91_Project

I just purchased a 97 civic, not sure what model exactly but it is auto and has the d16b5. Anyways, the trans is acting up. It has all gears and no CEL or anything but when you select a gear the vehicle won't go into gear until you blip the throttle, sometimes banging into gear if you do anything more than 'blip' the throttle.
Also besides the issue above the car will drive fine if manually shifting through 1st and 2nd but if I just leave the car in drive the car will sometimes shut off at low speeds or when coming to a stop.

I don't know much about auto transmissions but I am trying to pinpoint if I actually need a new trans or if it could be a smaller problem. I did unplug what I believe to be two solenoids on the transmission and there was no difference in how the vehicle reacted.

Any help?

Chriser0

Just out of curiosity have you checked the fluid level?

b20bFourDoorCivicLX

check fluid!

91_Project

I haven't yet, just dropped the car off last night but my plan was to replace the fluid first and see if it continues but is this type of issue possibly one of the solenoids if that doesn't work?

Also what's the best fluid to use with the auto trans? Still GM syncromesh?

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Honda OEM fluid. Do a 3x drain/fill. It sounds like you have a torque converter problem. A 3x drain/fill will get you fresh fluid throughout the transmission, including the torque converter where fluid will stay "hidden" if you only drain/fill once. Do not flush the transmission. You'll only kick up particles in the microfilters and cause more harm than good.

Side note: The D16B5 is from the GX, which was made to run on CNG. Did you buy a GX, or something that was swapped? Assuming you're feeding it 87, how's it liking it?

91_Project

I'll have to check the title, what is a GX model? What is CNG? I was told the car was swapped but the motor looks original. I put 87 in it last night and seemed to run fine, had a little rpm surge while in gear but I attributed that to whatever is going on with the trans

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

CNG = compressed natural gas. GX is the trim for the Civic sold to the government, and made to run off CNG.

91_Project

OK so the car is Actually a HX model with the d16b5 motor. Is it OK to run regular 87 unleaded in this? It seemed to run fine

91_Project

And just to clarify, when I do the drain & fill x3 am I supposed to drain old fluid and fill with new each time or drain old and fill with new and reuse that fluid for the next two times?

pityocamptes

Drain old fluid. Fill with new fluid, run for a little bit, drain (dispose of fluid). Fill with NEW fluid, run for a little bit, drain (dispose of fluid). Fill with NEW FLUID...

91_Project

Gotcha, thanks.

pityocamptes

However, assuming your tranny is not bone dry, and that the original fluid was correct, and or not burnt, I think you may have a torque converter issue. I would drain your tranny and see what it looks and smells like (burnt?). Take it around the block and see if it shifts better. If not, you may want to look into the converter as the issue. Throwing good money at refilling your tranny, when its mechanical, might not be wise. Its up to you though. A lot depends on the quality of the fluid when it is drained... and or how low you were, if at all.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Yes, 87 is fine.

There is a remote possibility that it's a failing torque converter, but given the age of the car, I'm more inclined to say it's poorly maintained fluids.

94EG8

If it's an HX it's got a CVT trans not a conventional automatic. It also doesn't take ATF, it takes a special CVT fluid so make sure you figure out exactly what it is you have before you touch the fluid.

91_Project

Where is the trans code on these trannys? Also what is the code for the hx cvt trans?

91_Project

OK I found out that I do have the CVT trans, if I'm having these issues how would I handle it with this trans?

94EG8

the 6th digit of the VIN should be a 7.

Generally you replace the trans, although in your case it sounds like a bad start clutch, there's a TSB on it(number 02-003) if you're friendly with your local Honda dealership they may print it out for you.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

02-003

June 25, 2002

Applies To:
1996-98 Civic HX With CVT - All

Shudder, Judder, Surging, Shock, Noise, or Idle Fluctuation

(Replaces 99-068, Surge at Highway Speeds, dated April 11, 2000, and 99-069, Idle Fluctuates When Engine Is Cold, dated December 19, 2000)

SYMPTOM

The vehicle may have one or more of these symptoms:

^ Idle fluctuates between 500 and 1,500 RPM (The fluctuation is more pronounced before the engine reaches normal operating temperature.)

^ Shudder or judder when accelerating from a stop or just before stopping

^ Surging at highway speeds between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM

^ Excessive shock when the engine is cold and you start to accelerate

^ A "coo" sound, lasting about 5 to 10 seconds, after coming to a stop

PROBABLE CAUSE

The problem may have one or more of these causes:

^ TCM control unit programming is too sensitive.

^ The start clutch assembly is worn.

^ The start clutch control valve is contaminated.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the start clutch assembly, the start clutch control valve, and the TCM.

PARTS INFORMATION

Start Clutch Kit: P/N 06220-P2M-305, H/C 7073448

Honda ATF-Z1 (seven quarts required):
P/N 05200-9001 H/C 6512628

REQUIRED SPECIAL TOOLS

Start Clutch Remover: T/N 07TAE-P4VA120

Start Clutch Installer: T/N 07TAE-P4VA130

91_Project

Wow those parts alone are over $1,100. What are the chances that replacing the fluid will help the situation. Also DW-1 replaced the Z-1 fluid, is this still safe to use in the CVT? What you posted above said to use Z-1.

I did have a chance to stop and look at the car again and the fluid is light brownish, but somewhat transparent. Also may have had a SLIGHT burn smell to it but if it did you can barely tell.

94EG8

Usually the cheapest long term option is to swap in a manual trans (a regular 4 speed automatic isn't really an option unless you swap out the entire cabin wiring harness)

Pretty slim.

I don't understand that bulletin suggesting Z1. Honda has their own fluid for CVTs so I'm confused on that.

Chriser0

Time for a 5 speed swap!!!