Hello, we have a 2000 Civic EX sedan, automatic with 150,000 miles. Great car. Runs, idles, reliable, I love it and want to take it from my teenager. Anyway, I don't think this is a transmission problem (I'm fairly familiar with those from my Accords...). Shifting and acceleration is normal until the 40s and near 50 mph when RPM will increase without speed increasing. I think that's how to describe it. Again, if it was slipping, jerking, etc I think I'd look at the tranny, but seems like something else. Any ideas?

 

From what you're describing it sounds like a transmission issue. If the rpm increases but the speed doesn't there must be something in the trans slipping.

Make sure the trans fluid is filled to the correct level first.

 

Ok sure; meant to last night when I checked for codes (no codes stored). Will do it tonight.

 

Ive never had an automatic honda, but can you turn off overdrive or manually select a gear?

 

I don't know much about the automatics either but I think they have a "limp home" mode where it doesn't engage gears 3 or 4, thus you can drive normally slowly, but it will stay in gear 2 and the engine rpm will reach a limit around 50 mph. This occurs when the computer has detected any one of several transmission problems.

Test drive until the problem occurs then pull over and hook up your OBDII scanner without turning the key off and see if there are any codes. If the memory backup circuit is faulty (likely a blown fuse), the ECU will not remember any codes after the key is turned off.

 

That definitely sounds like a trans issue. That's funny about the Accord, ha I had an 87 accord, went through 4 auto transmissions and engine lasted till past 340k. N e how, check your fluids, I got a Civic that has the auto on it and a small leak, when it gets low it starts to feel slugish at higher speeds. Once I top it off its back to normal.

 

Do multiple ATF drain & refill cycles. Then go from there.

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Hey, thanks a lot to everyone. I drove it and the problem I described, as my kid reported, is there, but not horrible. Definitely a pause in shifting at 45-50, but I would now say it's not "refusing" (like limp mode I think) to go faster. There's no slipping or jerking or bucking. I checked the fluid: level is ok, fluid is horrible. Judging by the drain plug being tight as hell maybe it's never been removed. Pretty dark, fairly smelly. So, yes, thank you, I will drain and fill three times and hopefully improve the performance. Thanks again.