A/T - In-Warranty Exchange Program
98-061November 13, 2001
Applies To:
*Models with Automatic Transmission - ALL*
Automatic Transmission In-Warranty Exchange Program
(Supersedes 98-061, dated September 8, 1998)
Updated information is shown by black bars and asterisks.
REPAIR POLICY
*Any warranty repair or AHFC Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) repair of an automatic transmission (with an internal failure that calls for transmission disassembly) requires you to install a remanufactured transmission and torque converter. These parts are available through the Automatic Transmission Remanufacturing (ATR) Program.*
DIAGNOSIS
Use the troubleshooting procedures in section 14 or 15 of the appropriate service manual (section 7A in the Passport service manuals) to find out if the transmission has an internal problem. Do not disassemble the transmission for diagnostic purposes.
NOTE:
Any transmission that is returned disassembled is considered an unusable core. If you return a disassembled transmission, your claim will be debited a $1,000 "Core Loss" charge.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Warranty Repair
*Call the ATR order desk at (888) 997-7278. Be prepared to give this information:*
^ Your dealer number
^ Year and model of the vehicle
^ Vehicle identification number (VIN)
^ Mileage
^ Warranty claim number
*^ Failure information [Complete and accurate information is required, including symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and freeze data.]*
NOTE:
A part number is not required: the order desk will supply you with the appropriate transmission and torque converter for the vehicle.
VSC Repair
Call the VSC department at (800) 999-5901. Within two working days, you'll receive a remanufactured transmission (including torque converter) and core return instructions in a reusable shipping container.
NOTE:
Save the shipping container, the torque converter retaining strap, the hole plugs, and all internal packing materials. You must return the core repacked into the original shipping container.
SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMATION
Let your customer know that your service department will be installing a Honda factory-remanufactured transmission and torque converter.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove the A/T cooler lines and fittings, the speed sensor, and the throttle cable bracket from the failed transmission.
2. Flush the A/T cooler lines and fittings.
3. Install the A/T cooler lines and fittings, the speed sensor, and the throttle cable bracket on the remanufactured transmission.
4. Install the transmission as described in the A/T section of the appropriate service manual.
NOTICE
Failure to flush the transmission cooler, hoses, lines, and fittings could cause damage to the remanufactured transmission and torque converter.
5. Flush the transmission cooler, hoses, lines, and fittings as described in the A/T section of the appropriate service manual.
6. Install the transmission filter kit included with the remanufactured transmission. If a filter kit was not included, call the ATR order desk at (888) 997-7278 and request one.
7. Fill the transmission with Honda ATF-Z1, P/N 08200-9001, H/C 6512644.
ATR PROGRAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Even though the automatic transmission remanufacturing (ATR) Program has been in operation for years, Honda Tech Line still receives many calls about it. Here are Tech Line's list of what to check before you order a remanufactured transmission and answers to the most frequently asked questions about the ATR Program.
What to Check
Before you order a remanufactured transmission, do these checks:
*^ Test-drive the vehicle to verify your customer's complaint.
^ Make sure the complaint is not a normal characteristic of the vehicle. If possible, compare the vehicle to another of the same model and year.
^ Check ISIS for any service bulletins or ServiceNews articles that cover the complaint.
^ Check the fluid level of the transmission, and make sure it is filled with Honda ATF. Other brands of ATF can affect shift quality and lock-up performance.
^ If applicable, check the adjustment of the A/T throttle cable and shift cable.
^ Check the TCM/PCM for DTCs. Sometimes, electrical problems cause the same symptoms as internal transmission problems.
^ Do the road test, stall speed test, and pressure tests described in the appropriate service manual.*
Questions and Answers
When do I use the ATR Program?
Any automatic transmission warranty repair (including goodwill and VSC) requires the installation of a remanufactured transmission and torque converter. So does any internal transmission failure that would require disassembly. In fact, transmission disassembly under warranty is not allowed.
Remanufactured transmissions are also available for non-warranty repairs. Refer to Parts Information Bulletin (PIB) A97-0035, Customer-Pay Automatic Transmission Remanufacturing (ATR) Program.
How do I know if the transmission has an internal failure?
Use the troubleshooting procedures in the A/T section of the appropriate service manual.
*NOTE:
Transmission solenoid DTCs are electrical problems, not hydraulic. If you need to replace a solenoid, do not order a remanufactured transmission unless replacement would require transmission disassembly.*
Drain the ATF into a clean pan or through a paint strainer to look for signs of damage or contamination.
* If applicable, remove the A/T oil pan to inspect or replace solenoids or wiring, but do not disassemble the transmission further.
Check ISIS for any service bulletins or ServiceNews articles that cover the complaint.
How do I order a remanufactured transmission?
For a warranty repair, order the transmission through the remanufactured parts operations in Troy, OH (see Warranty Repair on page 1). For a Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) repair, order the transmission through the VSC department (see VSC Repair).
For a non-warranty repair, order the transmission using normal ordering procedures. Refer to Parts Information Bulletin (PIB) A97-0035, Customer-Pay Automatic Transmission Remanufacturing (ATR) Program.
Who do I call for questions on the ATR Program?
For paperwork and other administrative questions, call the ATR order desk at (888) 997-7278.
For technical questions not answered in the service manual, service bulletins, or ServiceNews, call Honda Tech Line at (800) 824-6632.*
Do I need a Tech Line reference number to order a remanufactured transmission?
No.
What year and model transmissions are available through the ATR Program?
Most models are available, and all future models will be. For the latest application information, call *the ATR order desk at (888) 997-7278.*
Where can I find the part numbers for replacement in-line ATF filters?
Refer to PIB A94-0029, ATF Filter Kit Replacement Filters.
CORE RETURN INFORMATION
NOTE:
To avoid warranty claim debits, read and follow this information carefully.
^ Fill out the Automatic Transmission Core Return Form (see sample) and the Warranty Parts Return Tag. Be sure to include complete information (the 17-digit VIN, the 12-digit engine number, etc.) This information is critical to the remanufacturing process.
^ Put the completed Automatic Transmission Core Return Form in the envelope provided, and attach the Warranty Parts Return Tag to the core transmission. If you return a transmission without a properly filled out Core Return Form, your warranty claim will be debited a service charge of $50. Pack the core transmission/torque converter in the provided shipping container (use the torque converter retaining strap and all hole plugs). If you do not return the transmission in this container your warranty claim will be debited a container charge of $100.
^ Ship the core transmission/torque converter according to the provided core return instructions.
^ If the core transmission/torque converter is not received at the specified address within 15 days of delivery of the remanufactu red transmission to your dealership, your warranty claim will be debited a core loss charge of $1,000. If you know you cannot return the core within 15 days, call the ATR order desk at (888) 997-7278 to ask for an extension.
- If you do not call for an extension and the core is received 15 to 60 days after you receive the transmission, your claim will be recredited, less a $250 late core charge.
- If you do not call for an extension and the core is not received within 60 days, you will be debited the full amount of the warranty claim.
^ Do not send back a disassembled core, or your warranty claim will be debited a core loss charge of $1,000.
^ If you return a core that shows no trouble found (NTF) on both a dynomometer run and a teardown/ inspection, your warranty claim will be debited a diagnostic charge of $1,000. You will not be credited for the returned core, nor will it be sent back to you; it becomes the property of American Honda.
Disclaimer