Hot take: My car's transmission actually got worse after a fluid change at 120,000 miles

I drive a 2010 Honda Accord and had the transmission fluid changed at a local shop in Dayton last spring. Before the change, shifting was smooth and I had no issues. Now I get a hard jerk from 2nd to 3rd gear every time I accelerate from a stop. The mechanic told me sometimes old fluid has enough friction material suspended in it to keep worn clutches grabbing, and new fluid washes that out. Has anyone else had a transmission go downhill after a late fluid change?

3 comments

3 Comments

jordan_hill22d ago

@danielr99 is right, that friction material theory is real. First check the fluid level cold per @the_alice.

the_alice1mo ago

Waited until the fluid was cold and checked the level again. Most transmission problems after a change are from it being just half a quart low, not the fluid itself.

danielr9922d ago

Ngl, I used to be skeptical about that but this makes total sense.