just bought a 98m civic 1.6 , it has no power going up a hill.It seems as if it is not starting in lowest gear, it seems like it is in third.It is automatic. The car runs fine once it is up to speed. Had computer checked, but computer will not communicate with technician, so i assume computer is bad/\? if it would communicate, we could see if it is a problem in the aolenoid pack or something else..anybody have any ideas..would you replace computer first?

 

I think on those automatics the first 3 gears are mechanically controlled inside the transmission and the computer only does torque converter lock and overdrive. Not sure of that though I have no real experience with it.

Skipped timing belt will cause really low hp from the engine. Check the timing as well, and disconnect fuel injectors one at a time to check for dead cylinders. A lot of engine problems can fool you into thinking the automatic isn't working right.

 

I have a 1998 civic ex and last night I was driving home and all of a sudden my car wont engage the clutch. Now when i put it in gear the car wont move so my question is that is it my clutch that is not engaging or what could the problem be?

 

Please make your own thread rather than thread jack.

 

Remove the passenger side kick panel to see what ECU is installed. If you have an OBD1 ECU, that would explain the lack of communication with the code reader port.

 

A clogged cat will also cause a similar condition.
Check the ECU first as stated, then the data line would need to be checked for proper comunication voltage, and short to power or ground.

Its all outlined in the service manual.