2000 RX300 AWD 181k miles. I recently bought it and it needed a lot of work. I replaced both VVT sensors and knock sensors. It ran great for a couple days but now it is shifting hard from 2nd to 3rd gear while cold. I already drained the trans fluid and replaced with the proper fluid and did the filter and it didn't help. I did have a code come up P0500 for a speed sensor and also ABS error codes 33, 34, and 41. I cleared the codes but it is still doing the same thing. I was told that the P0500 was probably just thrown because of the ABS light and it probably isn't the actual speed sensor that is bad but the ones on the wheels. Could this be making my transmission shift hard or is my tranny done for? Anything else I can try before I buy another transmission?

 

A Honda odyssey forum I also read has a few members who swear by the Lubegard Red 60902 additive to improve tranny hard shifting and shuddering issues. Seems worth a shot. If you did only one drain and fill, I would do another and add the Lubegard. How dirty was the fluid when you did the first fluid change?

Another thing you could try is to install an external filter to the AT line to the radiator.


http://magnefinefilters.com/NEW-Magn...8M-3810000.htm

 

When cold, the higher gear is locked out. Once the transmission and engine warm up the higher gear is released. At the point of switch if you are high on rpms your shift is going to be jerky. Try to keep below 3000 rpm when cold ... more like 2500 rpm.

Salim

 

I'd also recommend double checking the ground cable on the back of the intake.