1998 Accord EX - Automatic Transmission - Service plan questions
 

I realize these are common questions, but I would appreciate some assistance.

My car:
1998 Honda Accord 2dr EX
161000 miles
4cyl
automatic

Recently the transmission has been slipping between 1st and 2nd. Typically if I accelerate hard. If I let it shift at low RPM, seems to be much smoother. The other gears shift fairly smoothly. Still seems to lock-up, though I don't typically drive at highway speeds.

Transmission fluid was disgustingly brown and smelly. Drained, and filled once. Fair amount of debris collected on the drain-bolt magnet. No telling when it was previously serviced.

Several questions:

1. I drained 4.6 quarts or so. Strangely it's reading full after only adding approx 2.7. Yes, I ran the car to distribute the fluid. Is this an indication that the transmission was overfilled previously?

2. I'm planning on doing a flush (Honda style, drive, drain x4), and switching to full synthetic fluid (mobile 1). Is this likely to help the slipping issue? Is the synthetic fluid advantageous over the recommended Honda fluid?

3. Any other suggestions to help re-invigorate my transmission?

4. With the poor shifting performance, am I likely in need of a rebuild/replace in the near future?

Thanks,
J

First you DO NOT HAVE true dual exhuast. True duals were outlawed years ago. Headers should not cost that much if you will just look. Found some OBX header on Ebay took about 2.5 seconds to find. $250.00 plus $ 32.00 shipping