antman2x2

Hey guys!

I recently bought a 2003 honda civic with 109,000 miles on it for around $3500 bucks.

When I drove the car to test it, it had NONE of the following problems.

When I start the car the RPMs sit around 1k and the car literally SHAKES. The vibrations are so powerful I can see my side view mirrors shaking. After the RPMs drop and its time to drive, the vibrations become slightly less powerful, but the second I put the car in drive, I don't feel a thing until I stop at a light and the vibrations return.

My second problem is when the car shifts into second... it doesn't slip per say.. it sort of has a delayed shift. The RPMs shoot up about 500-600 for around 2 seconds and my engine sort of revs and than the car shifts. This is ONLY into second. The A/T fluid is not cherry red its a sort of light brown, but doesn't smell and there is plenty of it.

Now of course you guys would suggest taking it to the dealer or a mechanic and this is what I plan on doing but I'm only 18 and I look like I'm 15 so when a mechanic sees me, he's going to try to rob me BLIND! So what I'm asking for is maybe some sort of prior knowledge before I bring my car in to be looked at.

Are these two problems related? What COULD this be?

toyomatt84

iTrader: (1)

It could be many things. I would start with the following:
-Check the engine mounts for cracks/wear.
-Replace the transmission fluid immediately. (Use Honda ATF for the car, because its designed for the transmission, and cheap enough to get at a Dealership Parts Department.)
-Inspect for any possible vacuum leaks.
-Test the Idle Air Control Valve, if you can get your hands on it.

antman2x2

Wow thanks for such a quick response!

I was told by someone that replacing the tranny fluid with this problem COULD make my problem worse and even kill the transmission? Is this even true?

toyomatt84

iTrader: (1)

Well, if replacing the transmission fluid worsens the problem, your transmission is too far gone for saving. It shouldn't make it worse, though. Unless you try to flush the system by adding pressure, or something weird like that.

MarkM01

No.

If there truly is a mechanical problem with the transmission, a fluid change will not cause damage.

If the trans is having problems because of worn fluid, then new fluid is essential.

Rick hybrid

Only use honda atf, go to the dealer (or ebay) to get it. Don't listen to the repair shops about tranny fluids.
It's easy to drain and replace the tranny fluid. need a 3/8 ratchet, look for the bolt opening on the passenger side. you may need to do more than 1 drain over several days.

MarkM01

Yeah, I'd do a drain and fill to see if things improve. If they do, repeat.

antman2x2

Alright cool, ill definitely have it changed ASAP I'm out of town for the next 2 days or so but when I get home ill do that.

Oh one more thing, I found a picture, my tranny fluid is slightly lighter than the brown stuff all the way on the left.... I'm guessing this is bad... really bad.

http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/...8610d8066g.jpg

antman2x2

JUST AN UPDATE!!

Tranny fluid change was an absolute SUCCESS. I no longer feel the clunkiness or slipping when shifting into second.

My idle issue still remains however.

Im starting to get the feeling it is a motor mount more and more. When I'm on an incline and I stop, and than hit the gas to go again, I FEEL some sort of BANG as soon as I hit the gas. Unfortunately I'm not too savvy with motors and the like, the tranny change was easy enough so I guess ill have it checked out by a mechanic and hope he doesn't try to rob me blind

MarkM01

The motor mounts are pretty easy to find. I would just do a little prying on them, and see if there is excessive movement.

khakwada

Yes i had a motor mount broken and it was idling/shaking/vibrating. Its rubberized so get the whole assembly. I have a 03 civic ex e4dr