Transmission not working after car was parked for three years

1997 HONDA ACCORD
200,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PAC-MAN
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Car has sat for two to three years. Had no issues before it was parked and transmission. It was rebuilt couple years before that and worked fine. I want to start driving car again but it will not move in any gear. If you start engine, turn off, start again and do this a few times, it eventually will move in the gear you select, but if you stop, it will not move again. Transmission fluid level is normal and linkage is intact. Car sat outside all the time also. Located in Florida.
Sep 2, 2018 at 4:52 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning.

The issue is the sitting. The seals inside have become very hard and are no longer pliable.

I would try changing the fluid. You cannot access the filter since it is internal. Over the years the fluid has separated and may not be any good.

Start there before talking about a rebuild.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission
Sep 2, 2018 at 11:12 PM
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PAC-MAN
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I am not sure you got my reply. If you did not, please email and I will try again! Randy
Sep 3, 2018 at 7:50 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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I got your original post only.

Roy
Sep 3, 2018 at 8:03 AM
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PAC-MAN
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Roy, does this transmission not have a filter that, if I remove pan, can change it? Like all Chevrolet's? If so, I will change filter along with transmission oil and hopefully that will do the trick, right?
Sep 4, 2018 at 2:37 AM
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PAC-MAN
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Does this transmission not have a filter that can be replaced by dropping the pan? If I am going to replace transmission fluid I would like to replace filter at same time! Randy
Sep 4, 2018 at 9:03 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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No, the filter is inside the case halves. In order to access the filter, you need to remove the transmission and separate the halves. at that point, you might as well replace the clutches and seals.

Roy
Sep 4, 2018 at 9:07 AM
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PAC-MAN
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Thanks Roy, I guess there is no possibility that the problem could be a solenoid or some other electrical component, right? Randy
Sep 5, 2018 at 10:31 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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That is correct. As I stated in the beginning, it seems like the seals have hardened and are causing the issue.

Roy
Sep 5, 2018 at 10:47 AM
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PAC-MAN
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Okay then, thank you very much and that is what I will do. I should probably transmission fluid specific for Honda and maybe add a seal additive. I appreciate the help very much! Randy
Sep 5, 2018 at 4:07 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Sep 5, 2018 at 8:42 PM
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