Honda Civic Trans issue?

[dja4260]

Ok I recently purchased an 2003 Honda Civic EX, Automatic with 74,000. I don’t have the cars maintenance history but do know it is a one owner car.

When off the gas, the car doesn’t coast at all. It seems to really decelerate unlike any car that I’ve ever owned. When I’m off the gas to make a turn (coasting to a turn), I’d go to accelerate (exiting the turn) and car would downshift /engage in a hard lurching way. This happens regardless if I give it the littlest gas or a lot. The shifts are firm and smooth, no shudder except when it downshifts in these situations and lerches forward. It is enough that a passenger feels it.


The car shifts through the gears fine and smooth otherwise.

I did 3 drain and fills with MAXLIFE ATF and it drives the exact same.



What is going on? Should I prepare for the worst?

 

[dja4260]

This also seems to only happen going from 2nd to 1st gear on a downshift. Whenever I go from a coast to gas, you can feel the engagement of the trans. Its not a smooth transition.

Sorry I don't know how else to explain!

 

[TTK]

How long have you driven the car since your fluid change?

 

[Mr Nice]

Hmmm, my mom has a 2001 Civic with approx 60K miles and I've also done 3 drain/refills but with Honda Z-1 ATF and the trans is buttery smooth.

Quote:
When off the gas, the car doesn’t coast at all.

Thats probably due to the gearing of the auto trans and an engine with little power.

Did you ever tighten the loose gas pedal cable like I said a few months back ?

 

[oggb]

Put it in neutral and see if it coasts any better. If not your problem lies elsewhere.

 

[229]

Do four drain and fills with a case of HONDA ATF and see if it smoothes enough to make you feel comfortable about it. Only the Honda fluid has an exact match with the friction modifiers. When the cruise control is on and you decend a hill they are designed to hold the speed down by changing to a lower gear if necessary.

 

[mattd]

That is programming. The PCM keeps the torque converter locked, in gear, until 900-1000 RPM and unlocks the converter. It aids in decel. My 07 accord has done the same thing since new.

Do not fret about OE fluid. Continue with the maxlife.

 

[JoeWGauss]

Originally Posted By: mattd
That is programming. The PCM keeps the torque converter locked, in gear, until 900-1000 RPM and unlocks the converter. It aids in decel. My 07 accord has done the same thing since new.

Do not fret about OE fluid. Continue with the maxlife.


The owners manual will confirm this.

Good reply.

Yep, you do not NEED to use OEM fluid in the car only has to meet honda specifications and the Valvoline does that perfectly.

 

[dja4260]

Originally Posted By: JRed
Put it in neutral and see if it coasts any better. If not your problem lies elsewhere.


While in neutral the car coast as it should

 

[dja4260]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Hmmm, my mom has a 2001 Civic with approx 60K miles and I've also done 3 drain/refills but with Honda Z-1 ATF and the trans is buttery smooth.

Quote:
When off the gas, the car doesn’t coast at all.

Thats probably due to the gearing of the auto trans and an engine with little power.

Did you ever tighten the loose gas pedal cable like I said a few months back ?







I neved did tighten the loose gas pedal cable like you said. I did however do the timing belt, and h20 pump.

If you would be so kind to give me some steps to doing this and I'll take care of it this weekend.

 

[dja4260]

Originally Posted By: TTK
How long have you driven the car since your fluid change?


I drove it about 2k on the MAXLIFE ATF. This issue was apparent before the fluid changes.

 

[mattd]

once again, this is how honda PROGRAMS the PCM to control the transmission. It is specific to this manufacturer.

 

[Mr Nice]

Quote:
The shifts are firm and smooth, no shudder except when it downshifts in these situations and lerches forward. It is enough that a passenger feels it.


mattd,

Can the dealership 'reflash' the programing of the trans ?

 

[mattd]

It depends on the driving style and terrain that he is drives on (hills, flat land, etc).

I guess it all depends how hard it "lurches" forward on downshifts. But every honda A/T will down shift on decel to aid in stopping. The converter will stay locked on the downshifts. Very similar to a manual.

EDIT: If there are reflashes available, then yes. But they cannot if there are no ECM reflashes available.

 

[Mr_Accord]

Quote:
I did 3 drain and fills with MAXLIFE ATF and it drives the exact same.


First off I would seriously consider flushing out that maxlife for Honda DW-1 ATF. That generation of AT is supposedly very problematic down the line when using a NON-Honda ATF. If this were an older Honda from the early 90's I would put whatever you want, but an 03' stick with DW-1. As for your current AT problem have any of the diagnostic lights come on from the transmission's computer?

 

[dja4260]

Would trans codes be shown in the CEL? If so then nothing thus far from the trans or car for that matter.

I was going to pick up a case of Honda ATF but passed. I hope he still has it.

 

[JoeWGauss]

Again the transmission fluid you have in there is NOT your problem, unless it was the WRONG spec in the first place.

Yes it may show PENDING codes via a OBD II scan tool but it might also require a Honda dedicated tool, not sure.

 

[Mr Nice]

To adjust the gas pedal cable on your 2001-2005 Civic

1. Back out the nut (locking nut) on the driver's side of the bracket (5-6 turns)
2. Slide the cable assembly forward (left)
3. Then back out the nut (adjusting nut) on the passenger side bracket till almost the end
4. Side the cable assembly back (right)
5. Tighten the locking nut on the driver's side of the bracket
6. All the slack from the bracket to the throtle body will be gone

 

[dja4260]

Thanks!