Our 2004 LX (automatic) has 76,000 miles and I can tell the trans is getting progressively worse. When it's cold, it takes longer than "normal" to engage from park to drive or reverse to drive. And, the first shift into second gear isn't slipping, but it's lagging going into second. That's at about 2500 RPMs. I don't go more than that on a cold engine, but I presume it'd be even more of a lag. After it warms up, it gets better. To circumvent this, I just let it warm up real well before I drive it.

Is what I'm experiencing signs of what's to come in the near future? The trans has never been flushed. Besides, I have mixed feelings on doing those anyway.

I do all expressway driving. Only city driving to get to the e-way.

I always thought anything by Honda was top of the line. Maybe the trans' in the Civics are on the weaker side of thier product line.... lol

 

I know this is very basic, but have you checked whether the transmission fluid is low?

 

Very good question...and yes, basic!

I always assumed it's not low because the undercarriage is bone dry (I do my own oil changes). And, because I can't find the transmission dipstick. For some reason, I thought it was a sealed unit. Maybe not. Where's it located (if there is one)?

 

Drain the fluid and refill with Honda ATF. Do not use generic ATF. If the fluid still looks dirty after driving a while with the new, drain and refill again.

 

Where's the dipstick (so that I can refill it)? How many quarts will I be replacing? Any preferred filter brand? How about the gasket? Reusable?

And, finally, is this a common issue on the Civics?

 

1) In the engine compartment, you will find two dipsticks, one for motor oil and the other for A/T fluid. You will identify the A/T fluid dipstick by the process of elimination.

2) Approximately 3 quarts, although start by adding 2 quarts (funnel into dipstick holder) and then slowly bring to full by as determined by dipstick measurements, which are typically done when warm engine is idling in Park/Neutral.

3) See post above.

4) It's always a good to replace drain plug washer.

5) I don't know.

 

If you are running something else beside NGK or Denso plugs it will make your car run like crap, because on my 94 accord automatic it had bosh for a while and suddenly the gears would slipping. My 1st thought where OH crapI'm getting signs of a bad tranny...This was like 5 yrs ago. I took it to my mechanic and it ended being those stupid Bosh Plugs...I Just been running NGK ever since and the car is still running strong.

 

I have the stock plugs in place. Never been touched. Maybe it's time to freshen them up.

I'll crawl back under the car and take a look at the trans oil pan. I didn't know it had a drain plug on it. That makes the process so much easier!