Honda vehicles have been known for their reliability and innovative features, but one aspect that has been causing trouble for some Honda owners is the push-button shifter.
The push button shifter is a unique feature that replaces the traditional gear shifter with buttons, making it more convenient and modern.
However, many Honda owners have reported various problems with the push button shifter, ranging from difficulty shifting gears to the unexpected movement of the vehicle.
Let’s take a closer look at the Honda push button shifter problems and what can be done to fix them. Whether you’re a current Honda owner or considering purchasing one in the future, this post will provide valuable insights and information.
What Is A Push Button Shifter?
Electronic gear shifters replace traditional shift knobs with sleek, convenient buttons. Park, drive, neutral, etc., are controlled with push buttons and pull levers.
Without a traditional shifter knob, drivers and passengers will enjoy an open and spacious interior. As a result, cup holders and low-mounted controls are not obstructed.
A push button activates Park, Drive, and Neutral, while a pull lever activates the Parking Brake and puts the car in Reverse. These two buttons prevent the driver from accidentally pressing the wrong gear. There will be a light on that button regardless of the car’s gear.
Push Button Shifter Problem
Over the past few years, the traditional lever gear shift has been replaced with a push button in several Honda vehicles. Initially, it’s a bit odd, but it becomes second nature quickly.
My experience so far has been mostly trouble-free, but I have found one problem twice. The push button shifter is causing a code to appear on two Honda Clarities I have in the shop.
After clearing the code and testing every button, the code did not return. As soon as I looked at both cars, I noticed something stuck in the reverse button, preventing it from fully retracting.
As opposed to the first, which was just a crumb, the second was a tiny googly eye. As I understand it, the computer seems to believe there is a problem with the button because it is not fully releasing, but I cannot manually release it.
The only reason I think this is the cause is that I have had it happen on two cars with similar obstructions.
Getting To Know More About The Push Button Shifter
Center-mounted vertically, the shifter in the fifth-generation 2018 Honda Odyssey requires drivers to:
- Press the rectangle button to park,
- To reverse, pull back an indented button,
- For neutral, press another rectangular button,
- For driving, press a square button.
The center stack of most cars features a long row of buttons for ignition, park, reverse, neutral, drive, and sport.
The auto industry has been experimenting with rotary knobs, park buttons on shifters, or monostable shifters that have earned a bad reputation.
There’s no turning back for them. You can blame technology for this. Hopefully, it will be reliable. It’s not possible to standardize everything.
Honda is concerned about long-term reliability when shift-by-wire technology is connected to conventional shift formats due to the shift-by-wire technology shift among automakers.
For “blind touch” functionality, Honda has made its shifter buttons unique. Because of this blind-touch functionality, Honda reduces the chances of accidentally hitting a button, thinking you’re in drive, and backing up.
Many complaints about these newfangled shifters are expressed by motoring writers concerned with unnecessary differentiation and familiarization.
Once again, those of us who drive a different car every week is only just beginning to adjust to the new shifter design when we once again begin to engage it.
What’s With All The Hate For The Push Button Transmission?
The push-button shifter in Honda vehicles has received criticism from some owners due to various problems they’ve experienced with the technology. Some of the most common issues reported include difficulty shifting gears, unexpected movement of the vehicle, and a lack of tactile feedback.
Additionally, the push button shifter has been criticized for its lack of familiarity compared to traditional gear shifters, making it difficult for some drivers to use.
However, it’s important to note that not all Honda owners have had negative experiences with the push-button shifter, and some have praised its convenience and modernity.
It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the individual’s experience with the technology. The criticism towards the push button shifter is due to the reported problems and dissatisfaction with its functionality rather than a universal dislike for the technology itself.
Why The Debate?
My favorite thing about the Honda is its push-button transmission. Getting used to buttons takes a few days. It’s important to recognize that the buttons have different geometries and sizes.
You quickly learn to differentiate between Neutral, Reverse, and Drive by feeling alone in specific locations. In my opinion, buttons have two advantages over stick shifters.
- There are no obstructions. There is no gear shift to work around if you need to move something across the gears or put something in the tray. Even though it might seem like a small thing, it makes the cockpit feel airier.
- There is no need to look at the shifter when shifting. I have a friend whose 2018 Pacifica utilizes a dial. I found it difficult to find the desired gear without looking at the dial.
On traditional autos, I find the same thing. My wife and I have owned an auto for seven years. I still need to check the gearbox to ensure I have put the car in the right gear.
Some people have criticized the buttons for being too small or for being too sensitive. Shifting gears requires engaging the brake. When you push a button while driving, nothing happens.
There are a lot of complaints about the buttons in car reviews. What’s the reason? I don’t see the point of a shift lever; it’s automatic. If you want to shift manually, there are paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Currently, I am having problems with paddle shifters. Occasionally, I accidentally hit the paddle when turning or gripping the wheel. I find that annoying.
I wish the paddle shifters could be disengaged in Drive mode, but risks may be involved. Paddle shifters have never been necessary for me, though some people use them to break engines.
Final Words
Suppose you’re a current Honda owner or considering purchasing one. In that case, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems with the push button shifter and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
If you’re having trouble with your push button shifter, it may be a good idea to reach out to a Honda service center for assistance. Regardless of your stance on the push button shifter, it’s clear that it’s a unique and innovative technology that has received criticism and praise from Honda owners.
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