Recall - A/T Noncompliance: Overview
98-021Applies To: 1998 Accord - See VEHICLES AFFECTED
June 9, 1998
Noncompliance Recall: 1998 Accord Automatic Transmission
(Supersedes 98-021, dated February 9, 1998)
BACKGROUND
A gradual deterioration of the casting die used to manufacture the automatic transmission's side cover caused variations in the side cover. This may limit the movement of the parking pawl actuation lever, preventing adequate engagement of the parking pawl. This does not comply with FMVSS 114, which requires that a vehicle does not roll down an incline when the transmission is locked in Park.
VEHICLES AFFECTED
The basic vehicles affected by this recall are 1998 Accords with 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. However, a vehicle's eligibility for this recall is based on the automatic transmission's casting date, not the vehicle's VIN. Because these castings went into vehicles at varying times, it is not possible to supply a sequential VIN range. The casting dates have been matched to VINs so the proper information appears in the campaign responsibility report and on the DCS VIN status inquiry. Before beginning work on a vehicle, verify that it is eligible.
Customer has a recall letter - If the customer comes in with a recall notification letter (see the example at the end of this service bulletin), inspect the vehicle, repair it if necessary, and file the appropriate warranty claim.
No letter - If a customer brings in a 1998 Accord for service and does not have a letter, or you have a vehicle in stock that you suspect is affected by this recall, do the following.
1. Check the vehicle's VIN against your campaign responsibility report. If it appears, inspect the vehicle and repair as necessary.
2. If the vehicle's VIN is not on your campaign responsibility report, do a VIN status inquiry on DCS.
If the vehicle is not on your campaign responsibility report and is not shown as eligible for this recall on the VIN status inquiry, do not inspect/repair the vehicle.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by mail. The owner will be advised to take the car to a Honda dealer for repair of the transmission. The text of the customer letter is at the end of this service bulletin.
Some of the affected vehicles may still be in dealer inventory. By Federal law these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until they are inspected/repaired.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Inspect the casting date on the transmission. If it is in the date range, add the appropriate collar to the control shaft.
PARTS INFORMATION [NEW]
Lock Washer:
P/N 90433-PT0-000, H/C 3300894
Transmission Collar:
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Failed part: P/N 21 240-PAX-000
H/C 5429303
Defect code: 256
Contention code: K32
Skill level: Repair Technician