Ask an expert

I have a 1999 2.0 litre Honda Accord. It drives like new but every time I shift into reverse I hear a loud clicking noise.

Any ideas on what this could be?

Graeme

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 24 September 2009

In many ways Honda automatics are like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal. Reverse gear is a good example. If you can imagine a gear being moved inside the gearbox when the driver selects reverse on a manual, then the same thing is happening on the Accord auto, the only difference is internal oil pressure is moving the gear.

The opposite happens when you select neutral or Drive, oil pressure is released and applied another way to return the gear to its disengaged position.

Because of this mechanical action combined with a little bit of wear and tear, often the reverse gear and selector hub suffer a little bit of damage. This can cause a noise as reverse is either selected or disengaged.

One of the contributing factors to this wear and tear can be selecting reverse if the vehicle is still moving or creeping forward.

I may be wrong in your case and it may pay to get the transmission checked by either a Honda dealer or a automatic specialist. If I am correct, my best advice is to just keep driving the car.

Changing the fluid may be a good idea using the Honda recommended oil only in an effort to keep the transmission clean and free of unwanted metal particles.