The Honda Fit was equipped with the SP5A transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Honda Fit transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Honda Fit Transmission Models
Honda Fit: SP5A Transmission
Honda Fit Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by exact engine size and year. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Honda Fit transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Back in 2004, Honda was forced to admit there was a problem, and recalled some 1.1 million vehicles, at a cost of $153 million dollars.
The recalled Honda models included:
- 2002–04 Fit
- 2003–04 Pilot
- 2001–02 Acura MDX
- 2003–04 Accord V–6
- 2000–04 Acura 3.2 TL
- 2001–03 Acura 3.2 CL
Common Problems with the Honda Fit Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Honda Fit can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Honda Fit transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Honda Fit transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Honda Fit transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Honda Fit transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Honda Fit transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Honda Fit transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Honda Fit transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Honda Fit transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Honda Fit transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Honda Fit Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Honda Fit Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Honda Fit Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Honda Fit Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Problem Does Your Honda Fit Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Transmission Does a Honda Fit Have?
| Year | Engine | Trans Type | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2008 | 3.5L | PGRA | FWD |
| 1997-1995 | 2.2L | MPJA | FWD |
| 1998 | 2.3L | MDWA | FWD |
| 2006-2005 | 3.5L | BGRA | FWD |
| 2007 | 3.5L | PGRA | FWD |
| 2010-2008 | 3.5L | PGRA | FWD |
| 2001-1999 | 3.5L | B7TA | FWD |
| 2004-2002 | 3.5L | BYBA | FWD |
No sure if it’s the Tran. The engine light is on and the Drive light is blinking. It has a hard clunk jerk when I put it in reverse or drive position. 2010 Honda Fit.
I drive an ’07 Fit that I bought in 2014/2015 with 84,000 miles. Today it has 149,280. It seems like it just takes forever for it to shift into gear while accelerating. My rpms will go up over 4(000) before it will shift. Sometimes it will go even higher. I have to let off the gas, let the rpms drop, gently give it gas and then it will shift. I don’t accelerate like a mad woman, I just drive pretty normally.
Transmission suddenly failed with no warning. Would not drive in reverse or drive in drive gear. Engine just raced.
When I put the gear in park, there was a horrible clicking/grinding noise. Wheels would not spin either. Car is 2008 Honda Fit Sport, about 93,000 miles on it.
My mother in law has a 2009 that has the same problem but looking to give to my son for a first car just checking to see if it would be worth him getting. Do any of you have any results to post?
I was at a light on a hill. Car was in drive with brake applied. The light turned green. I hit the gas and the car made a loud crack sound, like an explosion. The car will not go into any of the drive gears or reverse. It’s an automatic. 2009 Honda Fit. Engine is on and sounds normal.
I just had the same exact thing happen to mine today. Just had it towed to the house and waiting until tomorrow to contact my mechanic. I’ve tried to google what happened and could not find anything that was exactly what mine did until now. Hoping it doesn’t cost me a small fortune. I have a 2009 Fit Sport.
Hi, what was the issue? Mine just had the loud noise and sounds like a belt broke in the transmission?
I have a Honda Fit 2006, it sometimes shakes when driving, so took to a mechanic (Queenstown, NZ) and was told it has a problem with the transmission and to fix it it can cost around NZ$3000. Just wondering if this is accurate.