I have an 04 Civic with an automatic transmission. I was out driving today and my transmission disengaged. When I would push the gas pedal the engine would just rev. I tried reverse and got nothing, drive; nothing. No shifting or response when shifting any of the gears. I called someone to give me a tow and after I got their house I tried the car out again and it worked flawlessly. The fluid level looked fine and I was getting plenty of power. I decided to drive the car home and after about 10 miles the transmission disengaged again. I pushed my car about 10ft forward and it worked again! Can anyone help me diagnose what can be causing this? What could cause the issue to be temporarily resolved by moving the vehicle? It seems odd to me that it works after I push the car. If it is of any significance I was slowing down while turning both times the Trans. disengaged.

There is no obvious noises from the trans. The odometer reading is 259,880 but the car is a rebuild and I don't have it's service history. The fluid looks translucent pink on the dipstick with a slight brown tint when wiped on a paper towel. No burnt smells.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Check the ATF level. Too low will cause this. ATF should be pink, advise you drain and fill with Honda ATF DW-1 after checking for low level. Start with this check first and report back.

 

I've talked around and apparently these symptoms are indicative of a common problem with the BMXA transmissions. There is an internal filter that gets clogged and it can not be changed unless you tear the trans. down. Honda has an upgraded filter they made to remedy the problem. The symptoms are spot on in that the transmissions will run fine for 5-10 minutes as a time and then disengage. I have a friend who quoted me $400 for a rebuild so I think I am going to go that route.

Can anyone recommend the best place/value to get a rebuild kit?

 

Do this 3 times with some driving and use of all gears between each drain-refill cycle.