I bought my Civic 4 years ago with 32k miles on it. I had read about the auto transmission failures, so I have changed the fluid every 10k miles with Honda ATF only. Well although many fail early I now sit at 108k miles with no failure. This last Winter though on cold mornings the shift into 3rd is more of a winding into gear. This only happens the first shift or two then when it warms up I never get it again. On hot days it is also fine. I kind of figure I am at that point where the trans will need redone or replaced in the next 15k miles. A local shop that is good with automatics wants $2200 for rebuild, new converter and that includes the R and R.

 

I know they will give a 1 year warranty on the transmission. For that amount I would hope it would last at least 2 years but wonder if that will happen given these transmissions are just horrid. I just did the timing belt, belts and water pump so I kind of figure the motor has another 100k to give me. I'm still on the original starter, alternator, etc... I haven't replaced anything!

 

I can get a Toyota Corolla S Type with 36k miles on it for $8200 and maybe sell my Civic for $3000. Then I would have to pay $500 tax, $90 inspection and $120 in title fees. Puts me near $9000 all totalled.

Am I better off just nickle and diming with the Civic replacing stuff as it goes including maybe the transmission or let her go?

 

Also would one of the 8th Gen or later years with maybe less transmission problems swap in?

 

I am having this same exact problem on my 2003 Automatic EX. I just changed my fluid and that did not help at all. What do you suggest I do? I've read other threads where the PCV Valve was changed, the TPS was changed, the solenoids. I dont know what to do?

 

How many miles on the fluid? I did mine every 10k miles so seven times and it didn't save me.

-PCV valve won't affect shifts
-TPS won't either
-Solenoids I don't know. My timing is right... it calls for it just winds into 3rd instead of snapping. Only does it first two times when it is cold. I doubt this helping

 

I just changed the fluid, on Thursday so there is maybe 50 miles i put on it so far.... Ive read in other threads, that people have used those things and they've worked, but i dont know what to try and what not to try, i dont wanna just throw money out and guess, ya know? what do you suggest?

 

anything?

 

I am really leaning towards doing my Shift Solenoids.

I'm stripping down the trans soon. There's no metal in my oil but I can hear a metal on metal grinding or whining noise so I find it hard to believe it would be solenoids. Once I see the internals I will post back. If I do however fix this problem I will be sure to post since I am having such a hard time finding any posts of someone fixing this issue.