nitro99

1998 honda civic lx, 75k miles, automatic. Bought it a year ago. About 2 months ago it would occasionally feel like a slight rumble when going about 35mph. Would occur maybe once every two weeks. If I let off the gas for a second then continued driving it went away. Guessing this may be the torque converter from what I've read.

Now within the past couple weeks, sometimes when I first start it up and shift from "P" to "D4" the shift indicator light on the dash will disappear and when I try to accelerate it feels very glitchy, car doesn't want to barely move at first but then will after a few seconds and then the light will illuminate on "D4" like its supposed to. Seems to happen mostly when cold outside. Car feels sluggish and seems like it is revving higher before finally shifting gears, this happens whether cold or warm.

I did a 3 quart ATF change with honda fluid, but problems are still there. The check engine light isnt on. I've read of people who had tranny problems who replaced their throttle postion sensor and that cured it, could that be my problem even if check engine light isnt on? Any ideas what the issue could be? Dont have much cash at the moment if tranny repair/replacement is only option, so if thats the case will any of those tranny repairs in a bottle from the parts store get me by for a few months until i can afford repairs? Thanks for any help

slowcivic2k

You must be more detailed. The more detail the better. For instance, when you try to drive the car cold after shifting to D4, does the shift flare? Does every gear flare? Does it do this hot, or cold? I need the information to help determine if the problem is gear related, or if it is fluid related. I will also assume that the fluid level is good and using the correct type of fluid.

A rumble sounds like a weak clutch/engagement, and possibly the converter during partial lockup. I am pretty certain the 96-00's don't fully lock up until at least 40mph. Be as precise as possible.

When the rumble occurs, are you cornering? Downhill? Uphill? The oil filter is a common failure item on the 92-00 automatics, it is far too small. Even with the right fluid level sloshing the car can cause a neutralization. We need to find a constant. Help us help you.

nitro99

Thank you for the reply. Flare means that the rpms jump after it shifts right? It seems to do that slightly, I believe in all the gears. Yes fluid level is good, and I used the honda fluid. I tried driving from a cold start/30 degrees outside in d3 and it seemed to drive/shift great/no flickering of the "d3" shift light on the dash like it does in d4.

The rumble does happen right about at 40-45mph. It feels almost like running on the rumble strips on side of highway. If I let off accelerator for a second it goes away. Rumble occurs on straight, flat roads