second. It seems to happen when I am driving lightly on the gas.

I had talked to a person I met who works for a transmission shop and he said Honda is very secretive about their computer codes so my best bet would be to take it to the dealer and have them perform a system update.

Has anyone else experienced grinding noises like this?

What are your thoughts?

 

Michigan = rust
144k
raspy noise at certain RPMs

My guess is: exhaust or catalytic converter heat shields rusting apart and vibrating.

WWSWD? (What Would Stevie Wonder Do?)

 

That would be great if it was just rust. I'm thinking of taking it to the dealer to see what their thoughts are about running an update on the computer codes.

 

It would make a lot of sense to just slide under the car and see where the noise comes from while someone sits inside and makes the noise happen. Then fix it if it's easy.

We aren't really supposed to do that unless directed specifically by service information or a service bulletin, but some will do it anyway. (I did not see any relevant bulletins about engine or transmission software updates for an 09)

Don't expect it to be free. We still have to hook up our equipment to the car just to check, even if there is no update available.


And a software update can't fix a rattle noise, if that's your real issue.

 

esone, I appreciate your honest feedback. Sounds like you work at a Honda dealer?

I really appreciate your time in checking for the updates!

If I find the problem I will let you know.

 

I clean toilets at a Honda dealership
I only looked in general bulletins for engine and transmission. Sometimes updates are available without obvious documentation though.

Software updates in our cars are usually intended to address very specific problems, they aren't something to be done on a regular basis like your PC/laptop/phone. (Microsoft "Patch Tuesday" is not how this works LOL)

In some cases a software update can cause more problems than you started with. That wouldn't necessarily happen with your car, but it can happen: If software was written to work with an updated replacement part but that part was not actually installed, that's going to be a problem......and our software updates can't be backdated to an earlier version.

 

In case anyone was curious, I have the problem solved! It was as easy as changing the transmission fluid. I drained and refilled the fluid 3 times with approx 150 miles between changes.

After the first change, the transmission has not made the sound since.

 

Good to know you solved the noise problem.
Did you use ATF-Z1 or ATF-DW1?

 

Im sure I'll stir some criticism here but I used Valvoline MaxLife. https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/automatic-transmission-products/maxlife-multi-vehicle-atf

 

ME TOO!! Like a quick "chruuch!" while shifting.

I did change the transmission fluid but it did not cure the issue. It only happens when going uphill under light load - shifting from 1st to 2nd I believe.

Only 25K miles and definitely mechanical noise, not rust.

 

fujisawa, thanks for your reply. Knowing that the fluid change didn't solve your problem, makes me wonder if I somehow got a temporary fix from my fluid change. I'm hoping in my case, it was an issue with the fluid breaking down over the 145k miles. Since you only have 25k on yours, I would be very surprised if your oil was worn out.

If you find out what your vehicles problem was, please respond on this thread. I wonder how many other vehicles have experienced this problem.

 

I was having this issue as well and changing the transmission fluid is the remedy...or so I believe. I changed my ATF at 69k, 90k and I am now at 98k and the sound has not returned.

Just look at how gross the fluid is, even after the first flush.

https://www.fitfreak.net/g/album/5051391