Transmission & Differential - '93 Civic Auto Trans Issue

Just bought a '93 Civic (My first) from a guy and when I test drove it, the motor was already heated up. When I returned to buy, the motor was still warm.

Here is my concern: when I left my house this morning the car had been sitting for about 9 hours and the overnight temp was only about 60 degrees (I live by the beach). I started the motor and waited for about 60 seconds and left only to find that with the trans in D4 it wouldn't shift past second gear (and I think it went into a neutral state for a bit). After driving slowly this way for about two miles, the motor heated up and things went back to normal for a long day of driving all over (100 miles or so). I left it to sit for a few hours and the problem did not return. The fluid is clean, bright and no funky smells. Nothing about the trans strikes me as odd after it warms up.

Also, the speedo spins around a lot (BACKWARDS EVEN) and says I'm going 100mph when I'm doing about 60.

When the ignition key is turned to ON(II), does the CEL turn ON for a couple of seconds and then turn OFF? If the CEL stays ON (does not turn OFF), then retrieve the CEL code(s) from the ECU as described at the link in my signature. Post any codes to get more feedback.

Regarding the speedometer, check whether the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) on top of the transmission is installed correctly:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii320/RonJ_HCF/picture_1575.jpg

CEL turns on then off. The seller said that the speedo stopped functioning properly after cleaning the motor so maybe something happened at the VSS, I'll check it out in the morning. Any more thoughts on the trans with no CEL on?

Can you categorize the problem in the chart below?

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii320/RonJ_HCF/picture_1577.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii320/RonJ_HCF/picture_1578.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii320/RonJ_HCF/picture_1579.jpg

Hmmmm. Perhaps the modulator valve is sticking when the fluid is cold. I'll see if it does this again tomorrow morning otherwise, if the problem gets worse and rebuild is required, how much do independent shops usually charge for this? I will probably do a fluid/filter change this weekend and use the Honda ATF as a preliminary fix...

...The seller said that the speedo stopped functioning properly after cleaning the motor so maybe something happened at the VSS...

Check the VSS connectors for corrosion or moisture. Clean and blow dry if necessary.

...otherwise, if the problem gets worse and rebuild is required, how much do independent shops usually charge for this? I will probably do a fluid/filter change this weekend and use the Honda ATF as a preliminary fix...

Try some Honda ATF flushes first, as you mention. AT work tends to be expensive. If necessary, get estimates from several different reputable shops.

Thanks Ron. I'll try all of this and let you know if it worked..

Hmmm...Just had a thought. I wonder whether the potential VSS problem may be the underlying cause or contributing factor for the AT problem you are having. Fix the VSS problem first -- it may help with the AT problem.

I was thinking the same thing, perhaps important info is not getting through. I will do this tomorrow and replace if necessary - keep your fingers crossed for me....