check out http://world.honda.com/news/2002/4020920.html

You might also check the warranty status of Honda at
http://www.ahm-ownerlink.com

from Honda's web info:

October 2002 Dear Accord, Odyssey and Prelude Owners:

American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for the automatic
transmission on all 2000-01 Accords, Odysseys, and Preludes. The
automatic transmission and torque converter are now covered for a
total of 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the
date of original sale. We are providing this warranty extension
because a higher than normal number of automatic transmissions in
certain vehicles may have problems due to defects in material or
workmanship beyond the 3-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited
warranty.

How do I know if there is a problem with my vehicle's automatic
transmission?
If you think your vehicle has a transmission problem, refer to the
operating characteristics below. Understanding these characteristics
can help you decide if you need to call your Honda dealer.

These characteristics are normal; they should not require you to call
your Honda dealer.

- Quick downshifts. The transmission has a computerized control system
called grade logic. When going down a hill, even a light touch of the
brake pedal can cause grade logic to downshift to the next lower gear.
Downshifting helps to slow the vehicle through engine braking.

- Does not always shift through the full range of gears. This can also
be caused by the grade logic system keeping the transmission in the
optimum gear for different driving conditions.

- Mechanical noise when selecting a forward or reverse gear. It's
normal to hear a slight mechanical noise when moving the shift lever
from one gear to another. This noise can sound abnormally loud if any
of the windows are down and you are parked next to a wall or another
vehicle.

- Vehicle may not hold its position when stopped on an incline in gear
(may roll backward when the brake pedal is released). This can occur
on most Honda-made vehicles. It is one of the measures used to improve
fuel economy.

- Hard shifts before the engine warms up. By design, the transmission
shifts a little harder when the engine is cold. It returns to smoother
shifting when the engine warms up.

These characteristics are not normal; if you experience any of them,
call your Honda dealer.

- While driving, the D4 indicator on the instrument panel flashes.
- An abnormally loud noise from the transmission.
- Extremely slow or delayed gear engagement, upshifts, or downshifts.
- Abnormal gear slippage during upshifts or downshifts.
- Erratic or excessively harsh shifting.
- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) leaks.

In the next few weeks, owners of potentially affected vehicles will be
sent a copy of this letter along with reimbursement instructions in
case they previously paid to have the transmission repaired or
replaced.

It's important to maintain your vehicle's transmission according to
the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Not maintaining the
transmission properly can void the warranty coverage.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Honda Automobile Division

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