Unexpected wheel 'spin-out' on the CRV

Hi,

Asking this question for my father, who has a 2003 CRV, with 2WD. His
CRV exhibits this strange behavior, with wheels spinning out, as if
you'd really floored the gas pedal... Except that you hadn't... This
mainly happens when starting to move and, most frequently, when turning
left (like starting to move when making a left-hand turn from a stop
sign or light, or when pulling away from the curb). This has happened
at one point or another to four people who have driven that car--all
experienced drivers, having driving many cars in their lives, etc. and
have never experienced anything quite like it. If you're really,
really gentle with the gas, it doesn't happen, but otherwise happens
about 30% of the time.

My father tried taking it to the dealer (it's still under warranty),
and the mechanic drove around with him for about 20 minutes--and
couldn't make it happen. At which point he proclaimed that there's
nothing wrong with it. I can understand that line of reasoning, but I
also know (having driven it myself) that something's not quite right;
it spins out way too easily. The tires are almost new, with lots of
tread left.

Has anyone run into this in any way or have any ideas about what's
going on?

Thanks in advance,

Alex

 

Maybe low hydraulic pressure in the transmission so 1st gear doesn't
engage until after the engine revs up. A better dealer should look at
it.

 

I had the same problem with my 2002 CRV; P.O.S. tires. I replaced mine at
10K miles and never had that problem again.

 

Thank you, Kevin; this is exactly the kind of advice I was hoping for.
Do you think it's related to something as simple as low transmission
fluid level, or something more involved?

I'll take this thought to the dealer. Can anyone else offer any
theories?

Thank you in advance,

Alex

 

--------------------------

Knowing the actual mileage and whether the (crappy) tires have been
rotated would help. Don't entrust your safety to those tires if it's
been snowing.

See hondasuv.com for (much) confirmation.

'Curly'