tylerd92

Automatic 2000 civic ex, replaced transmission and these are the following symptoms. We also bought another ecu and wiring harness, so those we know are good.

D4 light blinking, slow acceleration, speedometer not working, bad jerking when shifting between park into reverse or any gear.

We pulled the code, which was code 16, linear solenoid. We replaced solenoid, checked wires etc etc.

We've talked to everyone we could to try to troubleshoot and everyone's lost on what to do. Keep in mind this is also the second transmission. We bought 1 before, and thought we got scammed on a bad trans, bought another one and it's doing the exact same thing.

Any help would be amazing.
Thanks.

Former User

Codes don't tell you what's broken, just that's there's an issue in the circuit. Test the wires next. Service manual details all tests needed.

tylerd92

Test wire to linear solenoid or them all?

We bought an almost brand new wiring harness.

Former User

And the related ECU wires - using a multimeter.

tylerd92

Too late to test now, as we would have to borrow someone's. Any other ideas if that checks out? Because the wiring harness is nearly new.

tylerd92

All wires seem to be checking out

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Exactly what transmission did you replace the old one with? This is a common symptom of trying to use a DX/LX auto on an EX. You absolutely must match the transmission to the ECU and engine with an automatic.

Jmb106jr

test the Ohms of the linear solenoid. Should be 5 ohms if not replace. also apply 12 volts to it if it doesnt click replace. down load a copy of the service manual it is free on the web. here is where i got mine (copyrighted material link removed - TOS violation) make sure you reset the ECU.

tylerd92

Never knew this. I thought any d series auto 99-00 would work. I'm not 100% what it came out of, but I think it was a 2000 sedan.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, you have to match trim for trim. If all of your diagnostic tests so far have passed, you most likely have a DX/LX transmission. The gearing is different, so the ECU doesn't know what to do, gets confused, and throws the CEL.

tylerd92

Do you know this 100%? I have people telling me that any 99-00 ex/lx/dx would work.

It makes sense that they wouldn't work, but after 2 transmissions later, I'm done taking chances.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I know this 100%. For an automatic transmission, you need to match. LX/DX transmissions are cross-compatible. EX transmissions stand alone. You cannot put an LX/DX autotragic transmission on an EX and expect it to run correctly.

tylerd92

I've found someone with a 96 ex trans, will that be good? Or no cause it needs to be a 99-00?

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

I'm actually not sure about that. Aside from a few part numbers within the transmissions, they both seem identical.

tylerd92

Would you risk it? It's the 3rd transmission I would have bought lol

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Everything internally seems the same. You should be fine with that transmission. I'd give it a shot. Worst case, you just have to swap a sensor or two over from the old transmission.

JarvisW

If not get what you payed, or a lil more for it on Craigs or Bookface!

tylerd92

Which sensor? As in one of the linear, lock up etc, solenoids?

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

One of the exterior sensors, yeah. Looking over the parts diagrams again, though, I take that back. There's just one extra part number for a washer, which it appears had it's own part number from 96-00, but then became something that came with the pickup assembly in 99-00. I see no reason it wouldn't be a direct swap.

tylerd92

I'm gonna run the vin numbers off the transmissions when I get time. Making sure they weren't the EX trim, and I may need to just swap some sensors on it, could that possibly be the case?

I know one is an lx but the other not so sure.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

You don't even need to run the VIN. Just look at the first 6 digits. They should be 1HGEJ#. If # is 6, then it's an LX/DX. If # is an 8, then it's an EX.

tylerd92

6 on one, and the other the one the vin plate is gone (which came from the guy who sold me a wrong ecu and harness, cause I took his word), so I'm not surprised.

Jmb106jr

did you test the linear solenoid with a multi-meter like i said in a previous post and apply 12volts to it to make sure it is functioning properly? whats easier testing a solenoid or replacing the tranny? Download the service manual and follow the steps in the transaxle section for trouble shooting. (copyrighted material link removed-TOS violation) there is no difference between the trim level transmision, just where they were made USA or Japan.

tylerd92

I have 3 of all the solenoids (1 each from original trans, 1 from 2nd trans which is said to be a 98, trim unknown, and 1 from 3rd trans, 2000 lx confirmed; all tested good.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

"No difference between trim levels"? You have much to learn, young one. Specifically, go to the specifications section, and look at the gear ratios for the automatic transmissions. Yes, there is a difference between LX/DX and EX. also, posting links like that is a big no-no, last I checked.