i did a search already and couldnt find anything like this problem.

ive got a 1990 civic dx 4dr automatic for my pizza delivery car, it only has 159,xxx miles on it. it drives great when the engine is cold, but as soon as it warms up the tranny wont go in gear, it seems like it just pops into neutral and rev's up. i checked the fluid and the guy i bought it from said he had it changed at 125k. he took very good care of the car i am from MN and there isnt any rust on the car except for the dent on the back door which is crazy for a 90 honda. i have never owned an automatic so i have no idea where to start when it comes to working on one. anyone know what it could be? im dreading buying a new tranny for a pizza car that i paid $250 for!

Thanks in advance.

 

it only has 159k thats high,but if scheaduled maintenace was done it could go twice that. not nocking u just sayin... wonder if its snchros?? i always do the absolute cheapest fix. maybe change fluid with honda auto fluid?? they love HONDA FLUID.. just changed my 5 speed fluid ..and it drives perfect...before second gear grinded now nothing... i think that might be your cheapest way ..to find out before paying someone...or maybe someone will reply that knows about auto trannys..good luck ,wish i could help u more and $250 what a great price.

 

Yeah man cant go wrong with that cheap of a car ha. and its in amazing condition. interior is unbelievable, and the body is flawless besides the dent in the back door and the hood paint is faded bad. and 159k is not very high for a honda in my eyes. ive owned many hondas and acura's over 200k. well thanks for the input man i hope someone knows what to do lol.

 

If changing the fluild doesn't fix it, then it's going to be a PITA.

 

i talked to a buddy of mine that does towing, and he thinks its just going to be a neutral safety switch? or something with the linkage not lining up exactly right. gonna check it out tomorrow hope thats all it is.. haha.

 

When it's not engaging drive, are you able to select L and 2?

 

nope cant do anything at all. it just sits and rev's like its in neutral. and when i try to put it in park the light on the dash does not turn on saying its in [P] like it should, and i cant get the key out of the ignition. thats why i am thinking he might be right because of it not going perfectly into whichever gear i put the shifter in.