Honda Problems

I expect the extra connectors are for the auto transmission cooler, in which case there’s no need to block them off. The cooler is sealed off from the coolant in the radiator and there is no transmission fluid to run through them.

It is low mileage for the torque converter to fail, but it’s not unknown for it to happen. While we haven’t had other reports of this failure on Hondas we have seen failures on other makes and models. It’s probably the damper clutch that’s gone in the torque converter.

From the photos you supplied it would seem that the wear is extreme for a car that's just six years old, but because it is that old and well out of warranty I would think you would have little chance of success in getting Honda to help with the cost of repairs.

It would appear that Honda believes your transmission is operating acceptably, but you clearly don't. Maintain the pressure on the dealer and Honda until they fix your car, and keep meticulous records of all dealings you have on the matter. This will back up any claim you might have later on.

Like you suspect I too reckon it's dealer spin. It's the sort of thing a dealer says when they can't diagnose a problem. Take it back to the dealer, tell them you are unhappy they haven't been able to fix the problem, and make take them for a drive in the car to demonstrate the problem. That way there should be no dispute over its existence.

Your report is not the only one of rapid wear and warping of the rotors, but carmakers regard the wear as normal wear and tear. All brakes wear, so you have to determine if the wear on your car is indeed “normal” or something more. Certainly at 30,000 km you would appear to have a case.

It's not unusual today to see rear brakes wearing faster than the fronts. There's nothing wrong with the brakes as such. Our brake specialist Howard Reynolds of Race Brakes says it is quite common on some Japanese and European cars, and appears to be a result of manufacturers trying to extract as much braking power from the rear brakes as they can. It seems to be worse in low speed city driving and appears at about the kays your car has done.

The first step is to service the transmission and change the oil, which appears to fix some, but with others the solution is to replace the transmission as was done on your car.

The recommended belt service interval is 80,000-100,000 km. If it hasn't been done before it certainly needs to be done. At the same time mechanics often recommend changing the water pump as the tension of the new belt on the old water pump can cause the bearings in the   water pump to fail. The cost to do the service is around $500, but can be up to $800 if you also do the water pump.

The CVT transmission needs servicing at the very least, and replacing at the worst. We have had a handful of reports of troubles with this transmission and Honda has come to the party to help some owners with the cost of repairs. Have your dealer check it out.