Updated: I completed the trans valve body rebuild, and updated the DIY with the full size 8x10 color glossy photos with the circles and the arrows on the back of each one. Enjoy!
http://www.acura-legend.com/vbulleti...4-post1281746/
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Would anyone have advice about removing & cleaning the automatic transmission valve body and solenoids on a G2 Legend? I'm getting some shift-flare during the 3-4 shift. So far, it only flares the first time upon a cold start. It seems OK after it warms up (though I've been driving it very gently). It's been doing this for about a year - most noticieable in the cold weather.
I'm wondering if the shift valves are gummed-up, or if dirty solenoid screens are limiting the pressure. I recently added 6oz of Auto-RX and drove 1,000 miles, but I'm not seeing any change yet. I ordered parts to rebuild the Valve Body - some O-rings, solenoid screens, checkballs, a new filter/screen, pan gasket, and fluid (ATF-Z1). I plan to separate the Main Valve body from the Secondary valve body to change the screens between them. I have the Acura shop manual. I'm a competent shade-tree mechanic. I have all the tools. But it'll be the first time I've ever opened an automatic transmission.
I wondered if I could test for gummed valves (vs. bad clutch packs) via a full throttle acceleration thru the 3-4 shift (while warm). If the clutch packs are bad, I'm thinking it will flare even when warm, whereas gummy valves might loosen up? Just a thought.
Vehicle History: The trans has 130K. I'm the second owner, and I believe the first owner was gentle on the car. But she didn't change the transmission fluid in the 92K miles before I bought it - so the fluid was getting dark. It didn't smell too bad, but I can imagine old fluid could lead to sticky valves or clogged screens. I did the 4x fluid change when I first bought the car.
Any thoughts / suggestions? Thanks.