Okay so I'm trying Honda Tech to see if you guys have any suggestions/info.

First, I know my way around a car but I'm no mechanic by any means.
Second, I'm not swapping to a manual tranny, even though I would if this wasn't my daily.

The car: 1998 Honda Civic EX Sedan model 152,000mi and motor is still purring.

Here's the problem: While traveling in any gear at any speed, the car surges between 2300 and 2700 rpm while pedal is approx. halfway to the floor.

I'm not trying to point anyone in the wrong direction but this is all I've been able to figure out: It has to be the transmission. I say this because there is no check engine light on(yes it works while ignition is on), and the motor doesn't feel like it's trying to stall. Also, this problem doesn't exist while taking it easy on the gas pedal, or when the drivetrain is cold. But from halfway to WOT it will surge. It surges worse when it's in that one little sweet spot just past half throttle, and pushes through it fairly easily the further down the pedal goes.

So what could it be in the transmission that is doing this? Is it safe to see if a tranny flush would fix the problem?

Sorry for the long post but I'm stumped. If you need any more info to help me diag this problem, I'm more than happy to help. Thanks in advance, guys.

 

as much as I love hondas I hate there automatic trannys. I would get a fluid flush and have it serviced. you have 2 auto tranny selenoids on that tranny what it sounds like to me is that one of them might be going out. my buddy has a 97 civic and had some what the same symtoms, it would shift fine while cold but oncethe selenoids got warm it would shift crazy. the selenoids look some what like vtec selenoids, theres 2 sets of 2 on that tranny.

 

the car was showing a check engine light when they were messing up but maybe yours are just starting to go out. theres 2 sets of 2 that look like vtec selenoids on the top of the tranny I think ones for 1 and2 gears and 1 for 3 and 4 gears. hope I helped out.

 

Yeah I'm not the biggest fan of the auto tranny being in there either, but like I said earlier, this isn't my fun car yet. She will be within the next year or so but for now the auto stays.

I've seen the seleniods you're talking about and it looks like I may be replacing one in the near future. I'm doing a valve cover gasket and dizzy o ring job this weekend but it looks like there is a small leak on top of the tranny near or from one of these solenoids so should I just replace them both?

As far as the solenoids for gears 1 & 2 and 3 & 4, which is which?

BTW, did replacing thses selenoids help your friend? I think I'm gonna do a tranny service and go from there...

Thanks!!!!

 

selenoids will typically throw a code but its always a possibility. Have the trans flushed (takes about 9-10 quarts) and use ONLY HONDA ATF. Honda trannies are very tempermental about the fluid. Non-Honda ATF can cause slippage or rough shifting. A flush runs about 90 bucks and make sure they actually flush it with a fluid exchanger and tell them specifically to use a atf with the right additive for Honda trans. I personally have had this fix a shifting problem on a 3.5 RL but I made it a point by going to Honda and buying my own fluid and bringing it to a place with an exchanger. They even knocked off about 30 bucks since i provided my own fluid.

 

Other scenario is that the trans hasn't been regularly serviced and the fluid deteriorated and may be causing the clutches to slip. Depending on how long you've been driving it that way you may need a new trans. But it doesn't sound like its gotten to that point yet from your description.

 

Well I haven't been driving her that long but I've been taking care of her since last year. I bought this car for my parents when they were having car troubles and she's a beautiful example of a ten year old car. I've been helping them do the cosmetic and mechanical upkeep when I can (they had a hub bearing replaced and that's the only thing I didn't do).

I've been looking around and it seems that worst case senario I can pick up a used auto trans (I have the means to do the swap myself) for about $125 if I find it locally.

But for starters, my friend is bringing home his scanner and we're going to go over this thing as rigorously as possible to see if that sheds some light on things.

Thanks again for the suggestions I'll try my best to keep you posted. Have a great weekend everyone!

 

Well the scanner was a bust...no codes and none stored either...

Looks like I'm doing a tranny flush. If it helps I may replace the linear solenoid(I've been doing a lil' homework on the issue) and hopefully that should save me the headache of an R&R. I know, I know. Only Honda ATF and I'm going to call around and get pricing on the labor with someone who has a fluid exchanger. Although I've heard that changing the fluid, running the tranny for ten minutes, then changing the fluid again is sufficient. I just don't want to take any chances.

Still looking for more suggestions or personal experience so fire away...

 

bumpity bump

 

Quick question: While checking the auto tranny fluid levels, I pulled the dipstick and revealed that the little grommet near the handle that seals against the dipstick tube is dry-rotted and only half (at best) is present.

I'm guessing this is a sealed tranny system and requires vaccum, much like anything else. I just ordered another oem dipstick and it should be here on Tuesday. I'm still planning on doing the tranny flush no matter what, but could this be the cause of some of my problems?

 

I just dropped it off at the Honda dealership across the freeway(it's awesome I have one so close) and they're doing the tranny service for $70 and they do all the work I don't even buy the fluid.

They don't use a fluid exchanger and when I asked the service writer, he said Honda doesn't reccomend a 'flush' but they do a drain and fill three times with Honda ATF and check other points on the tranny to make sure its in good working condition.

For $70 plus tax AND the peace of mind knowing it was done at a Honda service dept. is unbeatable in my mind. My tranny dipstick got there just in time for me to replace the old one and they drove her into the shop.

If this doesn't fix it, is there anything else I need to do before I start pricing transmissions???

 

In case anyone was interested, the Honda dealership called and said the tranny flush didn't do anything for the surge problem the car is having. He suggested the dizzy rotor cap, o ring (which I've already bought and installed I TOLD HIM ALREADY) spark plugs and plug wires. I said I'd be there to pick it up in a little while.

Those Honda people are friggin' nuts. Well, either that or they think I'm a moron. I went to pick the car up (all disappointed and ****) and the service guy kept pushing a rotor, cap and spark plug/wire service on me.

I told him "Lemmie drive it first and I'll see how she feels after the tranny service"

He says "Sir my mechanic is a very bright guy and he says there is no improvement on the tranny's condition"

I said "I never gave you permission to drive it. I'm going to see how it feels on the road before I do any more work to it."

He got pissed, gave me the keys and said "Well I sure hope it doesn't leave you on the side the road, then."

I took the keys and said "If it does then my lawyer and your corporate offices are the first places I'll call."

She drives like a brand new car.