I have an automatic 1989 Civic LX (D15B2).

My tranny is really erratic, it's shifts are very very abrupt and harsh. I was told to change the engine mounts which were broken, I will do this in the week.

But the real problem is that the tranny is reluctant to shifting. No matter under what load (going uphill for example), the tranny is eager to upshift.

Normal shifting patterns under normal acceleration:
1>2 = 10 mph
2>3 = 20 mph
3>4 = 28 mph!!!

It shifts to 4th really soon and likes to stay there, say I go down to about 20 mph, it still stays in 4th and if I press the pedal normally like 1/4 they way it just stays in 4th gear, unless I floor it half the way so it downshifts or change the shifter.

I'm starting to get really annoyed by this, as this patter happens always, no matter what loads, unless I press the gas 1/2 way or more.

What could be causing my tranny to be really eager to upshift and very very unwilling to downshift?

Please help!!! What to do to normalize shift points, and the hardness of the shifts??

PD: My Spark Plug cables, when i pull them, are soaked in oil. any help!

THANKS!

 

bump

 

Did you try flushing your transmission fluid?? Also the plugs covered in oil are your valve cover and spark plug tube grommets leaking. Try flushing fluid first. then repost.

 

get new mounts before you do anything else and see if your problems go away or not.

Check your downshift cable that goes from the throttle body wheel to the tranny.
If it's not adjusted correctly the tranmssion will shift really wierd.

 

So thats why I hate autos. Wow! I can't believe there are kick down cables on those things. HA! I'm sorry bro.

 

Ok, changed the tranny fluid, wow what a differnece in shifting, no more loud thuds and harsh shudders on shift, real smooth now!!!!

But still, the lazy shift patterns, I have to operate it like a manual with the selector cause it'll shift to 4th as soon as possible?

could this be the ECU?

 

Why don't you read the previous replies?

Get the mounts since you say you need them.
Check the cable that goes from the tranny to the throttle body wheel.
The cable is probably too loose, missing, not hooked up, or broken.

 

4drEF:

Is the tranny downshift cable your mentioning adjustable? Like the throttle valve cable? I looked at it but it's pretty uncomfortable to work on it, and it only hast one nut, to fasten it in place.

Thanks in advance